Sealed Air Corporation Recognized by IoPP in Two Categories

Korrvu® Retention Packaging and Cryovac® Simple Steps™ Heat-And-Serve Packaging Receive 2003 AmeriStar Awards

SADDLE BROOK, N.J. (Oct. 14, 2003) - Sealed Air announced today that its Korrvu® retention packaging and Cryovac® Simple Steps™ heat-and-serve packaging each have won an award for packaging excellence in the Institute of Packaging Professionals, 2003 AmeriStar Package Awards Competition.

Korrvu® retention packaging was acknowledged in the Other Category for its engineered protective package designed for Replacements, Ltd. Cryovac® Simple Steps™ heat-and-serve package was honored for technology in the Food Category. The Institute of Packaging Professionals’ judges recognized the Sealed Air packages based on the following criteria: design innovation, protection, economics, performance, marketing and environmental impact

For Replacements, Ltd., the Korrvu® packaging design team created a high-performance pack for china. The custom retention package passes all industry-standard tests including the American Society of Testing and Materials standard drop-tests. Korrvu® retention packaging uses a proprietary retention frame and elastomeric film to hold the china pieces securely in place during shipment. When the side flaps of the corrugated retention frame are folded up, the resilient film is loosened, creating an insertion pocket. The product is placed in the pocket between the film and corrugated retention frame. When the flaps are folded down, the film, which is attached to the corrugated frame, stretches over the product and holds it securely in place. The china, which is safely enclosed in Korrvu® retention packaging, is then placed in a corrugated shipping box.

"Since Replacements, Ltd. oftentimes ships rare, one-of-a-kind items, a very low damage-ratio is imperative. Our Korrvu® packaging engineers worked with Replacements, Ltd. to understand the specific issues and maintain a low shipping damage-ratio, while enhancing productivity," said Gerry Stone, director of marketing for Sealed Air Corporation’s Special Products Group.

In addition, Korrvu® retention packaging is curbside recyclable and contains more than 30 percent recovered paper, making it easy for customers to be environmentally responsible. As a worldwide shipper, Replacements, Ltd. is assured its Korrvu® packaging design meets even the strictest international recycling regulations. Germany’s RESY-approved symbol is displayed on the frame of every package.

The implementation of a consistent packaging method for nearly all of Replacement Ltd.’s products led to gains in productivity. The fast, easy-to-use Korrvu® retention pack is versatile because it allows many sizes of china and collectibles to use the same packaging with great results.

Cryovac® Simple Steps™ heat-and-serve packaging also merited an AmeriStar nod due in part to its benefits to processors, retailers and consumers. The cook-in technology is more efficient for processors and enables them to provide shoppers with entrées that have undergone minimal handling. In addition, Simple Steps™ provides enhanced merchandising appeal for in-store display. Vacuum-skin packaging affords a clear view of contents, while a total seal on the package prevents product shifting and reduces leakers.

"Simple Steps™ heat-and-serve package is the first package of its kind that enables entrées to be cooked, shipped, displayed and sold all in the same package," said Jay Wilson, director of marketing for Smoked and Processed Meats at the Cryovac Food Packaging Division. "The product is reheated in three simple steps and provides a center-of-the-plate entrée in just a few minutes."

Consumers need only 1) remove the tray from its outer packaging; 2) heat for the designated time (usually less than six minutes) and let cool; and 3) pull the easy-open tab to remove the film and serve. Simple Steps™ eliminates the need to puncture ventilation holes in the package before heating. The heat-resistant side handles and an easy-open tab make product removal safe and simple.

Institute of Packaging Professionals 2003 AmeriStar Package Awards

The 2003 AmeriStar Awards will be presented during a ceremony at Pack Expo Las Vegas on Oct. 14, 2003. Criteria used for judging include innovation in design, protection, economics, performance, marketing and environmental impact. All award-winning designs go on to compete in the World Packaging Organization’s WorldStar Packaging Competition. For more information about the AmeriStar Awards, visit the Institute of Packaging Professionals Web site at www.iopp.org.

About Replacements, Ltd

Founded by Bob Page in 1981, Replacements, Ltd. has the world's largest selection of old and new china, crystal, silver and collectibles. Located in Greenville, N.C., the 300,000-square foot facilities holds an inventory of 10-million pieces in more than 180,000 patterns and some are over 100-years old. Replacements, Ltd. adds items to its Web site every day that can be found in its expansive facilities. For more information about Replacements, Ltd., visit its Web site at www.replacements.com.