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Aluminum Introduction
Why is aluminum such a fascinating material? And what is the concept of flexibility? Why is it so essential to use Aluminized film as packaging material in the context of sustainability?
Characteristics of aluminum
- Versatility: Aluminum is lightweight, flexible, pliable, durable, and conductive. Due to its excellent properties, it is used in packaging, construction, and the automotive industries.
- Availability: Exceeded by oxygen and silicon, aluminum is the 3rdmost common element in the earth’s crust.
- Energy efficiency: Recycling of aluminum uses 95% less energy compared to its primary production
Aluminum can be recycled numerous times without losing its structure and properties.
How is Aluminized Film Manufactured?
The aluminized film is a category of flexible packaging material formed by depositing a skinny layer of metallic aluminum on the surface of a plastic film using a distinctive process. The most commonly used processing technique is vacuum aluminum plating, which involves melting and evaporating metallic aluminum under high vacuum conditions so that the vaporized aluminum precipitates and accumulates on the surface of the plastic film.
Types of Aluminized Films
Based on some basic properties like moisture and oxygen permeability surface tension, Aluminized films are:
Polyester Aluminized Film (VMPET)
Due to its attractive appearance, VMPET is generally used as the middle layer in composite packaging. It is often applied in high-end packaging, such as milk powder and tea bags.
CPP Aluminized Film (VMCPP)
VMCPP is typically used as the heat seal layer in composite packaging, commonly for ordinary snack foods like biscuits.
BOPP Aluminized Film(VMBOPP)
VMBOPP is normally used as the outlayer in the composite packaging. It’s ideal for packaging various products, including snacks, confectionery, and other perishable goods.
What Are the Benefits of Aluminized Film As a Flexible Packaging Material?
Affordable
First and foremost, it is one of the most affordable types of packaging material. This is mostly because less material is required to encase the product. The lack of rigidity also makes it easier to store and transport, allowing businesses to save on costs. If you are on a tight budget but still want your products to be well protected, Aluminized flexible packaging is the way to go.
Adjustable
Aluminized packaging is affordable and adaptable. It can be used for products of all shapes and sizes. For example, a food and beverage company that sells small and large pouches can use the same type of packaging for both. This would not be possible with rigid packaging, which comes in set sizes and shapes.
Better Product Safety
This is due to aluminum’s absolute barrier quality. Aluminized packaging shields items from environmental factors such as moisture, ultraviolet radiation, mildew, dust, and others that may harm the product, thus preserving its quality and increasing its shelf life. This is extremely important for businesses, as it helps them avoid product loss and increase profits.
Resourceful Packaging and Customization
Aluminized packaging helps businesses package their products in new and innovative ways. This can help them stand out and capture consumers’ attention. Flexible aluminum packaging can also be customized to a great extent. This means businesses can add their branding and labeling to the packaging, which can be a powerful marketing tool.
Environmentally Safe
Recycled aluminum contributes to the circular economy. As a result, aluminum-based flexible packaging is suitable for businesses, consumers, and the environment.
Visually Attractive
The aluminized film exhibits excellent metallic luster and good reflectivity, imparting a luxurious and opulent feel. Using it for packaging can enrich the goods and elevate the product’s grade.
Good Seal Ability
The aluminum layer on the surface of the Aluminized film has good electrical conductivity, which can eliminate static effects. Therefore, it has good sealing performance, especially in packaging powdery substances, ensuring the sealing ability and significantly reducing leakage.
Sorts of Aluminized Film Packaging Materials to Choose From
Stand-Up Pouches, Spout Pouches, and Sachets are some of the greatest alternatives to conventional packaging. This container features an airtight seal.
Stand-up pouches are often used to package coffee, tea, spices, dried fruits, jerky, pet food, and more.
Spout pouches are a type of flexible packaging that features a small, built-in spout. This spout makes it easy to pour the contents of the pouch without making a mess. Spout pouches are often used for packaging liquids and semi-liquids such as juices, salad dressings, syrups, and sauces. They are also frequently used for packing lotions, shampoos, conditioners, and other cosmetics.
A sachet is similar to a compact pouch, except that a sachet typically contains just one (piece) product and is closed by sealing.
Aluminized Film Applications: A versatile packaging material
Food and beverage Packaging
Aluminized films are widely used in packaging snacks, biscuits, and other dry foods due to their excellent barrier properties, effectively preserving the food’s freshness and taste. The thickness of the aluminum layer is directly related to the barrier properties of the Aluminized film.
As the thickness of the aluminum layer increases, the permeability to oxygen, water vapor, and light gradually decreases, correspondingly improving the barrier performance of the Aluminized film.
Pharmaceutical Packaging
In the pharmaceutical industry, Aluminized PET films are used for packaging medications, particularly those sensitive to light and moisture, protecting them from external environmental factors.
Ornamentation
In the decorative industry, Aluminized PET films are used for various decorative materials, such as gift wrapping and decorative stickers, due to their metallic luster.
Air Conditioning and Insulation
Aluminized PET films are used as heat insulation and reflective materials to enhance energy efficiency and comfort in the construction industry, particularly in air conditioning and insulation systems.
Dry Lamination
With the following considerations, Aluminumized film can be efficiently used in dry lamination: selecting the suitable and proper amount of adhesives, controlling the drying and curing temperature and time, and controlling the proper surface tension.
(Aluminized Film for food packaging and dry lamination)
Expert opinion: Why Should You Consider Aluminized Film?
If you are a business looking for a more efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective way to package your products, you should consider Aluminum flexible packaging.
From a Consumer and manufacturer’s perspective, we should note that some products cannot be packed with Aluminum film. If your product is fragile, then flexible packaging is not the right option. In addition, if your product is perishable, you should avoid using aluminum-flexible packaging.
If you are unsure if flexible packaging is right for your business, consult a packaging expert. CLOUD FILM, a leading supplier of Aluminized films, is dedicated to delivering high-quality and innovative solutions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the rise of aluminized films as flexible packaging material can be attributed to their remarkable qualities. From the consumers’, manufacturers’, and retailers’ point of view, using Aluminized film as packaging material is a perfect choice for food, pharmaceuticals, and other products that require extended preservation.
It can prevent the contents from spoiling or deteriorating due to moisture absorption, oxygen permeation, or light exposure. Additionally, Aluminized film has aroma preservation qualities and a low aroma transmission rate, effectively maintaining the fragrance of the contents for a long time. Hence, aluminized film is an excellent barrier packaging option for flexible packaging.
