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Application of Aluminum Materials in Wine Packaging Industry
Aluminum is a lightweight, white metal that is abundant in natural resources. It ranks second in global production only to steel and holds the top position among non-ferrous metals in the packaging industry. As a packaging material, aluminum is commonly used in the form of aluminum plates, blocks, foils, and aluminized films. Aluminum plates are typically used for canning or sealing caps, while aluminum blocks are processed into deep-drawn cans. Aluminum foils are often used for moisture-proof inner packaging or flexible composite materials.
Packaging-grade aluminum alloys are usually rust-resistant. Manganese and magnesium enhance the strength and workability of the material, while copper also increases strength but reduces processing performance. Adding zinc, especially when combined with copper and magnesium, improves heat treatment effects but reduces corrosion resistance. Silicon lowers the melting point, increases strength and fluidity, and reduces thermal expansion. Aluminum foil, which ranges from 0.4 to 4.7 mm in thickness, is made by cold rolling industrial pure aluminum sheets multiple times to create a flexible thin metal material.
Compared to other packaging materials, aluminum offers several advantages. Its low density (2.7 g/cm³), about 35% of steel’s, makes it ideal for lightweight containers. The natural oxide layer on its surface prevents further oxidation. Aluminum is non-toxic, odorless, and meets food hygiene standards. It has a high gloss, is easy to print, and provides excellent visual appeal. Aluminum lids are easier to open than tinplate ones. It also reflects light and heat efficiently, improving sterilization and temperature control in food cans. Its mechanical properties remain stable at low temperatures, making it suitable for frozen foods. Aluminum-based composite films are completely opaque and airtight, protecting contents effectively. Additionally, aluminum is fully recyclable, supporting environmental sustainability.
However, aluminum has some drawbacks. It requires more energy to produce, making it expensive. It is non-magnetic, limiting certain applications. It is not suitable for acidic, alkaline, or salty foods due to poor corrosion resistance. It is relatively soft and prone to deformation during handling. Welding aluminum is difficult, so stamping or bonding is commonly used.
Many of these issues can be mitigated through composite materials. For example, combining aluminum foil with paper or plastic enhances stiffness and tensile strength. Filling small amounts of liquid nitrogen in thin-walled cans increases internal pressure, improving rigidity. Coating aluminum foil with nitrocellulose or modified polyolefin improves chemical resistance, print quality, and heat-sealing properties.
In packaging, aluminum is widely used in anti-theft caps, blister packs, and beverage cans. Anti-theft caps are popular in China's liquor and beverage industries, with an annual growth rate of 10%. Blister packaging, particularly for pharmaceuticals, relies heavily on aluminum as a barrier layer. However, Chinese pharmaceutical aluminum foil still faces challenges such as pinhole defects and uneven thickness. Beverage cans have evolved with features like easy-pull lids, special shapes, and self-heating/self-cooling capabilities. Companies are developing new hybrid aluminum-PET containers that combine the benefits of both materials. These innovations are expanding aluminum’s role in various industries, driven by its lightweight, recyclability, and versatility. As active packaging technologies advance, the demand for aluminum in packaging is expected to grow further.