The company claims that since the introduction of the concept in 2001, more than 6,500 tons of metal and 110 tons of coatings have been saved.
This is because the innovative ends utilise a unique angled chuck-wall design, which significantly reduces metal use and, says Crown, improves end performance. The ends have become an industry standard for beverage ends.
The lightweight SuperEnd beverage end has meant reduced material usage, which makes beverage cans more environmentally friendly - a central concern among beverage manufacturers. Within the EU for example, the environmental regulator has cautioned food and drink manufacturers that if they fail to comply with essential environmental legislation they risk hefty fines.
According to UK pressure group Friends of the Earth, metal mining can cause huge damage in developing countries, destroying biodiversity and using vast amounts of energy and water. Reducing the amount of metal used, and recycling more metal, would reduce these impacts.
The SuperEnd concept will be introduced to the European market later this year.
http://www.crowncork.com/ Crown claims that the cans can deliver exceptional performance versus Large-Opening-End (LOE) beverage can ends, lowering system-wide costs through reduced rates of score corrosion, secondary leakage, tab failure and consumer complaints.
In addition, the company says that SuperEnd can ends are easy and cost-effective to incorporate into the production process, without capital investment. Conversions consist of normal seamer wear parts such as chucks, rolls, knockout pads and cap pushers.
The ends also deliver good seaming performance, dimension control and seamer tooling life.
In addition to offering benefits to manufacturers and fillers, Crown claims that SuperEnd beverage ends have high consumer appeal. Its unique design provides 20 per cent more finger access to lift the opening tab, making it easier to open.
"SuperEnd beverage ends truly add innovation to everyday operations," said Crown Holdings president John Conway. "Shipment of the 25 billionth SuperEnd can end is powerful testimony to the acceptance and advantages of the technology.
"We are excited to have reached this momentous milestone and are proud to help beverage producers substantially reduce material costs."
On top of the 25 billion ends produced in North America, another 8 billion have been manufactured in South Africa via a licensing agreement with Nampak. In addition, since late 2003, SuperEnd beverage ends have been manufactured in Australia and New Zealand under license by Amcor.