Lightweight Metal Packaging – How Brands are Cutting Waste Without Compromise

With online shopping now very much a part of everyday life, it’s clear that packaging is now a major cause for concern regarding the environment.

Despite the fact that more companies and brands are finally taking packaging pollution seriously and are moving away from plastic, plastic pollution is still a major cause for concern. Perhaps more alarming, is the fact that plastic packaging accounts for as much as 40% of our planet’s waste.

As more and more businesses finally recognize the risks associated with plastic packaging, greener, more sustainable alternatives are being sought out. For brands looking for sustainable packaging alternatives, lightweight metals such as aluminum are ideal.

Aluminum is a lightweight, safe, non-toxic, sustainable, versatile metal that, it turns out, is perfect for packaging. Here’s a look at how brands are cutting packaging waste with aluminum packaging, without compromising brand integrity or quality.

Innovation and Versatility

Not too long ago, plastic was the material of choice for virtually every kind of packaging imaginable. From bags and bottles to wrappers and boxes, if it was used as packaging, it would be made from plastic.

Unfortunately, as time went by and more research was conducted, we began to find that plastic wasn’t as effective, or indeed, as safe as once thought. In fact, plastic has been found to pose a number of risks to our health and the environment as a result of microplastics. Add to this, the fact that plastic doesn’t decompose or break down, and it’s easy to see why it poses such a huge environmental risk.

Because plastic packaging was so useful, businesses desperately began searching for safer, greener, more sustainable alternatives to package their products. It turns out that lightweight metals such as aluminum were ideal.

Unlike plastic, aluminum can be recycled over and over again and will not lose its shape or integrity. Not only that, but it uses far less energy both during production and during recycling, than plastic. It also offers more protective qualities, and is more versatile so can be used across a number of different industries.

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Experts believe that the current rate of recycling for aluminum is more than 81%, compared with plastic, which is around 52%. Even then, plastic can only be recycled a certain number of times before it is deemed useless and would need to be thrown into the trash. Aluminum however, can be recycled as many times as you like. It can also be used in a variety of different ways, for a number of different products. For brands looking to cut back on the amount of packaging waste they produce, this makes it the perfect alternative.

Popular Aluminum Packaging Options

So, now that we know why brands are gravitating toward aluminum packaging, and why it’s considered superior to plastic, let’s take a look at some of the more popular examples of aluminum packaging.

Aluminum Food Containers

Plastic food containers are slowly becoming things of the past and are rapidly being replaced with aluminum.

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Aluminum food containers are ideal for preparing food in ovens, air fryers, smokers, and much more besides. They’re also great for meal prep and catering as they’re durable, food-safe, and light in weight.

As well as being used in oven-ready meals and catering packs, they can also be used to store liquids such as soups and stews.

Aluminum Drinks Cans

For many decades now, aluminum has been the material of choice for drinks manufacturers all over the globe. It is especially popular with soda companies, and breweries who provide alcoholic beverages such as beers, ciders, and even ready-to-drink cocktails.

Aluminum offers protective properties and forms a protective barrier for the liquid inside, helping to keep it fresh and safe. Because the metal is so light in weight, it’s very convenient as it allows drinks to be carried around easily and enjoyed on the go. It’s also great as it’s non-reactive and helps to chill drinks quickly, and keep them cool for longer.

Aluminum Pouches

Aluminum pouches are used across a number of different industries, particularly beauty and cosmetics, health supplements, and food and drink. Again, this is largely due to its safety and lightweight design.

For boil-in-the-bag meals, such as MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) which are popular with campers and those who enjoy the great outdoors, foods can be stored in these pouches and simply submerged into boiling water where they will cook inside the pouch. Once ready, the pouch simply needs opening, and the meal is ready to be enjoyed with minimal effort. This makes them perfect for camping.

Supplement companies are also now choosing aluminum foil pouches instead of plastic tubs for their products. This makes them lighter in weight and easier to store.

Aluminum Wrappers and Lids

Finally, for things like candy bars, sandwiches, smaller cosmetics, and aluminum foil trays, aluminum wrappers and lids are great.

Not only do they help to preserve and protect various products, they’re also very versatile so they can withstand temperature fluctuations and be stored in different environments such as cupboards, refrigerators, and freezers.

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