Aluminium packaging offers a high level of corrosion resistance. It provides protection from ultra-violet rays, water vapour, oils and fats, oxygen and micro-organisms. When used to package sensitive products such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics or food, aluminium is hygienic, non-toxic, non-tainting and retains the product’s flavour. An aluminium barrier also plays the essential optimal protection properties by offering an impermeable metal barrier to light, one of keeping the contents fresh and protecting them from external influences, thereby guaranteeing a long shelf-life.
Properties
Aluminium’s unique range of properties make it the perfect material for many packaging requirements.
Light-weight
With a density of 2.70g/cubic cm (compared with iron used in steel 7.86g/cubic cm), aluminium products are very light, cutting down on transport costs.
Impermeable
Aluminium has an excellent barrier function therefore keeping out air, light, liquid and microorganisms to preserve the contents of food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products.
Thermal Conductor
Aluminium transfers heat 2.4 times faster than iron. This combined with the fact that very thin sheets can be produced, means that heat is lost and gained through aluminium very quickly. Hence it is ideal for cooking and as a cold drink container.
Flexible
Aluminium can be rolled into extremely thin foil and can be cast and joined and still retain much of its strength.
Recyclable
Aluminium is 100% recyclable and uses only 5% of the energy used to make the original product. Aluminium drinking cans are the most recycled packaging product in the world.
Low melting point
A melting point of 660°C compared with 1540°C for iron means aluminium requires much less energy to melt for processing and recycling.
