What is the difference between metallized film and aluminum foil?

Metallized film and aluminum foil are both used in packaging and various other applications, but they have some key differences.

Aluminum foil is made entirely of aluminum metal, while metallized film typically consists of a thin layer of aluminum deposited onto a polymer substrate, such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or OPP (oriented polypropylene).

Aluminum foil tends to be thicker and more rigid compared to metallized film, which is usually thinner and more flexible.

Both aluminum foil and metallized film offer excellent barrier properties against moisture, oxygen, and light. However, aluminum foil generally provides a higher level of barrier protection compared to metallized film.

Aluminum foil is highly reflective and provides excellent heat insulation and light-blocking properties. Metallized film also has good reflectivity, but it may not be as effective as aluminum foil in certain applications.

Aluminum foil is typically more expensive than metallized film due to the cost of raw materials and manufacturing processes involved.

Aluminum foil is commonly used for packaging food products, pharmaceuticals, and other items that require a high level of protection from external factors. Metallized film is often used for flexible packaging, decorative purposes, insulation, and reflective applications.

While both aluminum foil and metallized film offer barrier properties and reflectivity, aluminum foil tends to provide better barrier protection and heat insulation, whereas metallized film is thinner, more flexible, and often more cost-effective for certain applications. The choice between the two depends on the specific requirements of the application, such as barrier properties, cost considerations, and flexibility needs.