by Properties and Benefits of Aluminum Laminated Film
Tin foil is a thin composite material made by bonding aluminum foil to a thermoplastic polymer such as polyester or polypropylene. Aluminum foil provides a barrier to moisture, gases, and light while the plastic film gives the material strength and flexibility. The two layers are bonded together using an adhesive or heat lamination.
Aluminum laminate film has excellent gas and moisture barrier properties due to the aluminum foil core. The aluminum foil layer blocks gases such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and moisture vapor from permeating the film. This makes aluminum laminate ideal for packaging foods and other products that require a high barrier from external elements. The foil also provides an effective barrier against UV light, helping protect products from light induced degradation.
In addition to superior barrier properties, tin foil is also quite strong and durable. The plastic film provides strength to Aluminum Laminated Film which is quite brittle on its own. The plastic film protects aluminum from tears and cracks during processing and transportation. Aluminum laminate film can withstand folding, bending and other flexing without compromising its barrier qualities. It has high puncture and impact resistance and maintains its integrity even if the packaging receives minor damage.
Versatility of Aluminum Laminated Film
The versatility of tin foil allows it to be used across many packaging applications for food, pharmaceutical and other industrial goods. Some common uses of aluminum laminate film include:
Food packaging – Aluminum laminate is often used to package salty and greasy snacks, chips, nuts and other foods prone to oxidation and moisture loss. The high barrier properties help keep these foods fresh for longer. Laminate pouches and bags made from this film are commonly used for snack foods.
Pharmaceutical packaging – Medicine blister packs and foil backing on prescription pill bottles use aluminum laminate film. It provides an effective barrier against moisture and gases to protect the integrity and potency of medicines during storage and transportation.
Coffee packaging – Ground coffee and whole coffee beans are packaged in aluminum laminate lined bags and one way valve bags to retain their freshness for weeks. The foil layer blocks out oxygen to prevent coffee from going stale.
Tea packaging – Similar to coffee, tea leaves need protection from air and moisture during storage. Tin foil packaging for tea preserves its flavor and aroma.
Chemical packaging – Industrial and specialty chemicals require reliable moisture and gas barrier packaging. Aluminum laminate proves ideal for primary and secondary packaging of chemicals.
Pet food packaging – Dry and semi-moist pet food manufacturers use aluminum foil laminate packaging for its high barrier and crush resistance properties.
Processing and Manufacturing Aluminum Laminate Film
Aluminum foil laminate film can be produced through different production methods based on the end application requirements:
Dry lamination – In this process, a polymer film such as polypropylene or biaxially oriented polyamide (BOPA) film is bonded to an aluminum foil substrate using an adhesive. The adhesive can be solvent-based, water-based or hot melt. This method is preferred for general purpose packaging laminates.
Co-extrusion – Here, multiple polymer layers are simultaneously extruded and laminated or extrusion coated with an aluminum foil to form an aluminum laminate composite film. This offers design flexibility and tightly bonded layers for high performing flexible packages.
Wet lamination – A dispersion adhesive is applied to the aluminum foil or plastic film surface before heat lamination under pressure. Wet lamination is suited for producing oriented aluminum laminate films.
Roll lamination – Long aluminum foil and plastic webs are continuously fed into heated laminating rolls where heat and pressure fuse the layers. This high-speed roll lamination is widely used for manufacturing aluminum laminate pouches and bags.
Slitting and punching are common converting operations performed on aluminum laminate film rolls to cut it into sheets or roll stock for individual packaging applications. Pouches, bags, lids and other packaging formats are then produced from the sheets through processes like die-cutting, welding and aseptic filling. State-of-the-art packaging machinery automates production of aluminum laminated packages.
Sustainability of Aluminum Laminated Packaging
With growing sustainability concerns, aluminum laminate film packaging has also evolved to address eco-friendliness. Here are some key ways it supports green goals:
Reduced material usage – Downgauging of aluminum and plastic film layers has significantly lowered the material footprint of laminate packages compared to a few years ago.
Recyclability – Post-consumer aluminum laminate flexible packaging can be easily recycled through store drop-off programs. This recovers both aluminum and plastic for new production.
Barrier reduction – Innovation in packaging formulations now deliver equivalent barrier with 15-30% less aluminum content through improved coating technologies.
Renewable content – Bioplastics and renewable resins can partially or fully substitute virgin plastic in aluminum laminated structures to lower dependency on fossil fuels.
Lightweighting – Advances in laminate and package designs have made them up to 30% lighter compared to earlier designs using the same or better barrier.
Reusability – Alternative aluminum laminate liner designs allow reusability and refilling of some packaging like coffee pouches for multiple reuse cycles.
With constant efforts to optimize materials, processes and designs, tin foils and packages offer a sustainable solution for diverse packaging needs with outstanding barrier protection for product freshness and quality.
*Note:
1.Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2.We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author - Ravina Pandya
Ravina Pandya, a content writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemicals and materials, etc. With an MBA in E-commerce, she has expertise in SEO-optimized content that resonates with industry professionals. LinkedIn Profile
