Packaging materials: Metal

Metal packaging is commonly used in the food industry. They can be used to pack various ready meals and canned food. The metal packages are durable and airtight, thanks to which they guarantee a long shelf life at room temperature. Aluminum packaging is most commonly used metal in food packaging.

Aluminium

Aluminum has many good properties for food packaging. It is a strong, light and easily shaped material. Aluminum can withstand high temperatures, which is why it can be used in the oven. Packages made of aluminum can also withstand the microwave oven, as long as the package does not hit the walls of the microwave.

When using aluminum packaging, it should be remembered that acidic foods should not be packed in them for long periods of time. Aluminum foil should also not be placed in direct contact with acidic foods for a long time.

Recycling

One of the advantages of packaging made of metals is their recyclability. Metals circulate forever and can be used again and again. Manufacturing aluminum from virgin raw material requires a lot of energy. However, energy demand is significantly reduced when recycled material is used. Using recycled aluminum saves energy up to 95 % compared to virgin material.

The collected metal can be used as a raw material in the production of new metal products. In addition to new metal products, recycled metal can also be used, for example, in the manufacture of bicycle and car parts. It is estimated that half of the raw material for new metal products is recycled metal.

Recycling instructions

Recycling symbol ALU 41.

The collection of metal includes cans and other metal cans, aluminum packages and tins, pots and frying pans, drink cans without deposits and metal crown and screw caps. Hazardous waste or electrical equipment must not be placed in the metal collection.

Packaging that has contained food should be emptied, rinsed with cold water and allowed to dry for a while before putting it in the collection. If you are not absolutely sure whether the package is metal, do the crinkle test: if the package remains crumpled, it is metal. If the package straightens, it is not metal.