Use of aluminium foil in food packaging

The use of aluminium foil in food packaging is becoming increasingly popular in food industry worldwide. Doubts and questions arise amid worries about its influence on human health. Here is a detailed introduction to everything you need to know about aluminium foil packaging in food industry.

Why is aluminium foil used in food packaging?

1. Abundant reserves of aluminium in the earth’s crust. The warning bell of global resource shortage began ringing long ago, and scientists have been engaged in developing new recyclable materials in various industries, especially huge consumers like food industry. Materials of rich reserves would be a better choice.

2. High recycle rate. Aluminium products have a much higher recovery rate than products of other metals, which benefits the global and human beings a lot in the long run.

3. High sanitary level. Aluminium foil for packaging ranks A grade in water testing level, boasting clear smooth surface and light weight.

4. Light weight, crucial as a packaging material for food.

5. Excellent sealing and shielding effects. Food packaging aluminium foil has an outstanding resistance to light, moisture and chemicals, extending shelf life of foods from days to years.

Which alloys of aluminium foil are used in food packaging?

8011, 8021, 3003, 3004, 1070, 1060, 1100, 1235, 8079 etc. The most popular is 8011 O. Tempers include O, H12, H14, H22, H24 etc. Thickness of the foil rolls ranges from 0.009mm to 0.2mm, and width up to 1200mm. Specifications can be customized based on your practical needs.

Is the use of aluminium foil in food packaging harmful to human bodies?

Rumors keep emerging although no evidence support that aluminium foil is harmful. The mainstream doubt about safety of aluminium foil is that extra taking in of aluminium would lead to a series of blood diseases. This seems to be a powerful point, but check the two reasons why it’s a fallacy.

A. All food packaging aluminium foil rolls have gone through special treatment to obtain a film on the surface, and this film seals aluminum off foods packaged inside.

B. Even though you take in some aluminium by having foods packed in aluminium bags, the amount is so poor that it’s impossible to accumulate to a degree that is likely to cause diseases.

C. As long as you follow instructions in cooking foods with aluminium foil, it’s OK and SAFE.