Food packaging foils are usually made from aluminum alloys because they have excellent food preservation properties. The most widely used aluminum alloys for food packaging foil include:
Alloy Aluminum 1100: This is a commercially pure aluminum (99% aluminum) with excellent corrosion resistance, high thermal and electrical conductivity, and good machinability. It is commonly used for household foils, packaging, and containers.
Alloy Aluminum 3003: This alloy contains a small amount of manganese (about 1.2%), which improves its strength compared to 1100. It also has good corrosion resistance and machinability, making it suitable for packaging applications.
Alloy Aluminum 8011: This alloy is commonly used to make aluminum foil. It contains iron and silicon, which provide strength and ductility. It is widely used in food and pharmaceutical packaging due to its good formability and barrier properties.
Alloy Aluminum 8021: Known for its excellent deep drawing properties, it is often used in pharmaceutical packaging as well as food packaging that needs to be formed into complex shapes.
Why is aluminum foil widely used as a food packaging material?
Aluminum alloys offer several advantages for food packaging, making them a popular choice in the industry:
1. Barrier properties: Aluminum foil effectively blocks moisture, light, oxygen, and bacteria. This helps preserve the freshness of food and extend its shelf life.
2. Lightweight: Aluminum is a lightweight material that reduces the overall weight of the package and reduces shipping costs.
3. Recyclability: Aluminum can be recycled indefinitely without losing its properties. Recycling aluminum saves energy and resources compared to producing new aluminum from raw materials.
4. Thermal conductivity: Aluminum has high thermal conductivity, making it ideal for applications that require heat transfer, such as baking or cooking.
5. Corrosion resistance: Aluminum naturally forms a protective oxide layer that prevents corrosion, ensuring that the package maintains its integrity for a long time.
6. Plasticity: Aluminum is highly plastic and can be easily formed into thin sheets or complex shapes, which can be used in a variety of packaging designs.
7. Non-toxicity: Aluminum is non-toxic and safe for direct contact with food. It does not impart any taste or odor to food.
8. Cost-effective: Aluminum foil has a relatively low production cost, making it an economical choice for food packaging.
9. Printability: Aluminum foil can be easily printed, allowing you to add branding, product information and decorative designs directly to the packaging.
