Alcan Packaging, a business unit of Rio Tinto Alcan, announced that it received three out of the seven Alufoil trophies that were awarded by the European Aluminium Foil Association during Interpack 2008, the world's biggest packaging fair that took place in Düsseldorf, Germany, from 24 to 30 April.

"We are honoured to receive three prestigious Alufoil Trophies 2008. This is a great recognition for our commitment to developing innovative and inspired solutions with and for our customers, creating maximum value in the marketplace", said Ilene Gordon, president and CEO, Alcan Packaging.

The awarded products are:

Beauty Purse: Following the latest consumer trends, Alcan Packaging created the first portable stand-up pack for health and personal care. The "unique" and patented open/reclose system as well as the stand-up position and the large printing surface for improved aesthetic appeal and brand visibility bring real innovation and added value to the market.

PeeliCan: This joined development by Alupak and Alcan Packaging (Rorschach and Singen plants) conquers new markets by replacing the former ring pull lids with easy-peel lids assuring safe and easy opening. its lightweight and stack ability offer an additional advantage for fillers, retailers and consumers.

Sheba Essence: The eye-catching organic shape of this alufoil tray with its easy-open lid and clear and flashy 360° printing provides excellent on-shelf differentiation and brand positioning as a premium product. Alcan Packaging Zutphen designed this innovative tray in close co-operation with Mars Petcare Europe.

Each year, EAFA, which was founded in 1974, and is made up of more than 130 members in 24 countries throughout Western, Central and Eastern Europe, rewards excellence in convenient, environmentally conscious and innovative aluminium foil solutions for both today and future market needs, through these Alufoil trophies.

Alcan Packaging is a world leader in value-added specialty packaging. It delivers multi-materials and innovative solutions to customers around the world for the food, pharmaceutical, beauty and tobacco markets. Led by Ilene Gordon, president and CEO, Alcan Packaging is headquartered in Paris, France, with 128 facilities and 30,000 employees in 31 countries, it generated US$6.2B revenues in 2007. For more information, please visit www.alcanpackaging.com.

About Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group headquartered in the UK, combining Rio Tinto plc, a London and NYSE listed company, and Rio Tinto Limited, which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.

Rio Tinto's business is finding, mining, and processing mineral resources. Major products are aluminium, copper, diamonds, energy (coal and uranium), gold, industrial minerals (borax, titanium dioxide, salt, talc) and iron ore. Activities span the world but are strongly represented in Australia and North America with significant businesses in South America, Asia, Europe and southern Africa.