Crown Holdings announces
the launch of its patented Easylift™ easy-open ends, a revolutionary
new standard in convenience packaging. Crown is currently working with Nestlé
Purina Petcare Europe to trial the new ends on its 400g packages of cat and
dog food in The Netherlands. Once tests are completed, Nestlé Purina
intends to introduce this new standard across all of its major European brands.
Easylift™ easy-open
ends significantly improve tab access, while retaining all the opening performance
of Crown's flagship Eole™ technology. The end's improved tab access
makes it easier and faster for consumers, including seniors, children and
the physically impaired, to open canned food products without using a can
opener or other tools.

"Easylift™ easy-open
ends offer a simple and important benefit: greater consumer convenience,"
comments Tom Buday, Marketing Director of Nestlé Purina Petcare Europe.
"Crown's innovation features a generous gap between the can lid and tab for
easier access to the product inside. With these new ends, we can better meet
increasing consumer demands for more convenient packaging."
Easylift™ easy-open
ends are also compatible with existing can line equipment. Only one-off adjustments
are needed, allowing brand owners to incorporate the innovative ends with
no production downtime. They also continue to perform through all levels of
the supply chain.
Crown's latest innovation
is ideal for a wide range of food applications including ready meals, fruits
and vegetables, fish, dairy and pet food. Currently available in 73mm diameter
and manufactured in France, production in additional locations in Europe and
North America will begin shortly.
"Crown is committed to
developing new technologies that help our customers build stronger brands
by meeting the evolving needs of consumers," says John W. Conway, Chairman
of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Crown Holdings. "Our
new Easylift™ easy-open ends will help brand owners like Nestle Purina
achieve greater consumer preference and loyalty by significantly improving
product interaction and convenience."