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Aluminium is ubiquitous in food packaging – particularly in the frozen food sector. Aluminium trays have long been considered a practical standard solution for frozen baked goods and convenience products. However, growing awareness of aluminium intake through food is increasingly prompting manufacturers to explore alternatives. A customer from the food industry faced exactly this challenge – and found a technically convincing solution with BRANOboard (Blechrein baking board) from BRANOpac, one that fits seamlessly into existing production processes.
The Most Important Facts about BRANOboard at a Glance
- BRANOboard is suitable for freezing and can be used directly from frozen storage in the oven at temperatures up to 220 °C.
- The material is food-safe and meets the requirements for food contact materials.
- Excellent release properties ensure clean separation of food after baking.
- Individual formats and custom printing available – tailored to every production line.
Aluminium in Food Packaging – An Underestimated Risk
Aluminium is one of the most abundant metals in the earth's crust and present in many areas of everyday life. In food packaging, it is valued for its barrier properties, formability, and heat resistance. What was rarely questioned for a long time is now receiving greater attention: the migration of aluminium from packaging materials into food.
The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has noted in various statements that aluminium intake through food can exceed the tolerable weekly intake for certain consumer groups. Particularly acidic, salty, or moist foods promote the release of aluminium ions from packaging materials. For food manufacturers who prioritise quality and consumer trust, this is an increasingly relevant factor – both from a health and a regulatory perspective.
Why Aluminium Trays Are Particularly Problematic in the Frozen Food Sector
In the frozen food sector, aluminium trays are often used throughout the entire product lifecycle: from filling and freezing through storage and transport to reheating by the end consumer. This prolonged contact between aluminium and food creates ideal conditions for migration processes.
In addition, many frozen products are baked directly in the aluminium tray – at temperatures that can further promote the release of aluminium. Particularly for baked goods with moist dough, acidic fillings, or salty ingredients, the migration potential increases. For manufacturers who wish to comprehensively demonstrate the quality and safety of their products, the question increasingly arises: does it really have to be aluminium?
The Requirements: What a Suitable Alternative Must Deliver
Switching from aluminium trays to an alternative material is not a trivial decision. In industrial frozen food production, packaging materials must meet a range of demanding requirements:
- Suitability for freezing: The material must remain stable at sub-zero temperatures and withstand moisture.
- Oven suitability: Directly from the freezer into the oven – without repacking, without loss of performance.
- Food safety: Full compliance with the requirements for food contact materials.
- Release properties: Clean separation of food after baking – no product loss.
- Process compatibility: The alternative must integrate into existing production lines.
- Individual adaptability: Formats and printing must be customisable to the brand and product range.
BRANOboard in Use: Properties and Advantages of the Blechrein Baking Board
BRANOboard is a specially developed baking board designed for use in the food industry – covering both frozen and baking applications. The key properties at a glance:
Oven-suitable up to +220 °C
BRANOboard is suitable for direct oven use at temperatures up to 220 °C. The material is also designed for the frozen food sector, so products can go straight from cold storage into the oven without any additional repacking step.
Excellent release properties
BRANOboard offers very good release properties: the material enables clean separation of food after baking. This can reduce waste and ensure a consistent product appearance.
Food-safe
BRANOboard meets the requirements for food contact materials. Use in direct contact with food is permitted – a key criterion for any manufacturer seeking to remain on the safe side of regulatory requirements.
Individual formats and custom printing
BRANOboard is not off the shelf. Formats can be tailored to specific product requirements and machine dimensions. Custom printing is also available – an added value for manufacturers who use packaging as part of their brand communication.
Result: Less Aluminium, Same Process Efficiency
The switch from aluminium trays to BRANOboard was implemented in the described application without significant modifications to the existing production line. The material integrated into existing processes and delivered consistent results from the very first use.
Aluminium contamination in the frozen food sector could be specifically reduced through the use of the aluminium-free baking board. At the same time, product quality, release performance, and process speed remained at the usual level. For the customer, this was proof that an alternative to aluminium trays need not mean compromise – provided the material has the right properties.
Are you looking for a food-safe alternative to aluminium trays for your frozen food production? BRANOboard (Blechrein baking board) is suitable for freezing and oven use up to 220 °C – individually adaptable in format and print. Get in touch – we are happy to advise you.
Get in touch nowAluminium can migrate from packaging materials into food – a process particularly promoted by acidic, salty, or moist foods, as well as heat exposure. In the frozen food sector, the contact period between packaging and food is often especially long, which increases the migration potential.
One increasingly used alternative is specially developed baking boards that are suitable for both frozen storage and oven use. They are made from board with an appropriate coating, are food-safe, and can be individually adapted. BRANOboard (Blechrein baking board) from BRANOpac is one example of such a solution.
The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has noted that aluminium intake through food can exceed the tolerable weekly intake for certain consumer groups. The BfR therefore recommends minimising contact between aluminium and food – particularly acidic or salty foods – as far as possible.
Packaging for frozen baked goods must be suitable for freezing, withstand temperature fluctuations, and meet the requirements for food contact materials. For direct oven use, sufficient temperature resistance is also required – as well as good release properties so that the product can be cleanly removed after baking.
Yes. BRANOboard is available in individual formats and can be provided with custom printing – ideal for manufacturers who wish to use their packaging as part of their brand communication.