With aluminum ranking amongst the world's most abundant metals, aluminum food packaging has become a popular choice for many in the food industry. The aluminum industry, itself, has made a huge impact on the American culture with individuals and companies working together to reserve, recycle, and reuse aluminum products. Metal packaging such as aluminum food containers, metal food boxes and metal food tins ranks second only to transportation in consumer usage. Product producers and consumers are becoming more aware of the advantages of using foil over other packaging material and the innovative use of metal cans far exceeds that of glass and plastic.

Creative packaging has definitely enhanced the process of food manufacturing and distribution. Through metal food containers, food products can now be contained, protected and displayed in a manner that meets the need of the product as well as the approval of manufacturers and consumers. Optimal food packaging meets the following criteria:

1. Cost-effective from food packaging suppliers

2. Sustainable

3. Versatile

4. Convenient

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get information on aluminum and metal food packaging supplies basics

Knowledge of the trends of an industry is key to the successful development of any product. Keep abreast of the aluminum and metal food packaging supplies industry by subscribing to newsletters and magazines and participating in online forums.

I recommend: Global Industry Analysts offers a business report analyzing worldwide markets for metal packaging represented in U.S dollars. Sam Davyson's research project sheds much light and insight about aluminum and its development and uses. Subscribe to Key to Metals to keep abreast of the latest information in the metal packaging industry. Get the latest industry news through Advantage Business Media.

Locate metal packaging scrap suppliers

Finding a good metal scrap supplier helps alleviate production stress. A good supplier helps manufacturers meet production quota by delivering quality scraps in a timely fashion.

I recommend: The IQS Directory lists several suppliers of aluminum. You can request a quote as a time-saving option. Crown Holdings lists the facts and benefits of using metal cans.

Locate recyclers of aluminum packaging scraps

Having a plan for metal scraps is essential to the success of food packaging suppliers. Establishing a recycling program helps businesses effectively eliminate metal scraps while considering the protection of the environment.

I recommend: Connecticut Metal Industries buys aluminum packaging scrap. Harmony Enterprises offers specialized baling equipment for aluminum scrap and can recycling.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Innovative packaging solutions have made the production of metal and aluminum food packaging a profitable industry. Packaging manufacturers should not only stay abreast of industry news and trends and work with a good scrap supplier but must make certain that all manufacturing equipment is properly maintained in order to maximize metal packaging production.

Aluminum is one of the most common materials for manufacturing storage containers for comestibles, from aluminum pie tins to pop-top aluminum soda cans. Aluminum food containers are easy and inexpensive to manufacture, and keep food safely preserved for months and even years.

Aluminum food packaging has benefited from many recent innovations, and new and more convenient types of metal packaging will continue to emerge for food and drinks in the future. For now, look for the packaging that fits your size and accessibility needs best.

1. Look for aluminum packaging designed for beverages.

2. Browse different types of metal food containers.

3. Shop different types of closures for metal containers.

4. Shop decorative metal tins and closeable aluminum to-go boxes for specialty needs.

5. Check out metal packaging machines for the canning and bottling process.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Look for metal packaging designed for beverages

Several types of metal packaging exist for storing and preserving drinks. While the pop-top aluminum can is the most common type of aluminum beverage container, you can also find peel-off tab cans (usually smaller in size than other aluminum cans) and even aluminum bottles.

I recommend: Browse the types of aluminum beverage cans to see what options exist for the metal packaging of drinks. You can also browse different beverage cans by size to select the container that best fits your packaging needs.

Browse different types of metal food packaging supplies

Aluminum food containers come in multiple types of cans in a wide variety of sizes. Typically, there are two-piece cans and three-piece cans available in several different volume sizes. You will typically need to select a can type and size separately from an end closure.

I recommend: Browse both two-piece cans and three-piece cans when looking for a basic aluminum food container. You may have a chance to select a type of end closure when you buy the cans, or you may have to select end closures for food packaging supplies separately, so check what pieces are included in a metal food container.

Select appropriate closures for your metal food containers

Typically, metal food containers are capped with either twist-off threaded lids or tabs that pop or peel off. A wider selection of specialty closures are becoming available, however, including resealable and easier to open lids.

I recommend: Many aluminum food containers such as food and beverage cans come with end closures attached, so you don't need to worry about selecting a closure separately. Metal twist closures are good for glass food packaging, however, and you can buy these independently.

Shop metal tins and to-go boxes for special metal packaging needs

Metal food tins offer a wide range of options for decorative food packaging and easily packed and transported to-go packaging. Certain types of food industries, specifically small, privately-owned bakeries and restaurants, may find food packaging tins a more personalized and convenient use of metal packaging.

I recommend: Decorative metal tins are a great choice for small bakeries to use because they provide a personalized touch for the products being packaged. Aluminum round to-go boxes are also useful for restaurants who need a take-away solution for quick metal packaging.

Don't forget the metal packaging machines

If you're doing your own food packaging, you'll need a machine for the packaging process. Some food packaging suppliers sell both canning and bottling materials and machinery for canning and bottling. Specialized machinery may require the use of certain types of food packaging materials, and may not be compatible with all types of packaging.

I recommend: Get capping machines for any types of food packaging process if you do your own food processing on a large scale. If you are doing your own canning on a smaller scale, you may find it more feasible to use glass containers with metal lids rather than all aluminum packaging that requires a machine.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Purchase food packaging supplies in bulk even if you only have small-scale needs such as take-out boxes or holiday tins. Metal food containers can be stored for years and used as needed.

Using aluminum and metal food packaging supplies is a smart move for those in the food industry. Packaging is an important element in the success of any product, including food items. With consumers making more buying decisions at point of sale, food packagers should understand that marketing communication no longer lies with the advertisement of the product but with the actual purchase. In order to make the greatest consumer impact, food packaging needs to be versatile.

Metal packaging is not only economical, it is practical and convenient. An aluminum container provides a way of containing while protecting. The aroma and flavor of the food remains inside the package and outside contaminates cannot permeate inside. Although many packaging options remain available to those in the food packaging industry, more and more food companies are realizing the benefits of using aluminum and metal packaging. To make a wise decision concerning food packaging supplies, ask yourself the following:

1. Are your food packaging supplies eco-friendly?

2. Does the packaging meet all government regulations?

3. Does the packaging match the purpose of the product?

4. Is the food container safe, convenient and economical for the consumer?

5. Is the package senior-friendly/childproof?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use knowledge of food packaging supplies to re-evaluate your food packaging decisions

Information on food packaging supplies is available through industry newsletters and magazines. Knowing the facts helps you to make an informed decision about your own food packaging needs.

I recommend: IDS Publishing offers a wealth of information on food and beverage packaging. Browse white papers, case studies and company exhibits, participate in forums, or sign up for a newsletter concerning industry trends. Sign up for Food and Beverage Packaging magazine, newsletters and expos through BnP Media. Subscribe to Food Product Design Magazine through Virgo Publishing.

Use metal or aluminum packaging supplies to create a professional appearance

There are a variety of metal food containers on the market today. Consider functionality, economical, practicality, and sustainability when choosing the best product for your business.

I recommend: Shopzilla lists aluminum food containers from several suppliers, making it a simple matter to compare and choose what is best for your needs. Loveshaw Industries offers specialized packaging equipment for a variety of food facilities. Winter-Wolff International is a prime supplier of materials and equipment, including specialty foils.

Use metal food containers to promote your business

Aluminum tins, aluminum food trays, aluminum pie tins and other metal food tins can be purchased as is or can imprinted with your company's name and logo. Customized metal containers can become a collector's item. Some companies offer several branding options to help you differentiate your product. Gaining insight on how to promote your business through branding can be profitable.

I recommend: Learn about branding from articles and white papers by Dave Dolak. Sign up with TinsPlus to receive information on customized metal containers, industry news, and discounts. Sign up for the Packaging Rap Newsletter through SKS Bottle and Packaging.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Excelling in the food industry can be a challenge. Not only must the product itself appeal to the consumer and meet FDA standards, the packaging of the product speaks volumes. Many companies working with aluminum and metal food packaging supplies opt to hire a professional packaging designer to help them create optimal packaging for their particular needs.