the present invention relates to a container carrier and to packaging systems for containers and using the same . this invention pertains to carrier stock for machine application to substantially identical containers such as beverage cans having annular chimes , cylindrical side walls , and frusto - conical walls between the chimes and the side walls . in particular , the present invention relates to plastic film having apertures to securely retain drinks cans , food cans , bottles and similar containers , a method of applying the film and the resultant combination .