Amcor to revolutionise 375ml beverage can in Australia

In the first significant change to the standard 375ml beverage can in Australia since 1986, Amcor will introduce a new 202 SuperEnd™, replacing the current 206 diameter end. Conversion of Amcor’s manufacturing capability to produce the 202 SuperEnd™ has already commenced at the Dandenong beverage can plant and Ballarat end plant.

In the first significant change to the standard 375ml beverage can in Australia since 1986, Amcor will introduce a new 202 SuperEnd™, replacing the current 206 diameter end. Conversion of Amcor’s manufacturing capability to produce the 202 SuperEnd™ has already commenced at the Dandenong beverage can plant and Ballarat end plant. The first 202 SuperEnd™ beverage cans are planned to be launched on to the Australian market later this year. The company intends to convert the remaining three Australian beverage can plants by the middle of 2004. SuperEnd™ is the latest easy open-end technology for aluminium beverage cans. Consumer research indicates that 202 SuperEnd™ has both improved appearance and enhanced functionality over the current can and end package. The new SuperEnd™ will provide Australian beverage can consumers with improved pourability, drinkability and ease of opening. Mr Darryl Roberts, Group General Manager Amcor Metal Packaging said, “We have been working closely with our customers on the introduction of the new 202 can to the local market. We are confident this change, by enhancing the look and feel of the product, will ensure the 375ml can remains contemporary in today’s fast-moving beverage marketplace”. The conversion from the 206 to 202 SuperEnd™ will result in significant metal savings, achieved from reductions in both the end diameter and gauge. These savings are important in maintaining the competitiveness of the aluminium can and will also provide a positive environmental benefit as a result of the lower aluminium metal usage in each can. SuperEnd™ is currently produced in the USA and South Africa with more than 10 billion having been produced to date for the beer and carbonated soft drink industries in these markets. Amcor Limited has an exclusive license with Crown Cork & Seal Inc. to produce SuperEnd™ in Australia and New Zealand. Amcor is the largest supplier of aluminium beverage cans in Australia and New Zealand, producing over 2 billion cans annually for major companies within the beverage industry.