New Ezi Drink Can launched in Australia

He new 375ml Ezi Drink CanTM can is now rolling off the production line and being delivered to some of Amcor's major beverage can customers. The Ezi Drink CanTM, featuring 202 SuperEndTM, is exclusive to Amcor in Australia and New Zealand. The launch of the Ezi Drink CanTM, which replaces the 206 diameter end, marks the first significant change to the standard 375ml beverage can in Australia since 1986.

He new 375ml Ezi Drink CanTM can is now rolling off the production line and being delivered to some of Amcor's major beverage can customers. The Ezi Drink CanTM, featuring 202 SuperEndTM, is exclusive to Amcor in Australia and New Zealand. The launch of the Ezi Drink CanTM, which replaces the 206 diameter end, marks the first significant change to the standard 375ml beverage can in Australia since 1986. Delivery of the new can to Coca Cola and CUB commenced earlier in October. The new can offers enhanced functionality for soft-drink and beer consumers. Market research showed the Ezi Drink CanTM will provide consumers with improved pourability, drinkability and ease of opening. Amcor is investing over $30 million on installation of new machinery and equipment to produce 202 SuperEndTM across its five beverage can manufacturing plants in Australia. Conversion of the company's Victorian production facilities is complete. Installation of new equipment is underway at other beverage can plants in Queensland, NSW and Western Australia between now and June 2004. Amcor will have production capacity of approximately 3 billion to supply Ezi Drink CanTM to beverage can customers throughout Australia and New Zealand. SuperEndTM 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 SuperEndTM in Australia and New Zealand. The conversion from the 206 end to 202 SuperEndTM 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.