What types of medical aluminum foil are there?

Aluminum foil for pharmaceutical packaging

Medical aluminum foil is a special aluminum foil used in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. Its main uses include packaging, protecting and ensuring the integrity of medical products. Medicinal aluminum foil has the advantages of being non-toxic, corrosion-resistant, impermeable, heat-resistant, moisture-proof, light-resistant, and sterilizable at high temperatures, and is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry. The types of medicinal aluminum foil mainly include the following.

Blister Foil Packaging

Blister foil is one of the most common types of medical aluminum foil used in the pharmaceutical industry for packaging tablets, capsules, and pills.Blister foil is also called pharmaceutical sheet aluminum foil or capsule aluminum foil, mainly made of 8011-H18 or 8011-O aluminum foil, used for flat laying, with a thickness of 0.016 to 0.04 mm. This kind of aluminum foil is moisture-proof, easy to carry, safe and hygienic, and is mainly used for blister packaging of pharmaceutical capsules, tablets, etc.

Composition: Usually a combination of aluminum foil and a heat-sealable polymer layer (such as PVC, PVDC, or other laminates). Barrier Properties: Excellent barrier against moisture, oxygen, light, and contaminants, ensuring product stability and shelf life.

Thickness: Typically ranges between 20–30 microns, depending on the product and packaging requirements. Printing: Often printable with batch numbers, expiration dates, and product information.

Applications:Packaging of solid-dose medicines like tablets and capsules.Protects sensitive medicines from environmental factors like humidity and UV light.

Strip Foil Packaging

Strip foil is used for packaging unit doses of tablets or capsules. Unlike blister foil, it completely encloses each dose in a sealed environment. Composition: A sandwich of aluminum foil, heat-sealable lacquer, or polymer layers.

Barrier Properties: Superior protection against moisture, air, and light. Thickness: Typically ranges between 30–40 microns. Flexibility: More flexible than blister foil, making it suitable for irregularly shaped products.

Applications:Packaging highly sensitive or hygroscopic medicines that require additional protection.Used for packaging single-unit doses of pharmaceuticals.

Cold Form Foil (Alu-Alu Foil)

Cold form foil, also known as Alu-Alu foil, is a multilayer structure offering the highest barrier properties among medical aluminum foils.

Characteristics:

Composition: A laminate of aluminum foil, nylon (polyamide), and PVC layers.
Barrier Properties: 100% barrier against light, oxygen, moisture, and other gases.
Thickness: Ranges from 45–60 microns.
Durability: Provides excellent mechanical strength and puncture resistance.

Applications:

Packaging of highly sensitive and high-value pharmaceuticals.
Used for medicines requiring extended shelf life in challenging environments.

Lidding Foil

Lidding foil is a type of medical aluminum foil used as a cover or lid for pharmaceutical containers, such as blister packs, cups, or trays.

Characteristics:

Composition: Aluminum foil laminated with a heat-sealable layer.
Barrier Properties: Excellent protection against contamination and environmental exposure.
Thickness: Typically ranges from 15–30 microns.
Customization: Can be pre-printed with logos, branding, or dosage information.

Applications:

Used as a sealing material for blister packs, pre-filled syringes, and medical trays.
Ensures product integrity during storage and transportation.

Tropical Blister Foil

Tropical foil is a laminate of aluminum foil and PVC used to overwrap blister packs, offering additional protection for pharmaceutical products.

Characteristics:

Composition: Aluminum foil laminated with PVC or PVDC.
Barrier Properties: Provides an added layer of protection against moisture, air, and light.
Thickness: Generally thicker than blister foil, ranging from 40–60 microns.
Aesthetic Appeal: Often used to enhance the product’s appearance.

Applications:

Overwrapping standard blister packs for medicines sensitive to extreme environmental conditions.
Packaging of pharmaceuticals for tropical or high-humidity regions.

Peelable Foil Package

Peelable foil is a specialized type of medical aluminum foil designed for easy opening without compromising the integrity of the product.

Characteristics:

Composition: Aluminum foil with a heat-sealable, peelable coating.
User-Friendliness: Designed for easy removal by patients or healthcare professionals.
Barrier Properties: Excellent resistance to moisture, air, and light.
Thickness: Varies based on the application, typically 20–30 microns.

Applications:

Used in unit-dose packaging for convenience.
Commonly used for pre-filled syringes, vials, and medical trays.

Medical Sterilization Foil

Sterilization foil is a high-grade aluminum foil used to package medical instruments or products requiring sterilization.

Characteristics:

Composition: Aluminum foil with specialized coatings that withstand sterilization processes (e.g., steam, ethylene oxide, gamma radiation).
Barrier Properties: Provides a sterile barrier against contaminants.
Thickness: Typically thicker than standard foils, ranging from 30–50 microns.

Applications:

Packaging surgical instruments, syringes, and other sterilized medical devices.
Used in hospitals and healthcare facilities for maintaining sterile conditions.

Pharma Foil for Sachets

This type of foil is used for manufacturing sachets or pouches for powdered or liquid medications.

Characteristics:

Composition: Aluminum foil laminated with paper or polymer layers.
Barrier Properties: Excellent protection against moisture, air, and contamination.
Thickness: Varies based on the sachet’s size and purpose, typically 25–50 microns.
Flexibility: Highly flexible for sealing various sachet shapes.

Applications:

Packaging of oral rehydration salts (ORS), granules, and liquid medications.
Ideal for single-use dosage forms.

Child-Resistant Foil

Child-resistant foil is a specialized medical aluminum foil designed to prevent children from accessing pharmaceuticals.

Characteristics:

Composition: Aluminum foil with a tamper-proof laminate or sealing mechanism.
Safety Features: Incorporates a tear-resistant design or requires a specific opening mechanism.
Barrier Properties: Maintains protection against environmental factors.
Thickness: Typically thicker to enhance durability, around 50 microns or more.