Ball Added to Dow Jones Sustainability Index, Recognized for Leadership in Sustainability

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Sep 13, 2013, 10:30 ET

BROOMFIELD, Colo., Sept. 13, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2013/2014 Dow Jones Sustainability Index, released this week, lists Ball Corporation (NYSE: BLL) as the most sustainable company in the containers and packaging industry. Ball, included in the DJSI World and the DJSI North America, is the only packaging company listed in both indices. The assessment is based on an extensive annual review of economic, environmental and social criteria. S&P Dow Jones Indices and RobecoSAM, an investment specialist focused exclusively on sustainable investing, announced the results.

"Ball's listing in the prestigious Dow Jones Sustainability Index is an acknowledgement of the company's continued progress on our sustainability journey," said John Hayes, chairman, president and CEO. "Our employees make all the difference. Their talent and engagement make Ball a more successful and more sustainable company."

Ball earned industry-leading scores in all three dimensions: economic, environmental and social. The company scored particularly well on criteria integral to its Drive for 10 and sustainability strategies, such as codes of conduct (integrity), customer relationship management, product stewardship (innovation and recycling) and human capital development. Ball's ongoing improvements in corporate sustainability management and reporting, advancement in operational excellence and efficiency, talent management and its sustainable sourcing program all contributed to this achievement.

Several rating and ranking agencies have recognized Ball's sustainability performance over the years. In addition to its Dow Jones Sustainability Index listing, Ball has been listed in the international FTSE4Good index since 2009 and achieved excellent results in the Carbon Disclosure Project since 2006. More details about Ball's sustainability efforts are available at www.ball.com/sustainability.

Launched in 1999 and regarded as the world's foremost sustainability index family, the DJSI tracks the stock performance of the world's leading companies in terms of economic, environmental and social criteria. The indices serve as benchmarks for investors who integrate sustainability considerations into their portfolios, and provide an effective engagement platform for companies who want to adopt sustainable best practices. Only the top 10 percent of the world's 2,500 largest corporations are eligible for inclusion in the DJSI World.

About Ball Corporation
Ball Corporation supplies innovative, sustainable packaging solutions for beverage, food and household products customers, as well as aerospace and other technologies and services primarily for the U.S. government. Ball Corporation and its subsidiaries employ 15,000 people worldwide and reported 2012 sales of more than $8.7 billion. For more information, visit www.ball.com, or connect with us on Facebook or Twitter.

Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains "forward-looking" statements concerning future events and financial performance. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "estimates" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Key risks and uncertainties are summarized in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Exhibit 99 in our Form 10-K, which are available on our website and at www.sec.gov. Factors that might affect: a) our packaging segments include fluctuation in product demand; availability and cost of raw materials; competitive packaging, pricing and substitution; changes in climate and weather; crop yields; competitive activity; failure to achieve productivity improvements or cost reductions; mandatory deposit or other restrictive packaging laws; changes in major customer or supplier contracts or loss of a major customer or supplier; political instability and sanctions; and changes in foreign exchange or tax rates; b) our aerospace segment include funding, authorization, availability and returns of government and commercial contracts; and delays, extensions and technical uncertainties affecting segment contracts; c) the company as a whole include those listed plus: changes in senior management; successful or unsuccessful acquisitions and divestitures; regulatory action or laws including tax, environmental, health and workplace safety, including U.S. FDA and other actions affecting products filled in our containers, or chemicals or substances used in raw materials or in the manufacturing process; technological developments and innovations; litigation; strikes; labor cost changes; rates of return on assets of the company's defined benefit retirement plans; pension changes; uncertainties surrounding the U.S. government budget, sequestration and debt limit; reduced cash flow; ability to achieve cost-out initiatives; interest rates affecting our debt.

SOURCE Ball Corporation