What is Aluminum Laminated Film?
Tin foil, also known as aluminum foil laminate, is a multi-layer packaging material composed of a thin aluminum foil laminated between two polymer films. The aluminum foil layer provides strength, moisture and light barrier properties while the polymer films add thickness, clarity and sealing capabilities. This composite structure makes tin foil ideal for flexible packaging applications.
Composition and Structure
A standard tin foil consists of three basic layers - an outer sealant layer, an aluminum foil core and an inner barrier layer. The sealant layer is usually made from low density polyethylene (LDPE) or polypropylene (PP) to provide heat sealability. The 7-9 μm thick Aluminum Laminated Film in the core imparts rigidity and barrier to light, oxygen and moisture. The inner layer facing the product can be made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) to act as an effective moisture and gas barrier. Adhesives like polyurethane are used to bond the different material layers together. Additional layers may be added as per requirement.
Key Properties
As the name suggests, the key properties offered by tin foils are derived from the aluminum foil core layer. It provides excellent barrier against light, oxygen, aroma and moisture due to aluminum's low permeability. The multilayer structure also helps achieve very high barrier even at low foil thicknesses. Besides, it offers outstanding mechanical strength, rigidity and durability for packaging applications. The polymer films add benefits like clarity, printability, heat sealability and flexibility. Overall, tin foils are robust, affordable and offer premium protection to packaged products.
Areas of Aluminum Laminated Film
Due to the versatile combination of barrier and mechanical properties, tin foils find wide usage in flexible packaging across various industries:
- Food Packaging: They are commonly used for packaging snacks, chips, confectionery, bakery items, coffee, dried foods etc. to protect from moisture, air and provide longer shelf-life.
- Pharmaceutical Packaging: Aluminum laminate provides high barrier needed for packaging tablets, capsules and lyophilized products. It maintains drug stability.
- Tobacco Packaging: Cigarette packs and pouches for chewing tobacco widely use tin foils owing to their excellent barrier and printability.
- Home Care and Personal Care: These films package liquid soaps, shampoos, lotions, lubricants etc. due to high moisture barrier preventing leakage.
- Industrial Applications: They are used for packaging electronic components, batteries, chemicals requiring protection from environmental factors.
Advantages Over Conventional Films
Compared to ordinary plastic films, tin foils offer various advantages for flexible packaging applications:
Higher Barrier Properties
As discussed earlier, aluminum foil provides unmatched barrier to moisture, oxygen, aromas and light. This protects products for longer durations without degradation.
Enhanced Strength and Durability
The aluminum core adds immense strength and rigidity to packaging. Films maintain shape and do not tear or puncture easily during transportation and storage.
Low Gauge and Eco-friendly
Thin aluminum foils as low as 7 microns can provide high barrier. Less material is used, making it economically viable and eco-friendly. Aluminum is infinitely recyclable.
Printable and Formable
Modern lamination technology allows aluminum films to be printed, embossed, formed into pouches or bags through various conversion processes.
Cost Effective Packaging Solution
Despite high performance, tin foils have lower per unit packaging cost compared to multi-layer co-extruded films or metal containers.
Sustainability and Regulatory Compliance
Tin foils comply with global food contact regulations and certifications like FDA, BfR in America and Europe respectively. Their recyclability makes them a sustainable packaging choice.
Tin foils offer an optimal combination of premium barrier protection, mechanical strength and cost effectiveness for flexible packaging applications across industries. Modern production techniques allow down-gauging of aluminum foils while maintaining high performance. Their recyclability and compliance with stringent regulations position these multilayer films as a leading eco-friendly solution for flexible packaging needs.
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About Author:
Ravina Pandya, 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, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)
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