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Aluminum Foil
Maximum oxygen barrier. Required for wet food, high-fat products.
Grease barrier
★★★★★
O₂ barrier
★★★★★
Cost tier
$$$
Eco rating
★★★
Best For
Wet pet food, freeze-dried, high-fat products, retort-ready applications
Not Ideal For
Budget DTC launches where cost per unit is the primary constraint
Typical Structure
PET / ALU foil / PE (typical 3-layer food structure)
Expected Shelf Life
18–24 months for dry high-fat; 12–18 months for wet formats
Certifications & Compliance
- FDA food-contact
- Retort-compatible options available
FAQ
Is foil the same as Mylar?
Mylar is a brand of PET film; in packaging, "foil bags" usually mean aluminum foil laminate structures with PET outer print layer.
When is foil mandatory?
When product fat content is high, moisture sensitivity is extreme, or shelf life beyond 12 months is required without refrigeration.
