Abstract: One embodiment of the invention relates to a container having a longitudinal axis and with a finish, shoulder, finish base, and a step. The shoulder has a wall thickness and is inclined away from the finish at a first angle with respect to a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container. The a finish base extends from the bottom of the finish towards the shoulder and has a wall thickness. The finish base is inclined away from the finish at a second angle with respect to a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container. The step extends from the finish base to the shoulder and is inclined away from the finish at a third angle with respect to a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container. The step also has longitudinal height that is approximately the same as the wall thickness of the finish base; and.