Have you ever looked at aluminium foil and wondered why it has two individual sides? This is a common question, one some users might not have the answer to. We’re going to look at the irregular manufacturing fact and discover more about the foil. Then, if you want to use sustainable foils for decorative printing and more, you can speak to us.
Aluminium foil offers a complete barrier to microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses. It does the same for moisture, oxygen, and light. It’s for this reason that foils have use in food wrapping and pharmaceutical packing.
Additionally, foil is a great heat conductor. So it is utilised a lot for aseptic packing. This permits perishable goods to remain fresh with no refrigeration. It’s a non-toxic material and possesses corrosion resistance. Aluminium foil is nearly 88% reflective. So, it has use for heat exchangers, photography, and thermal insulation. This foil is very recyclable as well, making it a green choice.
The reason for the sides
As for why the foil has both a shiny and dull side, it’s not a simple marketing gimmick. Nor is it a secret technique. It is merely the outcome of the manufacturing procedure. The process of creating aluminium foils consists of rolling slabs. These are ones cast from molten aluminium in a rolling mill to get the necessary thickness. It’s because of the milling that leads to the difference between both sides.
During the operation, tension and heat get applied to stretch the foil to give it the right size and shape. To prevent the foil from breaking, you press the two foil layers together. You then mill them at the same time. Following the milling process, the two layers become separated. The sustainable foils are then ready for use.
The side that had encountered another layer turns into the “dull” sides. As for the side that was milled without meeting the other layer, it’s the “shiny” side. It is entirely because of existing manufacturing methods for the foil that lead to it having two sides.
Is there any difference?
With the debate on whether there is any difference between the two sides, it’s been ongoing for a long time. People argue over what the “correct” side is. In reality, there isn’t a universal answer. Both work well for cooking and other jobs. Choosing a certain side to use is down to your needs. For instance, you may want to keep the shiny side up to help in jobs that call for reflective exteriors.
The only real difference is the non-stick coating. Aluminium foil’s dull side tends to be more non-stick if you compare to the shiny side. If your efforts call for a non-stick foil, make use of the dull side.
The foil industry
The use of foil is growing at an impressive rate. Extensive research and technological advancements are paving the way for fresh opportunities to utilise it. It’s also being mixed with flexible films to provide durable, lightweight packaging. It can expand during production then contract following consumption of the product; this leads to easier recycling and a reduction in waste.
Sustainable foils you can count on
At Foiling Services, the products we provide can deliver spectacular results in terms of appearance and performance. When you use quality foils, the same goes for environmental sustainability too.
As far as sustainable foils go, we are the top choice to help you. So, let us know what you are planning and we’ll advise you.