What Is Rigid Aluminum Foil?
Rigid aluminum foil is a type of aluminum foil product processed through specific hardening treatments to achieve higher strength and rigidity compared to ordinary soft aluminum foil. It can independently support the structure of containers without deformation, effectively protecting the contents inside.
Rigid aluminum foil is commonly used in food trays, baking trays, catering takeaway containers, and industrial packaging trays. It is favored for its stable performance, good thermal conductivity, and moderate cost.
Key Features of Rigid Aluminum Foil
1. High Strength and Hardness:
Provides excellent load-bearing capacity in tray packaging without easily deforming or collapsing.
2. Excellent Heat Resistance:
Capable of withstanding high temperatures in ovens and steamers, making it ideal for both cooking and reheating.
3. Corrosion and Oxidation Resistance:
Maintains chemical stability even after long-term contact with food or liquids, ensuring food safety.
4. Good Thermal Conductivity:
Enables uniform heat distribution, suitable for baking, roasting, and heating ready meals.
5. Environmentally Friendly & Recyclable:
Made from recyclable aluminum materials, aligning with sustainability and green packaging initiatives.
6. Good Formability and Appearance:
Easily stamped or molded into complex and aesthetically appealing shapes and sizes, customizable for various tray designs.
Recommended Aluminum Alloys
Rigid aluminum foil is usually made from 1060, 3003, or 8011 food-grade aluminum alloys.
These alloys feature excellent barrier properties, thermal conductivity, and formability, making them ideal for food packaging applications.
Typical thickness ranges from 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm - the thicker the foil, the greater its load-bearing capacity.
Technical Specifications of Rigid Aluminum Foil
| Alloy | 1060, 3003, 8011 |
| Thickness | 0.2mm - 0.6mm |
| Width | 200mm - 1200mm |
| Length (Coil Form) | 100m - 5000m |
| Surface Treatment | Anodizing / Food-grade coating / Polishing / Brushing |
| Maximum Load Capacity | 5kg – 20kg |
| Temperature Resistance | -40°C to 250°C (oven and steamer safe) |
| Thermal Conductivity | 220 – 235 W/(m·K) |
| Recyclability | 100% recyclable |
| Applications | Cake trays, food containers, packaging trays, baking molds |
| MOQ | 1–3 tons |
Applications of Rigid Aluminum Foil
1. Airline and High-Speed Rail Catering:
Ideal for standardized, heatable, and high-barrier meal packaging trays.
2. Takeout and Fast-Food Packaging:
Used for premium takeaway meals that enhance product presentation and heat retention.
3. Baking Industry:
Perfect for disposable molds such as tart trays, cake molds, and bread pans.
4. Frozen and Ready Meals:
Suitable for frozen or pre-cooked meals that can go directly into ovens or steamers.
Rigid Aluminum Foil vs. Other Packaging Materials
| Feature | Rigid Aluminum Foil Trays | Plastic Containers | Paper Containers |
| Heat Resistance | Excellent (-20°C to 260°C) | Moderate | Limited |
| Barrier Performance | Superior | Average | Poor |
| Recyclability | Fully recyclable | Partially recyclable | Recyclable but prone to contamination |
| Typical Applications | Baking trays, food processing, cold-chain transport | Takeaway and short-term storage | Single-use food packaging |