First SuperEnd(R) Beverage Ends Manufactured in Australia and New Zealand

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Crown Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CCK) (Crown) announced today that Amcor Limited, the leading beverage can manufacturer in Australia and New Zealand, has successfully begun manufacturing SuperEnd(R) beverage ends in these markets under license from Crown. The high-performance can ends are currently being filled and seamed by Coca Cola Amatil Ltd. and Fosters Brewing Group Ltd.

SuperEnd(R) beverage ends utilize a unique countersink wall angle and reinforcing bead to dramatically reduce metal use, improve end performance and increase brand awareness while also enhancing consumer convenience. The lightweight SuperEnd(R) can end significantly reduces materials costs and makes beverage cans even more environmentally friendly. SuperEnd(R) can ends also deliver exceptional performance versus Large-Opening-End (LOE) beverage can ends, lowering system-wide costs through reduced rates of score corrosion, secondary leakage, tab failure and consumer complaints.

Currently used with beer, soft drinks, juice and other beverages, SuperEnd(R) can ends are fully commercial in 202- and 206-diameters. A 204- diameter version is currently under development.

"With Amcor's substantial packaging business in Australasia, this licensing agreement from Crown provides an efficient way to introduce beverage fillers and marketers in the region to SuperEnd(R) can ends," said John Conway, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Crown Holdings, Inc. "It also represents an important step in our strategy to establish SuperEnd(R) technology as the recognized worldwide standard in beverage ends."

"We're excited to partner with Crown Holdings and to introduce the marketing and production advantages of SuperEnd(R) technology to customers in Australia and New Zealand," said Darryl Roberts, Group General Manager Metal Packaging, Amcor Limited. "We believe the partnership will be highly successful and valuable to the Australasia market."

Crown has successfully produced and sold over 16 billion SuperEnd(R) beverage ends in North America, with another 6 billion manufactured in South Africa via a licensing agreement with Nampak Ltd. The pace of customer conversions remains strong, with more than 90 filling lines already running SuperEnd(R) can ends. European customers were introduced to SuperEnd(R) beverage ends in early 2003.

Crown Holdings, Inc., through its affiliated companies, is a leading supplier of packaging products to consumer marketing companies around the world. World headquarters are located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

SOURCE Crown Holdings, Inc.