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GOLDEN, Colo. - - Graphic Packaging Corporation announces it has developed Ice Pack, a beverage carrier and self-contained ice cooler all-in-one. Consumers need only add ice to the package to cool down their favorite beverage.

Creating a carton that keeps melted ice contained inside was achieved via unique packaging technology that combines a film barrier with special gusseted folds to seal the package interior. Ice Pack enables beverage products to remain chilled for a day's use in an outdoor, sunny environment. After use, the carton retains its structural integrity and easily carries the empty containers for recycling.

The carton was formally introduced during the 2001 summer when Coors Brewing Company used the package for its 12-pack, 12-ounce bottles of Coors Light, which the brewery called The New Cooler Box™. Consumer response to the carton was very positive in the marketplace. Additionally, convenience and beverage stores reported strong sales during the summer premiere. According to Coors Brewing Company, distributor sales to retail for the period July 1st through early September reflected growth overall, led by Coors Light.

"Since the Ice Pack carton functions as a cooler, our customers can now offer additional value and convenience to consumers through the package," says Bill Minnich, marketing manager for Graphic Packaging, "and the metallized look that we integrate into the process provides proven shelf differentiation at the point-of-sale."

Mr. Minnich adds, "Though the initial application for the package was as a beer bottle carrier, we see tremendous opportunities in soft drink, water, sports drink, juice, and juice drink markets. Ice Pack is suitable for any format beverage container including bottles, cans, aseptic boxes and pouches. Consumers no longer have to transfer beverages to a cooler when headed for the beach, the pool, a picnic, or recreational sporting events."

Graphic Packaging modified its Composipac® laminated carton structure to create Ice Pack. The Composipac® process includes rotogravure graphics which are reverse-printed on the inside wall of a thin, flexible transparent film. The film is then vacuum-metallized behind the inks and extrusion laminated to paperboard.

Composipac® cartons provide the advantages of barrier properties as well as increased structural durability because the board is encased under a durable film. Since carton graphics are printed on inside film walls, the cartons' brilliant appearance is enhanced by resistance to scuffing and abrasion in transport and shelf stocking.

The new Ice Pack cartons are produced at Graphic Packaging's award-winning manufacturing facility in Lawrenceburg, Tenn. GPC is now seeking patents on the opening feature, the combination of laminations and webs, and the structural design of the Ice Pack.

From its headquarters in Golden, Colo., Graphic Packaging operates 18 manufacturing facilities in North America, with a work force of 4,400 individuals. In the year 2000, sales revenues were $1.1 billion. Results for 2001 will be released in mid-February.

In addition to Coors Brewing Company, Graphic Packaging customers include some of the most instantly recognized companies in the world: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Colgate-Palmolive, General Mills, Hormel Foods, Johnson & Johnson, Kellogg's, Kraft Foods, Lipton, Lorillard, Mars, Perseco, Pepperidge Farm, Philip Morris, Pillsbury, Procter & Gamble, Quaker Oats, Ralston Purina, Scotts Miracle-Gro and Unilever.

Graphic Packaging Corporation has been awarded over 150 patents for its printing and package converting processes. The company has also captured virtually every top award in the packaging industry from organizations including the Institute of Packaging Professionals, Gravure Association of America, Paperboard Packaging Council, Flexible Packaging Association and the Packaging Association of Canada.

Graphic Packaging Corporation (NYSE: GPK) can be located on the Internet at www.graphicpackaging.com.