Crown and Coors Light Canada Pioneer Use of Photochromic Inks to Engage Consumers

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Summer Cold Can
Friday, May 26, 2017

Limited edition cans with sunlight-activated graphics encourage consumers to enjoy the outdoors

Philadelphia, PA – May 26, 2017. Building on the success of its cold certified thermochromic inks, Coors Light has rolled out a summer promotion that marks the first application of photochromic inks in partnership with CROWN Beverage Packaging North America, a business unit of Crown Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CCK) (Crown) (www.crowncork.com). The Coors Light Summer Certified cans program, which kicked off in May and will run all summer, features six limited edition cans with sunlight-activated specialty inks and printing, and encourages consumers to enjoy the refreshing, crisp taste of an ice-cold Coors Light outdoors. The series of Coors Light collector cans, available in 355ml and 473ml sizes, will be released in phases throughout the summer.

“Our market research has shown that one of the top drivers of consumer purchase intent is ‘packaging that stands out.’ This innovation, which leverages both photochromic and thermochromic inks, will be a key differentiator for Coors Light this summer,” noted Garrick Frittelli, Assistant Marketing Manager for Coors Light. “These inks will bring the can to life like never before by revealing bold, bright colors when the cans are exposed to the sunlight. We know Canadian summers are short, and we know Canadians want to make the most of the sun and patio season. These cans with photochromic ink will heighten the outdoor, summer drinking occasion for our consumers. The colder the beer, the brighter the colors – both cold certified and summer certified.”

“The six unique cans are based on variations of geometric designs inspired by Coors Light’s iconic mountain shape and updated visual identity, and will use a range of yellow, orange and purple inks as well as a bolder, cold certified blue,” stated Ron Skotleski, Director of Marketing, North America, CROWN Beverage Packaging. “Crown continues to focus on partnering with our customers and suppliers to provide real, market-driven value by thinking and innovating beyond the traditional aluminum beverage can. Our graphics team and plants, working closely with CTI and Molson Coors, did a fantastic job of pulling it all together in a very short time.”

Four times the amount of beer is consumed outdoors in the summer months compared to other seasons and Coors Light is optimistic that the bold and interactive new packaging will help drive growth in its share of cans and overall sales this summer.

“Crown has been an amazing partner to work with, from providing us with quick and honest advice, to delivering on our somewhat ambitious asks,” added Frittelli. “Their team has helped Coors Light bring these cans to life and to deliver a new level of excitement to our packaging this summer.”

About Crown Holdings, Inc.
Crown Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is a leading supplier of packaging products to consumer marketing companies around the world. World headquarters are located in Philadelphia, PA. For more information, visit www.crowncork.com.

For more information, contact:

In the United States: Ron Skotleski, Director of Marketing, North America, CROWN Beverage Packaging; Tel: (215) 718-1303; Email: Ron.Skotleski@crowncork.com

In Europe: Matt Twiss, Marketing & Business Development Director; Tel: 41 41 759 10 02; Email: Matthew.Twiss@eur.crowncork.com

In South America: Wilmar Arinelli, President, CROWN Embalagens Metálicas da Amazônia S.A.; Tel: 55 11 4529 1006; Email: Wilmar.Arinelli@crowncork.com.br

In Asia Pacific: Evelyn Lim, Assistant to the President, CROWN Asia Pacific Holdings Ltd; Tel: 65 6229-4880; Email: Evelyn.Lim@crowncork.com.sg

For editorial inquiries: Thomas T. Fischer, Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Affairs; Tel: (215) 552-3720; Email: Thomas.Fischer@crowncork.com

About Molson Coors

With a story that starts in 1774, Molson Coors has spent centuries defining brewing greatness. As the third largest global brewer by enterprise value, Molson Coors works to deliver extraordinary brands that delight the world’s beer drinkers. From Coors Light, Miller Lite, Carling, Staropramen and Sharp’s Doom Bar to Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy, Blue Moon Belgian White, Hop Valley, Creemore Springs Premium Lager and Crispin Cider, Molson Coors offers a beer for every beer lover.

Molson Coors operates through Molson Coors Canada, MillerCoors, Molson Coors Europe and Molson Coors International. The company is not only committed to brewing extraordinary beers, but also running a business focused on respect for its employees, communities and drinkers, which means corporate responsibility and accountability right from the start. It has been listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for the past five years. To learn more about Molson Coors Brewing Company, visit molsoncoors.com, ourbeerprint.com or on Twitter through @MolsonCoors.

For more information, contact:

Garrick Frittelli, Assistant Marketing Manager, Coors Light; Tel: 1 (416) 679-7079

Finishes
How it Works

Inks react to UV rays created by sunlight and can be used to reveal hidden designs or color changes.

Customer Impact
  • Summer promotion perfect for enjoying the outdoors
  • Packaging includes thermochromic inks that brighten the colors as the can gets colder
  • Adds differentiation and consumer appeal