Airline
Airline Aluminum Foil Container
Aluminum foil airline containers are food containers used by airlines and airplane meals. Aviation-grade aluminum foil containers are mostly smooth-walled foil containers with smooth, wrinkle-free surfaces, food-grade coatings (mostly white) inside, and matching lids.
As we all know, smooth wall aluminum foil containers can be used in microwave ovens. So aluminum foil containers for aviation are also microwave-safe. In order to better serve airplane passengers, YSA customizes disposable aluminum containers of different sizes and shapes according to the needs of airlines. Including aluminum foil catering containers, black gold aluminum foil containers, and multi-compartment aluminum foil containers, etc. The airline meal boxes produced by YSA factories can have your company logo printed on the bottom or lid.
Smoothwall Foil Containers For Various Applications
Wrinkle-free aluminum meal trays (typically 0.08–0.12mm thick) are the backbone of airline catering. Their smooth surfaces prevent food adhesion, while rigidity ensures structural integrity during turbulence. Common uses include:
- Hot Meal Service: Withstand oven reheating at 150–200°C without warping.
- Cold Storage: Maintain freshness at -18°C for pre-packed salads and desserts.
- Compartmentalized Trays: 3-section designs (e.g., 200mm x 150mm x 40mm) for entrées, sides, and condiments.
Advantages Over Competing Materials
Feature | Aviation Aluminum Foil | Plastic/Paper |
Weight | 0.8–1.2g per cm² | 1.5–2.5g per cm² |
Thermal Tolerance | -40°C to 250°C |  -20°C to 120°C (plastic) |
Carbon Footprint | 100% recyclable | 30% recyclability (mixed materials) |
Hygiene | Non-porous, inhibits bacterial growth | Porous surfaces risk contamination |
Fire Resistance | Non-combustible (Class A1) | Melts/emits toxic fumes |
Smooth-wall
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Buyer's Guide
2025 Smoothwall And Airline Foil Container Buyer's Guide
The global aluminum foil packaging market is projected to grow at a 5.3% CAGR from 2024 to 2029, driven by rising demand in foodservice, aviation, and ready-to-eat meal sectors. Smoothwall foil containers—known for their seamless design, superior heat retention, and leak-proof properties—are gaining traction as sustainable alternatives to plastic. This guide addresses the top 12 buyer questions based on SERP analysis of “Airline Foil Container” and “Smooth Wall Foil Container” queries.
Airline vs Smoothwall Foil Containers
Airline foil containers (AFCs) feature ribbed walls designed to withstand turbulence and stacking during air transport. They prioritize lightweight durability for pre-cooked meal logistics. Smoothwall foil containers (SWFCs), conversely, boast seamless, non-ribbed walls.
Airline foil containers are ideal for airlines, railways, and pre-packaged meals.
Smooth wall foil containers offer a sleek appearance and uniform heat distribution, preferred for high-end catering, frozen meals, and microwaveable products.
Smooth wall containers resist cracking under extreme temperatures. Airline containers often require embossed branding due to limited print space.
Key Differences:
| Feature | Airline Foil Containers | Smoothwall Containers |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | In-flight meal systems | Food delivery, catering, retail |
| Wall Design | Ribbed for stackability | Seamless for leak prevention |
| Capacity | 150–400 ml (single-serving) | 500 ml – 2 L (family/group) |
| Customization | Airline branding only | Full-color printing available |
Technical Specifications: What Buyers Must Verify
A. Material Compliance
- Alloy Choices:
Alloy | Use Case | Advantage |
3003-H14 | High-fat meal trays | Superior corrosion resistance |
1235-O | Compartmentalized trays  | Best for acidic foods (pH ≥ 4) |
8079-H19 | Deep-drawn entries | Maximum dent resistance |
- Thickness Standards:
- Airline: 0.08–0.12mm (IATA AHM 800 guidelines)
B. Certifications
- Mandatory: FDA 21 CFR 175.300, EU 10/2011 (food contact).
- Aviation-Specific: IATA CEIV Pharma for cold chain logistics.
Top 5 Buyer Questions
Q1: What Thickness Is Microwave-safe Smoothwall Foil Containers?
- Domestic Use: 0.08–0.10 mm (cost-effective, lightweight).
- Commercial Use: 0.12 mm (enhanced durability for high-heat ovens).
- Microwave-Safe: Ensure inner coating is PTFE/PFOA-free.
Q2: Airline And Smoothwall Perform In Sustainability Rankings
Both are 100% recyclable, but smooth wall foil pan’s reduced material waste improves lifecycle scores. Smoothwall aluminum foil container production emits 8% less CO₂ due to streamlined manufacturing.
Q3: Which Certifications Are Critical for EU/US Imports?
- FDA 21 CFR: Mandatory for US-bound containers.
- EU 10/2011: Ensures food-grade material compliance.
- ISO 22000: Validates hygiene management systems.
Q4: What Is The Price For 100K-unit Smooth Foil Containers
2025 Pricing: 0.12–0.18/unit (varies with thickness, coating, and logistics).
Bulk orders (500K+ units) reduce per-unit costs by 9–14%.
Q5: How To Verify Supplier Reliability
- 10+ years of OEM/ODM experience.
- On-site BRCGS audit reports.
- Minimum 98% on-time delivery rate.
- Red Flags: Lack of third-party lab test reports.
Reference Alibaba Supplier Assessment Guidelines.
Can smoothwall containers be used for freezing?
Yes, smooth-walled aluminum foil containers are perfectly suitable for freezer applications.
Smooth-walled containers can withstand temperatures as low as -40°C without cracking or warping. This meets common freezer storage conditions and meets the need for “freezer-safe aluminum foil containers.”
Thickness directly affects durability, with 40 µm being the minimum for the best resistance to brittleness. If you store bulk frozen foods, 50–60 µm is suitable for long-term storage.
Do airline foil containers require special coatings?
Nonstick coating is optional and the need depends on the type of food, reheating process and airline compliance standards.
When is a nonstick coating needed? Coatings prevent food from sticking and reacting chemically with aluminum, common with cheese, desserts or tomato products. Aluminum foil airline containers are heated multiple times in the oven, and coatings reduce scorching and simplify cleanup. 75% of airline caterers prefer coated aluminum airline containers as “easy-to-serve trays”.