Aluminium Foil vs Aluminium Plating in Food Packaging: What’s the Difference?

In the food packaging industry, aluminium-based materials are widely used for their durability, barrier protection, and ability to preserve freshness. However, many people confuse aluminium foil with aluminium plating (also called aluminium coating or aluminium metallization). This article explains the differences, names, and usage in food packaging applications.

Uses of Aluminium Foil vs Aluminium Plating in Food Packaging

What is Aluminium Foil in Food Packaging?

Aluminium foil is a thin sheet of rolled aluminium, often laminated with other materials such as PET (polyester), PE (polyethylene), or paper.

Key Characteristics of Aluminium Foil

• Provides an excellent barrier against oxygen, moisture, and light.

• Maintains aroma and freshness of food.

• Commonly used in stand-up pouches, sachets, blister packs, and retort packaging.

Common Usage in Food Packaging

• Coffee, tea, and powdered drinks

• Ready-to-eat meals (retort pouches)

• Pharmaceutical blister packs

• Snack foods (chips, nuts, biscuits)

What is Aluminium Plating (Metallization / MET-PET / MET-OPP) in Food Packaging?

Aluminium plating, more commonly known as aluminium metallization or aluminium coating, is a process where a very thin layer of aluminium is deposited onto another substrate (usually PET or OPP film) using vacuum metallization. Key Characteristics of Aluminium Plating

• Provides a metallic appearance without using a full foil layer.

• Thinner and lighter than foil, reducing packaging cost.

• Still offers good barrier properties, though not as strong as full foil.

• Improves recyclability and sustainability by reducing material thickness.

Common Usage in Food Packaging

• Snack packaging (chips, confectionery)

• Instant noodle sachets

• Candy and chocolate wrappers

• Decorative outer layers for branding appeal

  
  
  
  

  

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Key Differences: Aluminium Foil vs Aluminium Plating in Food Packaging

Feature	Aluminium Foil	Aluminium Plating (Metallization)
Thickness	Thicker layer of aluminium	Ultra-thin coating
Barrier Properties	Excellent (blocks light, oxygen, moisture)	Good, but less than foil
Cost	Higher due to material usage	Lower, lightweight
Flexibility	Strong, durable	More flexible & printable
Appearance	Matte/silver finish	Shiny metallic look
Sustainability	Harder to recycle	Easier due to reduced aluminium use

Which Should You Use in Food Packaging?

• Choose Aluminium Foil when maximum protection is required — e.g., retort food, pharmaceuticals, or products with long shelf life.

• Choose Aluminium Plating (Metallization) when you want lightweight packaging, high printability, lower cost, and shiny appearance — e.g., snacks, candy, and dry goods.

Both aluminium foil and aluminium plating (metallization) play important roles in food packaging. The right choice depends on your product’s needs — foil for maximum protection and plating for cost efficiency and branding appeal.

At Autumn Home Forever SB, we provide custom food packaging solutions with both foil and metallized options, ensuring safety, quality, and brand impact.