In the sophisticated world of beer packaging, the bottle neck label not only serves as a brand's face but also offers a degree of security. Aluminum foil-the core material that supports this tiny space-is the preferred choice for bottle neck labels. Among various materials, 8011 and 1235 aluminum foil are the most popular. Each has its own unique characteristics and holds a significant position in the global beer packaging market.
8011 aluminum foil is an Al-Fe-Si alloy with high mechanical strength and excellent ductility. In the annealed state, 8011 aluminum foil boasts a tensile strength of 60-100 MPa and an elongation of at least 2%, ensuring resistance to breakage during processing while meeting the formability requirements for beer bottle neck labels. Its bright, smooth surface makes it ideal for color printing, fine embossing, and hot stamping. It performs reliably on high-speed stamping lines, making it suitable for packaging high-end beer and gift boxes.
1235 aluminum foil is a 1000 series high-purity aluminum with an aluminum content of at least 99.35%. In the annealed state, 1235 aluminum foil boasts a tensile strength of 40-85 MPa and an elongation of at least 2%, demonstrating excellent conformability and formability. It can tightly wrap around various bottle neck shapes without wrinkling or loosening, and its extremely low pinhole content ensures integrity and aesthetics in humid and low-temperature environments. Due to its non-toxic, odorless and food-grade safety characteristics, 1235 aluminum foil is widely used in popular beer neck labels and paper-aluminum-film composite structures.
Why Beer Bottles Need Aluminum Neck Labels
This small design serves several key purposes:
Sealing & Protection: While the bottle cap provides primary sealing, the aluminum neck foil prevents dust, bacteria, and light from entering the bottle neck area, ensuring cleanliness of the cap and neck.
Aesthetics & Branding: The smooth texture and printable surface of aluminum foil provide rich visual design options, enhancing brand recognition.
Anti-Counterfeiting: Unique neck label designs increase the difficulty of counterfeiting, helping consumers identify genuine products.
Ease of Opening: Some designs help consumers grip the neck better, and occasionally assist in removing the bottle cap.
Product Information for Beer Label Aluminum Foils
Alloy | 8011 Aluminum Foil | 1235 Aluminum Foil |
Temper | O (soft), H14, H16 | O (soft) |
Thickness | 0.010-0.025 mm | 0.006-0.009 mm |
Width | 200-1500 mm | 200-1600 mm |
Length | Customizable | |
ID | 76 / 152 mm | |
MOQ | 1-3 tons |
Mechanical Properties
Alloy | 8011 | 1235 |
Tensile Strength | 80-150 MPa | 60-100 MPa |
Pinhole Rate (0.015 mm) | ≤50 / m² | ≤100 / m² |
Surface Tension | ≥34 mN/m | ≥32 mN/m |
Thickness Tolerance | ±0.001 mm | ±0.002 mm |
8011 vs. 1235: Distinct Roles in Beer Bottle Neck Labels
In the production of beer neck labels, 8011 and 1235 are the two most commonly used foil grades. Their characteristics determine their different focuses in application.
8011 Aluminum Foil: Balanced Ductility and Strength
8011 occupies about 70% of the global alcohol label aluminum market, and its competitiveness comes from three advantages:
Fe-Si Alloy Reinforcement: 0.5-1.0% iron forms FeAl₃ intermetallics, raising tensile strength to 80-150 MPa, far above pure aluminum’s 60-100 MPa.
Deep Draw Compatibility: Annealed O temper elongation ≥3%, allowing high-speed stamping of embossed logos without tearing.
Cost Efficiency: Per-ton price is 15-20% lower than 1235, ideal for large beer producers with annual demands exceeding 1 billion labels.
1235 Aluminum Foil: Purity and Barrier Performance
When craft beers aim for “bottle-as-art,” 1235 is the foil of choice due to its extreme purity:
Ultra-High Purity: Aluminum content ≥99.35%; heavy metal migration is nearly zero. Certified for food contact by FDA / GB 4806.11, ensuring it is non-toxic, tasteless, and does not affect beer flavor.
Mirror Finish: Very low impurities (Fe ≤0.05%), electrochemical polishing can reach 85% reflectivity, enhancing hot-stamping effects.
Barrier Function: Although neck labels are not primarily for barrier purposes, high-purity 1235 provides excellent light and gas resistance, offering extra protection for the beer under the cap.