50th Anniversary of the Aluminum Can

MillerCoors Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Seamless, Recyclable Aluminum Can

Continues Commitment to Innovation and Sustainable Development

 Golden and Milwaukee, WI (Jan. 22, 2009) -- MillerCoors today celebrates the 50^th anniversary of the seamless and recyclable aluminum can. After several years in development, the first can was introduced for use at the Coors Golden brewery on Jan. 22, 1959. This invention revolutionized the beer and consumer packaged goods industry and spurred recycling efforts nationwide. MillerCoors continues that commitment to innovation and sustainable development today.

 “We are proud to be a part of history and the recycling revolution that resulted from this innovative aluminum can invention. Today, as MillerCoors, innovation continues to drive our people and our business. And, true to our legacy, we will do it the right way by being a good corporate citizen and steward of our environment,” Pete Coors, chairman of MillerCoors, said.

 In 1957, William K. Coors (Bill), who at the time was president of Adolph Coors Company, began researching with his staff engineers the feasibility of a recyclable aluminum container for beer. At the time, beer was packaged in tin containers that not only gave beer an aftertaste, but also resulted in an environmental issue due to waste. Aluminum allowed the company to deliver fresher tasting beer to consumers without needing pasteurization and was 100 percent recyclable.

 After many prototypes, Bill Coors and his team finally succeeded in developing a seamless aluminum can, a version of which is still in use today throughout the industry. To further celebrate the achievement, ASM International – The Materials Society (ASM), will confer Historical Landmark status on the site where the aluminum can was first invented and produced – the current CoorsTek location at 600 9th Street in Golden, Colo.  A ceremony to mark the occasion is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 22 with Coors family members, CoorsTek and MillerCoors representatives attending.

 This significant milestone underscores MillerCoors commitment to sustainable development and the environment. In fact, zero waste is a goal for all MillerCoors breweries. Through recycling teams, the company is actively working to bring landfill contributions down and increase recycling of glass, aluminum, cardboard, plastics and segregation of metals. MillerCoors currently recycles approximately 98% of items used in brewing facilities that do not leave as finished product.

 MillerCoors recently partnered with RecycleBank, an innovative national program that helps encourage recycling by awarding customers redeemable points for recycling and allowing them to redeem the points for gift certificates on MillerCoors branded gear. For more information about MillerCoors sustainable development efforts, visit www.millercoors.com.

About MillerCoors

Built on a foundation of great beer brands and more than 288 years of brewing heritage, MillerCoors continues the commitment of its founders to brew the highest quality beers.  MillerCoors is the second largest beer company in America, capturing nearly 30 percent of U.S. beer sales.  Led by two of the best-selling beers in the industry, MillerCoors has a broad portfolio of highly complementary brands across every major industry segment.  Miller Lite is the great tasting beer that established the American light beer category in 1975, and Coors Light is the brand that introduced consumers to refreshment as cold as the Rockies. MillerCoors brews full-calorie beers Coors Banquet and Miller Genuine Draft; and economy brands Miller High Life and Keystone Light.  The company also imports Peroni, Grolsch, Pilsner Urquell and Molson Canadian and offers innovative products such as Miller Chill and Sparks.  MillerCoors features craft brews from the Jacob Leinenkugel Company, Blue Moon Brewing Company and the Blitz-Weinhard Brewing Company.  MillerCoors operates eight major breweries in the U.S., as well as the Leinenkugel’s craft brewery in Chippewa Falls, WI and two microbreweries, the Leinenkugel’s 10th Street Brewery in Milwaukee and the Blue Moon Brewing Company at Coors Field in Denver.  MillerCoors vision is to become the best beer company in America by driving profitable industry growth.  MillerCoors insists on building its brands the right way through brewing quality, responsible marketing and environmental and community impact.  MillerCoors is a joint venture of SABMiller plc and Molson Coors Brewing Company.

#######