Is 8011 aluminum foil really food-grade? Why is it considered safe for direct contact with food? What standards and properties make it the top choice for food packaging? Let’s dive in.
What is 8011 Aluminum Foil?
8011 is an internationally recognized aluminum alloy designation belonging to the 8-series aluminum alloys (Al-Fe-Si system).
Its key feature is the addition of small amounts of iron and silicon to pure aluminum, enhancing its strength, corrosion resistance, and formability.
It is widely used for bottle caps, pharmaceutical packaging, and food packaging among other applications.
Is 8011 Aluminum Foil Food Grade?
Answer: Yes, 8011 aluminum foil can be produced as food-grade foil and is widely used in packaging that comes into direct contact with food.
Why is it considered food-grade? Here are the main reasons:
1. Safe and Non-Toxic Chemical Composition
8011 alloy’s main component is aluminum, with trace amounts of Fe and Si. It contains no lead, cadmium, mercury, or other heavy metals, and no volatile organic compounds, meeting international requirements for food-contact materials.
2. Stable, Inert Surface
After annealing and cleaning, aluminum foil forms a dense, stable aluminum oxide layer that prevents reactions with food ingredients. It is inert to moisture, oils, acids, and alkalis.
3. Compliance with Food-Grade Certifications
During production, 8011 aluminum foil is strictly degreased to ensure a clean, residue-free surface. It complies with FDA, EC1935, and other international standards for food-contact materials.
Key Features of 8011 Food-Grade Aluminum Foil
1. Excellent Barrier Properties
Aluminum foil is among the best barrier materials available, blocking moisture, oxygen, light, and odors to preserve food flavor and freshness.
2. Good Ductility and Formability
Easily pressed into deep-drawn containers, lid foils, or laminated flexible packaging.
3. High-Temperature Resistance
Suitable for baking, grilling, and sterilization processes without releasing harmful substances.
4. Non-Toxic and Odorless
8011 aluminum foil is inherently non-toxic and odorless. It will not impart any unwanted taste or odor to packaged food.
5. Recyclable and Eco-Friendly
Aluminum can be recycled indefinitely with high recovery rates and low energy consumption.
Typical Applications in the Food Industry
Household Foil: Everyday kitchen use for food storage, wrapping, grilling, and baking.
Food Containers and Trays: Production of disposable aluminum trays, widely used in takeout, airline meals, etc.
Flexible Packaging: For snacks, candy wrappers, dairy product lid foils.
Sealing Applications: Sealing foils for foods like yogurt lids and wine bottle caps (note: while caps themselves aren’t foil, 8011 is also used for cap stock).
How to Tell if 8011 Aluminum Foil is Food Grade?
While 8011 aluminum alloy inherently has potential for food-contact use, true food-grade 8011 aluminum foil must meet these requirements:
1. Produced using food-contact-grade melting and rolling processes
2. Strict degreasing and annealing with no oil residue
3. Surface cleanliness inspection free of black spots or oxidation marks
4. Compliance with national or customer-specific migration testing standards
5. Certified with relevant food safety documentation and test reports
MC Aluminum is a professional aluminum foil manufacturer specializing in 8011 food-grade aluminum foil. Our foil is thoroughly degreased, clean, free of black spots, pinholes, or insect contamination, and safe for direct food contact. We export to many countries and regions worldwide, offer samples, and provide factory-direct sales at competitive prices.