Which Aluminum Foil for Pill Packaging Is Best?

Material Application: Pharmaceutical packaging

Product: 8011 and 8021

Project Details:

In the pharmaceutical packaging industry, aluminum foil for pill packaging has become a key material due to its exceptional barrier properties, heat resistance, and non-toxic safety features. Acting as a protective barrier between medications and the external environment, aluminum foil effectively blocks air, moisture, and light, preventing drug degradation caused by oxidation or humidity—thereby extending shelf life. As global pharmaceutical markets demand higher safety and functionality in packaging materials, selecting the right aluminum foil has become a focal point in the industry.

8011 vs. 8021 Aluminum Foil: Two Core Materials for Pill Packaging

Currently, two primary aluminum alloys—8011 and 8021—are used for pill packaging.

8011 Aluminum Foil: Known for its high cup value, strong heat-sealing strength, and excellent sealing performance, it is commonly used for flat pill packaging sheets.

8021 Aluminum Foil: Distinguished by its superior deep-drawing properties, its thickness range of 0.04–0.065mm makes it ideal for embossed capsule packaging.

Both alloys undergo rigorous safety testing, with heavy metal content strictly controlled below 0.25 ppm to ensure compliance with hygiene standards.

Performance Comparison: Balancing Barrier Properties and Mechanical Strength

Barrier Performance: Aluminum foil is impermeable to water, effectively blocking moisture and oxygen to prevent drug deterioration. Its thermal insulation properties also minimize heat-induced degradation, ensuring medication stability.

Mechanical Strength: While 8011 foil offers superior burst and puncture resistance, 8021 foil excels in deep-drawing capabilities, accommodating complex packaging structures.

In practice, pharmaceutical companies should select materials based on drug characteristics—for example, 8011 foil is better suited for moisture-sensitive drugs, while 8021 foil is preferred for capsule packaging.

Mingtai Aluminum: A Trusted Supplier for Pharmaceutical Aluminum Foil

As a global leader in aluminum foil production, Mingtai Aluminum provides customized solutions for pill packaging with its 8011-H18 and 8021-O foil products. Their foils feature:

A-grade hydrophilic surfaces, free of pinholes and oil stains.

Compliance with international safety standards, including bacterial and mold resistance tests.

An annual production capacity of 1.45 million tons, supporting global exports for businesses of all scales.

Selecting the right aluminum foil for pill packaging requires a balance of material performance, safety standards, and supplier reliability. With its technical expertise and large-scale production capabilities, Mingtai Aluminum delivers a dependable solution for the pharmaceutical packaging industry.