What’s The Role of Aluminum Foil in Packaging

As a material that combines functionality, environmental protection and adaptability, aluminum foil packaging not only occupies a core position in traditional fields such as food and medicine, but also shows its irreplaceability in emerging fields such as new energy and aerospace.

Why can't it be replaced?

The unique properties of aluminum foil give it an unshakable position in the packaging field:

• Extreme barrier performance

The metal structure of aluminum foil can 100% block light, oxygen, moisture and microorganisms, providing absolute protection for the contents. For example, in pharmaceutical packaging, aluminum foil blisters can ensure that tablets will not expire for 5-10 years; in food packaging, aluminum foil bags can extend the shelf life of coffee and tea to more than 18 months.

• High temperature resistance and aseptic properties

Aluminum foil can withstand extreme temperatures from -200℃ to 600℃, supports high temperature sterilization (such as cooking bags) and low temperature freezing, and has no risk of chemical migration. It meets the strict food contact standards of FDA, EU, etc.

• Sustainable and environmentally friendly

Aluminum foil can be recycled infinitely without performance degradation, with a global recycling rate of up to 70%, far exceeding plastic (15%) and glass (30%). Driven by the EU's "Green New Deal", aluminum foil packaging has become a benchmark for the circular economy.

Different forms of aluminum foil packaging

Flexible packaging

Aluminum foil bags/films: used for moisture-proofing snacks, cosmetics, and electronic products (such as aluminum foil in the inner layer of potato chip bags).

Medicinal aluminum foil: blister packaging (PTP) and composite films (such as aluminum-plastic composite films for capsule packaging).

Hard packaging

Aluminum foil containers: airline lunch boxes, ready-to-eat food trays (such as aluminum foil baking bowls that can be directly put into the oven).

Hose packaging: aluminum hoses for toothpaste and ointment (barrier properties are better than plastic tubes).

Industrial and technological applications

Cable shielding: Aluminum foil wraps the cable to prevent electromagnetic interference (such as 5G communication cables).

Aerospace thermal protection: In the thermal control systems of satellites and rockets, the aluminum foil reflective layer can withstand extreme temperature differences.

Common Alloys

8011 aluminum alloy

It features good ductility and can be rolled into ultra-thin foil (thickness ≤ 0.02mm). It is applicable for soft food packaging, food container, pharmaceutical blisters,etc.

3003 aluminum foil

It features high strength and strong corrosion resistance, which is usually used for hard packaging containers and industrial uses.

1235 aluminum foil

It features excellent conductivity and reflectivity. 1235 aluminum foil is often used for food wrapping and cooking.

Haomei Aluminum is one of the comprehensive aluminium foil suppliers. Welcome to tell me your application or specification, we will give you our best quotation in the first time.