Easy open end with increased panel stiffness

A metal easy open can end adapted for closing a metal can body, the can end having a score defining a removable panel and a tab, located at an edge region of the panel, for applying a force to the panel to allow the panel to be removed in a tear direction defined from a first end proximate the tab to a second end opposite the tab, the panel having at least one embossed or debossed rib extending substantially in said tear direction, the at least one rib having a maximum depth or height of at least 0.6 mm relative to surrounding panel regions along at least a part of the rib extent, wherein the at least one rib has a longitudinal taper such that a minimum rib height or depth is at the end of the at least one rib proximate to the tab and wherein the end of the at least one rib proximate the first end is spaced apart from the edge region of the panel.