a plastic container having a base portion adapted for vacuum absorption . the base portion including a ring upon which the container is supported , an upstanding wall and a recessed portion . the upstanding wall being adjacent to and generally circumscribing the contact ring . the recessed portion being defined in at least part by a flat base region and a central base region . the flat base region extending from the upstanding wall toward a longitudinal axis of the container . the flat base region defining a projected surface area of at least 45 % of a total projected surface area of the container . the flat base region being moveable to accommodate vacuum forces within said container .