Common Myths and Misconceptions Surrounding Aluminum Packaging Containers

Unless you happen to have been living a very sheltered life over the last several years, you’ll likely understand the severity of the global climate crisis the world finds itself in. Without sounding dramatic, if we don’t act now and do what we can to tackle climate change, it could be too late.

Everything from using electric vehicles and cycling to work to ditching plastic packaging and recycling more makes an enormous difference, particularly in the business world. As businesses and industries distance themselves from single use plastic packaging, aluminum packaging has stepped up as the unlikely sustainability hero our planet needs.

Whereas aluminum cans and trays have been around for decades, there are currently more types of aluminum packaging in circulation than ever before. Renowned for its lightweight, its sustainability, its protective properties, and its affordability, aluminum packaging could soon be gold-standard of packaging for businesses all over the world.

Sadly, aluminum packaging is somewhat misunderstood, and there are a lot of myths and misconceptions surrounding it that need clearing up once and for all. With that said, here are 4 common myths and misconceptions surrounding aluminum packaging.

Myth 1 – Aluminum Packaging Cannot be Frozen

One of the more common myths and misconceptions surrounding aluminum packaging is that it is not freezer-safe and that it can therefore, not be frozen. This is simply not true in the slightest.

Aluminum is one of the strongest, most durable materials on the planet and it can withstand extreme temperatures on both ends of the scale. Because of this, it is perfect for catering businesses, and the food and drinks industry in general.

Whether you’re a business producing frozen foods and/or meals, or a customer freezing your leftovers, aluminum packaging is 100% freezer-safe and, unlike plastic, it will not split or become brittle once frozen.

Myth 2 – Aluminum Packaging Becomes Weaker Each Time It Is Recycled

We all know just how harmful single-use plastic is to the environment, which is why nations across the globe have invested enormous amounts of time, effort, and money, into creating recyclable plastic packaging.

Even though recycling plastic is much kinder to the environment, it does still have its drawbacks. To begin with, it requires a lot of energy to recycle plastic, then of course, there’s the fact that it is not infinitely recyclable. Depending upon the packaging, plastic can typically withstand between 2 – 8 recycles. Each time it is recycled, it becomes weaker and less durable. Some people think that this applies to aluminum packaging. This is not the case.

Aluminum packaging can be recycled an infinite number of times. Best of all is the fact that it will not lose any strength or durability, regardless of how many times it has been recycled. Whether it’s recycled once, one hundred times, one thousand times, or even one million times, it remains as strong and durable as it was at the start of its life.

Myth 3 – Aluminum Packaging is Harmful to the Environment

Another of the more common myths surrounding aluminum packaging which is absolutely not true in the slightest, is that aluminum packaging is harmful to the environment. In reality, it’s the exact opposite.

Aluminum is lightweight, which means that processing, shipping, and recycling it utilizes less energy and results in fewer greenhouse gasses and emissions, allowing for a very low carbon footprint. Then of course, there’s its recyclability.

Because aluminum packaging is infinitely recyclable, there is no reason for it to ever find its way to landfill. Producing aluminum from new is not the most sustainable practice, which is why it’s so important to recycle it. Recycling aluminum uses 95% less energy than is required to produce it from new.

Aluminum packaging is not only much safer for humans and the planet than plastic packaging, it is also one of the most sustainable materials ever created. This is one of many key reasons why so many industries are choosing to ship their products in aluminum packaging over plastic.

Myth 4 – Aluminum Packaging is Not Versatile

Decades ago, when it came to aluminum packaging choices, you had drinks cans and not much else. As time progressed, however and we began learning more about the many benefits that wonder material could provide for the packaging industry, that gradually began to change.

Instead of it just being aluminum cans for beer and soda, we have foil trays used for pet food and ready meals. We have blister packs for medications, foil pouches for supplements, aluminum tubes for cosmetics, aluminum bottles for water, wine, and spirits, and so much more besides.

The packaging industry has evolved enormously over the years, and today, aluminum is one of the most versatile materials on the planet.