Film & Foil
Typical surface characteristics of aluminium foil uniformly explained
T
o help packaging manufacturers and other end users understand the different visual characteristics which may occur on the surface of the aluminium foil they receive for printing, laminating and converting, the European Aluminium Foil Association (EAFA) has created an illustrated catalogue explaining these.
The catalogue lists typical surface characteristics which may occur on finished rolls of aluminium foil. These include scratches, spots, stains, gloss differences and roll marks. Others such as stripes and stains have been sub- divided to show different types of these respective characteristics. Each characteristic is clearly illustrated and accompanied by an explanation of the possible root causes. The catalogue is intended to help foil rollers and their customers to communicate "in a common language", since quite frequently there is a problem when the parties involved have a different understanding of the terms used to describe these characteristics. This publication, which is available online and can be downloaded, should help both sides to identify the respective surface detail in the same way and thus be able to talk about the same phenomenon. These terms are available in English, German, Italian, Spanish and French. The European Aluminium Foil Association is the main trade association, specifically representing companies engaged in the rolling and rewinding of aluminium foil and the manufacturing of semi-rigid alufoil containers and household foil in Europe. With its more than 40 members, the organisation represents the total aluminium foil rolling market in Europe. Founded in 1974 it has its roots in associations dating back to the 1920s. The association's activities on behalf of its members include the compilation and sharing of statistical information,
market research, generic PR, and promoting aluminium foil and developing the interests of the foil manufacturing and converting industry with third parties. Sustainability issues are high on the agenda for both aluminium foil and flexible packaging and activities include
environmental lobbying for flexible packaging on European level. Food contact is another area in which the association is active. EAFA is active is promoting the European foil and flexible packaging industry internationally and creating relationships with sister associations around the globe.
usurface.alufoil.org
market leading aluminium foil tray manufacturer, i2r Packaging Solutions, is celebrating once again, having been awarded a coveted Alufoil Trophy 2020 in the Resource Efficiency category. The company secured the prestigious accolade for its multi-award winning smoothwall container, i2r Ultra. The Alufoil Trophy competition is
i2r wins Alufoil Trophy with container F
ollowing their recent triumph in being honoured with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade,
compression and tension tests conducted against the relevant ISO standard. On the base of the tray, an 'Alu' recyclable logo is included, together with a 'rinse & recycle' message, both of which provide the consumer with a clear and strong environmental call-to-action.
organised by EAFA (the European Aluminium Foil Association), as a showcase for excellence and innovation using aluminium foil. The competition is open to products that are either made from aluminium foil or contain aluminium foil as part of a laminate, structure or packaging system, as well as aluminium closures.
READY TO COOK As a highly innovative range of smoothwall containers, i2r Ultra is used for packaging high quality 'ready to cook' convenience products, including red meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, BBQ food and desserts. Key features used in the design of the tray include: a new hexagonal base emboss, which adds a significant amount of additional strength, together with an overall
convertermag.com
reduction in pack weight; wall to base ribbing, which also increased structural strength, as well as further reducing weight; and a structural step to add strength to the flange. In its development, the design went through a protracted process using finite element analysis (FEA) predictive software and thereafter independent scientific testing and validation, including
JUDGING THE WINNER Commenting on i2r’s entry, head of the judges, Veith Behrmann, Group Packaging Manager for Nestlé Nespresso, says: “Often we do not appreciate how much thought and effort goes into improving aluminium foil containers. Here, even small things can make a big difference. “The pack has gone through a
transformational rethink, which has resulted in a stronger container using 10 per cent less material. That is a significant and sustainable achievement worthy of recognition.” Jon West, i2r’s commercial director, adds:
“We are proud of our history of innovation and we are delighted to receive this award for our i2r Ultra product. Reducing packaging by design and increasing awareness of recyclability is an essential element of our business ethos.”
ui2rps.com September 2020 41
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