The International Aluminum Institute (IAI) launched the latest in the series of product-related sustainability websites, highlighting the advantages of the use of aluminum in packaging. Recognizing the demand from customers, consumers and policymakers around the world for up-to-date and easy to access information, the IAI has developed the site, http://packaging.world-aluminium.org, to demonstrate the economic, social and environmental benefits of aluminum packaging solutions.

The website features interactive content based on the IAI’s lifecycle research and examples of the full range of aluminum packaging applications. It also provides credible and accurate life cycle data, which underpins and supports the aluminum industry’s sustainability strategy of reducing the environmental impact of its facilities, increasing the use of aluminum in energy saving applications and maximizing the recycling of products at the end of their useful life.

This website has been designed for the general public, public policymakers and the customers of the aluminum industry. The user will find credible and accurate data, which underpin and support the aluminum industry’s sustainability and the sustainability of its products.

Aluminum foil packaging is the lightest material to offer a complete barrier to light, gases and moisture and can help to extend the life of products. By enabling products to be preserved for long periods without the need for refrigeration, aluminum packaging helps to prevent spoilage and can provide large energy savings.

Aluminum in packaging applications saves more resources than are needed in its production. Various Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) show that aluminum packaging contributes less than 10% of the environmental impact in a product‘s lifecycle, yet prevent spoilage and therefore save the resources that went into farming, transporting and preparing the contents.

Aluminum’s diverse range of finishes plus its compatibility with all printing technologies provides designers with enormous scope to create packaging with stunning graphic design, shelf presence and brand identity.

Aluminum has a thermal conductivity at the top of the range for metallic alloys, making it ideal for applications that minimize heating and chilling times and energies, such as a cold drink can or a ready-meal foil tray.

Lightweight aluminum packaging helps save resources during the transport and storage of the protected product and the packaging itself, both to the consumer and at the end of the packaging life.

The formability of aluminum allows for the manufacture of shape holding foil applications, eye catching aerosol containers and branded drinks cans. The metal’s malleability also means that aluminum foil can be easily deformed without losing its barrier integrity.

The aluminum drinks can is the most recycled beverage container in the world and most aluminum foil applications are fully recyclable as well. Aluminum foil applications that are not recycled can be incinerated for energy recovery and the metal even recovered from incinerator bottom ash.

Aluminum foil is completely sterile thanks to the high temperature annealing production process. It is safe for use in contact with foodstuffs and pharmaceuticals and doesn’t harbor or promote the growth of bacteria.