Crown Cork & Seal Introduces Next Generation Easy-Open Can; Advanced Design Easier to Open With Superior Performance

PHILADELPHIA, March 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Crown Cork and Seal Company, Inc. (NYSE: CCK; Paris Bourse) today announced the introduction of the next generation of easy-open steel food can ends. The new tops, called Eole III, will be commercially available in the third quarter of 2001.

Building upon its history of innovation and the growing consumer trend toward convenience involvement products, Crown's new Eole III end now offers consumers an easier-to-open can, while still providing manufacturers with best-in-class performance and quality. The new design is produced using thinner and harder double reduced steel that decreases the peel force required to open the can by up to 25 percent over Eole II, the current industry leader. It is significantly smoother and easier to open without spillage, while not compromising superior performance through filling, handling, and distribution channels. Easy-open cans are ideal for food products; they don't require a can opener and are convenient for on-the-go consumers.

John W. Conway, Chairman, CEO and President, stated, "The advanced, award-winning Eole technology further demonstrates Crown's commitment to innovation. Our increased capacity positions Crown to provide such high quality and appealing packaging products to more consumers, taking advantage of the growing use of easy-open ends in the US marketplace and beyond." Recent awards granted to Crown's Eole easy-open ends include the Institute of Packaging's World Star, Silver Starpack, and Technical Innovation Awards, and an award in recognition of packaging improvements to help the elderly.

The Company will soon begin production at its Massillon, Ohio facility. Currently, Eole ends are manufactured in the Company's European plants and exported to markets worldwide. This new US capacity will supplement the over 6 billion Eole ends sold annually from Europe.

Crown Cork and Seal is the leading supplier of packaging products to consumer markets around the world. World headquarters is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
SOURCE Crown Cork & Seal Company, Inc.
Web site: http: //www.crowncork.com
CONTACT: Keith E. Lucas, Vice President, Sales - Food Can Division, 215-698-5303; or investors: Timothy J. Donahue, Senior Vice President of Finance, 215-698-5088, both of Crown Cork & Seal Company