What is alu alu foil packaging?

Cold aluminum packaging, also known as cold-formed aluminum foil, or cold aluminum blister, is a composite material with high barrier properties. After cold stamping, it can replace the PTP blister packaging of the PVC part. Cold-formed foil is the composite aluminum foil with the best barrier properties, which is waterproof, oxygen-proof and UV-proof. It is used to package medicines, especially highly hygroscopic or light-absorbent medicines, which can greatly improve the protection of medicines (tablets, pills, capsules) and extend the shelf life.

alu-alu-foil packaging

Alu alu foil packaging structure

Cold-formed pharmaceutical packaging structure: biaxially oriented nylon film BOPA, outer printing layer, aluminum foil substrate (AL), polyvinyl chloride PVC, inner printing layer, adhesive (VC), etc., to protect the contents from moisture, light and oxygen.

Aluminum foil thickness for aluminum-aluminum packaging

The thickness of aluminum foil used in aluminum-aluminum packaging is usually 6 microns to 60 microns. The exact thickness depends on the specific application, product sensitivity and required protection.

9-11 micron aluminum foil:

Features: Good moisture barrier and sealing properties, can effectively protect the packaged goods from the external environment.
Applications: Widely used in food packaging (such as tablets, candies, chocolates, etc.) and pharmaceutical packaging to ensure the freshness and safety of the product.

18-25 micron aluminum foil:

Features: Good thermal insulation and strength, suitable for packaging that requires a certain degree of durability and protection.
Applications: Commonly used in building insulation materials, automotive sound insulation materials, and packaging for some electronic products and printing industries.

45-50 microns:

General pharmaceutical packaging: For standard tablets, capsules and blister packages that require moderate protection.
– Provides sufficient moisture and light barriers for most pharmaceuticals.

50-60 microns:

Sensitive pharmaceuticals: Suitable for pharmaceuticals that are highly sensitive to moisture, light and air, such as pharmaceuticals that require a longer shelf life.
Thicker foils in this range are stronger and provide enhanced mechanical protection and barrier properties.

60 microns and above:

Specialized packaging: For particularly sensitive products or those that require extra strength and puncture resistance. This can be used for pharmaceuticals and high-value foods.
– Provides the highest level of protection and is more durable under extreme storage conditions.

Factors affecting foil thickness selection:

Product sensitivity:

The higher the sensitivity to moisture and oxygen, the thicker the foil needs to be.

Barrier properties

Thicker foils generally offer better protection against moisture, light and gases, which is critical to extending the shelf life of your product.

Packaging design:

Depending on whether the package is a blister or pouch, foil thickness may vary to maintain form factor while ensuring adequate protection.

Cost:

Thicker foils are more expensive due to the greater material usage, so thickness is often chosen to balance cost-effectiveness with the protection required for a specific product.

Additional layers:

In addition to the foil, aluminum packaging often includes plastic films such as PVC or PP, whose thickness also affects the overall barrier properties. These plastic layers add flexibility and strength, while the foil provides the core barrier.

For most pharmaceutical applications, 5 to 60 microns is the standard foil thickness for aluminum packaging. It provides excellent protection against external factors such as moisture, light and air, ensuring product stability and a long shelf life.