Abstract: A method of severing laminates (10) of the type having a metal layer (11) and a synthetic plastics layer (12). The method comprises forming a channel section indentation (13) in the laminate (10) along a line (14) on which the laminate (10) is to be severed, the indentation (13) being of such depth as to extend through the full thickness of the plastics layer (12) and through a part of the thickness of the metal layer (11), such that the plastics material along the line of the indentation (13) is substantially displaced laterally, and severing the laminate (10) along the line (14) of the indentation (13) in the metal layer (11). An apparatus for carrying out the method is disclosed as is the application of the method and apparatus to the production of container tops.