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.
