The popularity of aluminum packaging has been on the rise since for the past couple of decades. This is no surprise, when you look at the benefits of aluminum packaging. In today’s packaging industry, aluminum can be found back in a wide range of different packaging materials. Whether it’s simple aluminum foil, bags, bottles, or tins; The possibilities of aluminum packaging are endless.
Throughout this article, we will have a brief look at the most popular types of aluminum packaging materials on the market. We will cover the widely known tins and bottles and have a closer look into more unique aluminum packaging materials such as capsule jars and UN bottles. If you are still looking for an aluminum container but are uncertain which one suits your product best, then this article is perfect for you.
Aluminum Foil
Let’s start off with the basics. Everybody has heard of and has used aluminum foil before. Although aluminum foil is not necessarily a packaging material on itself, it still is used for wrapping purposes in almost every household. Aluminum foil simply is a very thin layer of aluminum that can be folded, bent, or wrapped around objects.
Aluminum foil is widely produced and widely applied throughout different industries. Approximately 1.5 million to 2 million tonnes of aluminum foil is produced annually in the European Union and the United States alone. Of all this aluminum foil, the vast majority (75%) is used for packaging of foods, cosmetics, and chemicals. The remaining 25% is used for industrial applications.
Aluminum foil is used by both companies and consumers. Companies often use it in their packaging materials to keep products fresh. Think for instance about chocolate and tobacco products. The product is also used for consumer use and it would not be an understatement to say that aluminum foil is standard available in almost every household. It is mainly used to wrap food products and to keep them fresh for a longer period of time.
Aluminum Foil Containers
Aluminum foil containers are containers crafted out of thin and affordable aluminum foil. These containers are extremely light in weight and thin, which is why they are often used for one-time use purposes. This type of aluminum packaging can mostly be found back in the food industry. Aluminum foil containers can be used in the freezer and in the oven. They are perfect for food preparation, storage, and serving. These thin aluminum containers are often used by restaurants to store and deliver food. Consumers are furthermore known to use them by themselves for food-storage or to carry along food on a picnic. It is also common to see pre-cooked meals stored inside aluminum foil containers as you can simply slide the container inside of the oven to warm up your meal. Aluminum foil containers are popular thanks to their extremely low price tag and recyclability.
Aluminum Cans
It goes without saying that aluminum cans are the most commonly known and widely used aluminum packaging on the market. This packaging is solely present in the beverage industry where it is used for storing sodas, beers, and other types of wholesale beverages. Aluminum cans have been around since the mid-20th century and their popularity has increased ever since. The main reason behind their popularity is their ease of use and affordability. On top of that, they are fully recyclable, which makes them a sustainable on-time use beverage packaging. Up until today, aluminum cans are the go-to beverage packaging for many drink companies.
Aluminum Tins
Perhaps the most popular type of aluminum container on the market today are aluminum tins. Aluminum tins come in a wide range of different shapes and sizes. Whether you are looking for a tiny 3 ml sample tin, or a massive 1 kg cookie jar – everything is possible. Aluminum tins are popular due to their lightweight design, durability, and affordable price. On top of that, tins can be fully customized and they are environmentally friendly.
Aluminum tins are popular especially in the food, spice, and cosmetic industries. Companies love using aluminum tins due to their affordable price tag along with the possibilities for customization. Unlike glass and plastic packaging that is mostly labelled, aluminum tins can be directly printed with a colorful design. This, in combination with their high-end metal appearance, makes custom tins a perfect branding material that will make a product stand out on the shelves.
Besides their overall premium appearance and user-friendliness, aluminum tins are also popular because of their environmental aspects. Aluminum tins are fully recyclable and they can be recycled unlimited times without ever losing their original quality. This sustainable aspect of aluminum tins, in combination with their food-grade and toxic-free features, makes them a highly popular packaging material among companies and consumers alike.
There are different types of tins on the market. Besides their difference in shape in size, the main difference can be found in their cap style. Tins come with a range of different caps including traditional screw caps, slipcovers, clear window lids, and hinged lids. Each of these cap styles brings along its own range of benefits. As of late, you can also find seamless aluminum hermetic tins on the market. These hermetically sealed tins are popular especially among spice, tea, and coffee companies.
Aluminum Bottles
Another type of aluminum packaging which is rapidly growing in popularity is aluminum bottles. Aluminum bottles are rapidly replacing traditional glass and plastic bottles and there is a good reason for it. Not only are aluminum bottles simply nicer to look at, they also bring along a range of benefits such as being light in weight, being extremely durable, and being fully recyclable after use. On top of that, aluminum bottles are food-safe and free from any type of toxins such as BPA.
Aluminum bottles are available in a wide range of sizes. Often starting from 10 ml and all the way up to 1500 ml. Although the standard aluminum bottles usually feature a round bullet-shaped design, it is also possible to produce a bespoke custom-shaped bottle on-demand. Aluminum bottles can also be direct printed, allowing you to add a colorful and eye-catching design onto their metal surface.
The best part about aluminum bottles is that they can be topped off with a range of different caps and closures. This makes the same bottle suitable for different types of use. Naturally, there are the standard screw caps or ROPP safety caps for cosmetics and beverages. But, besides these, there are so many more options to choose from. Think for instance about mist sprayers, lotion pumps, treatment pumps, trigger sprayers, orifice reducers, and pipette dropper inserts. The possible type of closures that can be used on your aluminum bottle truly are endless. Due to this feature, aluminum bottles offer a perfect packaging solution for pretty much any type of liquid and semi-liquid product. This includes beverages, lotions, cremes, and a whole lot more.
Aluminum bottles have also become increasingly popular in the chemical and hazardous goods industry. Here, so called UN-Rated bottles are popular. These extremely durable aluminum bottles come equipped with a full stopper insert, plastic thread, and large tamper-proof plastic lid. All these safety features are in place to prevent any type of damage or leakage from occurring. Un-Rated aluminum bottles are suitable for safely storing and transporting chemicals and hazardous goods such as oil and paint.
Aluminum Capsule Jars
A quite unique and less known type of aluminum packaging are capsule jars. These jars are produced with a focus on the pharmaceutical industry. Throughout the past, pharmaceutical packaging was mostly made of plastic. Aluminum capsule jars are here to make a change to that.
Aluminum capsule jars may look like a regular aluminum tin or bottle from the outside. This is because their main feature is hidden below their aluminum cap. Beneath their cap, you will find a recyclable plastic pull-lid that creates an air-tight and tamper-evident closure. This pull lid allows for the safe storage of capsules . It furthermore creates an impenetrable barrier against air, moist, and other external factors. This increases the shelf life of the medication stored inside. Although new and relatively unknown on the market, the popularity of aluminum capsule jars is slowly growing as more and more pharmaceutical companies are looking for a high-end, safe, and environmentally friendly alternative to their traditional plastic containers.
Aluminum Squeeze Tubes
Aluminum squeeze tubes, also known as collapsible aluminum tubes, are a popular packaging for cosmetics, sunscreen, toothpaste, and even paint. These squeezable aluminum tubes provide a convenient packaging solution. Aluminum squeeze tubes are affordable, they can be directly printed, and, best of all, they are environmentally friendly compared to plastic alternatives. Throughout recent years, we have seen a massive increase in the popularity of aluminum squeeze tubes compared to that of traditional plastic and ABL tubes. The main reason behind this increase in popularity is their sustainability. Aluminum squeeze tubes can be fully recycled after use, making them one of the most environmentally friendly squeeze tube packaging options on the market.
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