For many years, the ubiquitous aluminum foil has been utilized as an essential part of food packaging. This success has a number of causes, like excellent heat resistance, flexible packing, and the benefit of shape memory. However, manufacturers in the flexible packaging industry are looking for other options for aluminium foil replacement because of its high cost and its bad image as a polluting product. A popular choice of replacement is chemically treated metalized PET film.
Chemically treated metalized PET films utilize only 1% of the aluminum needed to manufacture the foil. It is seen as an aluminium foil replacement since it is more affordable and environmentally friendly. PET films are plastic films evaporated with aluminum powder in a high vacuum environment as opposed to aluminum foils that are formed of light metal. The vaporization of aluminum enhances its barrier properties against gasses, odors, and vapors in addition to the optical effect. Overall, metalized PET films are less gas-tight but more flexible, tear-resistant, and lighter than "genuine" aluminum foil and less prone to rust and wrinkling.
Similar to printing aluminum foil, chemically treated metallic PET film produces a range of optical versions. With this film, you may create a stronger mirror image because the gloss level is significantly higher than with aluminum foil. The films are considered a better option for aluminium foil replacement as they present a perfect chance to combine some protective and barrier functions with a desirable appearance, even though the food is not nearly as well protected as it would be with genuine aluminum foil and the shelf life might need to be reduced.
Additionally, chemically treated PET foils work well in conjunction with other materials to create thermoformable container lids for snacks like yogurt cups or refill bags for cosmetics. In those PET containers, items stay dry and retain their full flavor and scent for a long time. Metallized PET films are perfect aluminium foil replacement in specific cases of foods that are acidic, alkaline, or salt-containing, as prolonged exposure to or a significant area of contact with those materials can cause aluminum to release potentially harmful emissions into the edible substance.
