In one embodiment, a method of processing a plastic container having a longitudinal axis is disclosed. The method includes: blow-molding a plastic container having an upper portion including a finish, a sidewall, a lower portion including a base defining a standing surface, and a substantially transversely-oriented pressure panel having an inner annular wall and a central push-up portion located in the base, wherein a base mold portion is displaced longitudinally with respect to first and second side mold portions to form the pressure panel set above the standing surface; introducing heated liquid contents into the plastic container with the pressure panel located in an outwardly-inclined position entirely between the standing surface and the upper portion; capping the plastic container; and, moving the pressure panel to an inwardly-inclined position entirely between the standing surface and the upper portion.