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PHILADELPHIA, March 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Constar, Inc., the plastic packaging division of ³Ô¹Ï51±¬ÁÏÍø Cork & Seal Company, Inc. (NYSE: CCK) announced the development of a new multi-layer polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle for hot-fill juice products.

Designed for Alfresh Beverages Canada (Toronto), the country's leading single-serve fruit juice company, the 16-ounce bottle incorporates ³Ô¹Ï51±¬ÁÏÍø's patented Oxbar(TM) oxygen scavenging technology, extending shelf life up to 12 months while preserving product taste. Constar's PET solution prevents oxygen permeation and maintains product integrity, while extending shelf life without the use of preservatives, refrigeration or freezing. A 43mm BevGuard(TM) closure, also from ³Ô¹Ï51±¬ÁÏÍø, completes the package. This development represents the first part of Constar's plan to capitalize on the PET growth opportunities in Canada.

"Alfresh's primary goal was reaching the `out of home' and `travel consumption' markets, something we were unable to do with glass containers," said Mike Scott, President and CEO of Alfresh. "With the new PET bottle, we can offer today's mobile consumer a portable and unbreakable package."

Alfresh has also penetrated grocery stores, self-serve restaurants and work environments, via vending machines and cafeterias. "Two major convenience stores have purchased the new package and initial shipment tracking is well ahead of what we estimated," added Scott.

An additional benefit of the PET bottle is the 10 percent reduction of shipping costs when distributing the product in the United States.

Marketed under the "Everfresh" brand name in Canada and "Fairlee" in the United States, nine flavors are packaged in the new bottle: Orange Juice, Apple Juice, Fruit Punch, Grape Juice Cocktail, Papaya Cocktail, Grapefruit Juice, Cranberry Cocktail, Orange Mango, Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice Cocktail.

Alfresh Beverages Canada has been manufacturing quality fruit juice and drink products since 1969. Alfresh's brands can be found throughout Canada, the United States, the Caribbean, and in certain parts of Europe and Asia.

³Ô¹Ï51±¬ÁÏÍø Cork & Seal is a leading supplier of packaging products to consumer marketing companies around the world. World headquarters are located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

SOURCE ³Ô¹Ï51±¬ÁÏÍø Cork & Seal Company, Inc.
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CONTACT: Doug Robinson, Vice President, Marketing for Constar, +1-215-552-3722; or Timothy J. Donahue, Senior Vice President - Finance of ³Ô¹Ï51±¬ÁÏÍø Cork & Seal, +1-215-698-5100
CAPTION: PHW028 CROWN CORK & SEAL MULTI-LAYER PET BOTTLE FOR HOT-FILL JUICE ³Ô¹Ï51±¬ÁÏÍø Cork & Seal introduced a multi-layer PET bottle for hot-fill juice products. (PRNewsFoto)[TK] PHILADELPHIA, PA USA 03/06/2002