Aluminum foil containers are widely used in the Middle East and Africa for food packaging, catering, and takeaway services due to their durability, heat resistance, and eco-friendly properties. As demand grows, manufacturers and exporters must understand the key requirements for aluminum foil containers in these regions, including material standards, sizing preferences, certifications, and market trends.
In this article, we explore:
- Material and thickness standards for MEA markets
- Popular sizes and shapes in food packaging
- Halal and food safety certifications
- Market trends and sustainability demands
Understanding the specific requirements for aluminum foil containers in the Middle East and Africa is crucial for manufacturers and exporters looking to enter these markets. Let’s start.
Middle East And Africa Market
| Main Areas | Â Middle East | UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain |
| Â Africa | South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Algeria |
The Middle East and Africa region presents a favorable market for aluminum foil food packaging due to several factors:
Rising food delivery and takeaway services — The growth of online food delivery platforms like Talabat, Deliveroo, and Jumia Food has increased the need for disposable aluminum containers.
Expanding hospitality sector — Hotels, restaurants, and catering businesses prefer aluminum foil trays with lids for their durability and heat retention properties.
Eco-friendly packaging trends — Governments and consumers are shifting from plastic to recyclable aluminum foil containers to reduce environmental impact.
Material And Thickness Standards For MEA Foil Pan
Alloy And Thickness
The MEA region has strict requirements for food-grade aluminum foil containers to ensure safety and durability. Preferred alloy types:
- 8011, 3003, and 3004 (most common for food packaging)
- Higher-grade alloys (e.g., 8079) for premium foodservice applications
Thickness Standards:
- Standard disposable containers (0.06–0.08mm) – Common for takeaway meals
- Heavy-duty containers (0.10–0.12mm) – Used for grilling and reheating
- Ultra-thick foil trays (0.15mm+) – Ideal for commercial kitchens
Heat Resistance And Durability
MEA buyers prioritize heat-resistant aluminum foil due to:
- Hot climate—needs strong heat retention
- Oven & grill compatibility—requires warp-resistant materials
- Microwave safety—no metal sparking risks
MEA buyers prefer disposable containers with thermal conductivity above 250°C.
Popular Containers In Middle East And Africa Market
Below is a detailed introduction to some of the most popular aluminum foil container models in the region, including their sizes, shapes, capacities, and common uses.
- Round Containers：8389，8342，83185.
- Rectangular Containers：308，400.
- Compartmentalized Trays: P255, P255，P345，P430，P545.
| Model | Shape | Size (cm) | Thickness (mm) | Material | Key Use Cases | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8389 | Round | Ø18 × H3.5 | 0.08 | 8011 | Rice, desserts | Lightweight |
| 8342 | Square | 17×12×4 | 0.09 | 3003 | Grilled meats | Oven-safe |
| 83185 | Deep round | 21×15×6 | 0.12 | 3004 | Whole chicken, Mandi rice | Leak-proof |
| 308 | Rectangular | 26×18×2.5 | 0.07 | 8011 | Bread, pizza base | Ultra-flat |
| 400 | Round lid | Ø20 | 0.06 | 8011 | Food covers | Easy-peel |
| P255 | Compartment | 22×16×3 (2/3 sections) | 0.10 | 8079 | Meal combos | Anti-mixing |
| P345 | Snap-lock | 18×12×5 | 0.11 | 3003 | Curries, sauces | Leak-resistant |
| P430 | Large deep | 30×20×8 | 0.15 | 3004 | Large BBQ events | Reusable |
| P545 | Extra-deep | 28×18×10 | 0.13 | 3003 | Biryani, group meals | Reinforced rim |
Certification For Middle East And Africa
Hala Caterification (Mandatory For Middle East)
- Required in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran, Egypt
- Ensures compliance with Islamic food handling standards
Obtain Halal certification from recognized bodies (e.g., ESMA, GAC, JAKIM).
International Food Safety Standards
- ISO 22000: Global food safety management
- FDA/EU standards: Ensures non-toxic materials
- SASO Certification (Saudi Arabia): Mandatory for Gulf markets
Product Category
Middle East
- Golden or Silver Coatings: Popular for wedding/event catering.
- Compartment Trays: E.g., P255 models for Arabic mezze (hummus, falafel separation).
- Reinforced Rims: Prevent bending during transport (e.g., P545 for large biryani orders).
Africa
- Flat-Pack Designs: Minimize shipping costs for distributors (e.g., 308 rectangular trays).
- Multi-Use Lids: Replace plastic wraps (e.g., 400 round lids for Nigeria’s “takeaway fufu” market).
Middle East buyers prioritize durability, heat resistance, and Halal compliance in aluminum foil containers. Models like 8342 (grilling), 83185 (large portions), and P345 (sauces) dominate the market.
