Abstract: A carrier for a plurality of containers includes an upper web having a plurality of upper web apertures, each for receiving a chime and a neck of one of the containers therethrough. Each upper web aperture has a plurality of tabs formed at an inside edge thereof. Each tab is configured for bending upward when contacting the chime of one of the containers. A lower web has a plurality of lower web apertures, each for receiving a body of one of the containers therethrough. A side web connects the upper web with the lower web, and may be formed together with the upper web and the lower web as a single piece, or into two separate portions that may be adhered or otherwise fastened together.

Abstract: A system for packaging two or more containers with a paperboard carrier having two or more apertures. Each aperture has a plurality of tabs formed at an inside edge thereof that bend upward when contacting a lower edge of a chime of one of the containers. The system includes a platen having apertures for pressing the carrier down uniformly onto the containers and carrier supports configured for maintaining the carrier in a flat configuration as the platen presses the carrier onto the containers substantially simultaneously. Some embodiments of the system include a manual applicator, while other embodiments include a semi-automatic apparatus that utilize linear actuators to facilitate loading the carriers and applying the carriers to a group of containers. Methods of use are also disclosed.