Self-Heating Cans? Microwaveable Metal Cans? CMI Today Lifts Lid on New Age of Canned Convenience at PackExpo International.

CHICAGO -- A noted packaging expert and executives from three can-manufacturing companies today will discuss a revolution underway with the metal food can - the most innovative period in the food container's history. The Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) presentation will occur at Pack Expo International 2004 at McCormick Place in Chicago.

From easy-open metal containers with twist-top or pull-tab resealable lids and easy-to-grasp cans shaped like bowls or kettles to self-heating and microwaveable metal cans, grocery shoppers are benefiting from a new age of canned convenience. Outlining the dramatic changes during the presentation, "A Case for the Can: Expanding the Market of Metal Food Can Packaging Through Innovation," will be Dr. Ron Thomas, chairman of Clemson University's packaging science department, and executives from Ball Corporation, Crown Cork & Seal Company and Silgan Containers.

"The metal can industry has been listening to consumers who, with their hectic lives, the needs of their children, and even advancing age, demand packaging that is easy to open and grasp, safe and convenient," says Robert Budway, president of CMI. "They want portability, resealability and shelf appeal. These new packaging options will be showcased at PackExpo."

The metal can has long established the standard for food packaging, and despite new competition, still remains the clear choice in terms of economics, safety and environmental friendliness. During the presentation, CMI will share recent consumer data related to their demand for packaging that is convenient, portable and safe. Among the metal food can innovations that CMI will share at today's "A Case for the Can" presentation are:

--Pull-Tab EZO Lids - Can ends that do not require a can opener are called EZO (short for "Easy-to-Open") and use a metal ring-tab or pop-top lid. This allows consumers to easily pop open a variety of canned products. Already, the EZO serves an estimated one-third of the U.S. market and is predicted to climb to more than two-thirds by 2008. Consumers say they're willing to pay more - six cents to eight cents more per package, according to one survey of 225 consumers in the Minneapolis market - for an easy-open lid on their canned foods.

--The Peel Seam(TM) - This easy-to-open system consists of a metal ring sealed with a peelable, flexible aluminum foil lid and seamed to the base of the can at conventional speeds on conventional equipment. While creating increased convenience and simplicity for consumers, the packaging enhances brand recognition with unique shapes, vibrant colors, logos and modern graphics, all printed directly on the smooth lid and the foil tab itself.

--Dot Top(TM) - This new face in the canned-food aisle lets consumers reseal their canned contents. Consumers simply peel back a plastic dimple (Dot) in the center of the lid (Top). This releases the vacuum that holds the lid in place, allowing the consumer to easily lift the lid off the container. If contents remain unused, the consumer snaps the lid back on and stores it for later use. With its steel design similar to a jar of baby food - minus the twist top - it's safe, easy to open, reclosable and convenient. The cost to produce Dot Tops falls below that of glass or plastic packaging.

--Shaped Cans - Food manufacturers are eager to differentiate their metal food packaging with unique shapes and sizes, popular among consumers who like eye-catching cans that contour to the hand. These shaped cans range from metal bowls for ready-to-eat meals and soups in kettle-shaped cans to square cans that have a great billboard effect on the shelf.

"When it comes to packaging innovation, quality, packaging speed, overall cost and safety, the metal food can enjoys an unparalleled track record," said Budway. "With more than 30 billion cans shipped annually in the U.S., it is clear you can count on the can."

A copy of the presentation, "A Case for the Can: Expanding the Market of Metal Food Can Packaging Through Innovation," can be viewed by visiting www.cancentral.com starting at noon today.

The Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) is the trade association of the metal and composite can manufacturing industry and its suppliers in the United States. The association received its charter in 1938, then representing only 39 manufacturers and suppliers of goods and services to the industry. CMI Members account for more than 90 percent of annual domestic production of 136 billion cans; together they employ 25,000 people with plants in 31 states and Puerto Rico.