A new, semi–smoothwall container range, branded as “Happy Day” by makers Contital, are produced using a new patented manufacturing process which allows the manufacturing of containers with perfectly smooth sides and base, resulting in higher non-stick properties compared to traditional formats. As food does not remain attached to the bottom of the containers there is potential for food waste reduction. This Aluminium packaging has won an Alufoil Trophy 2017 for Resource Efficiency. According to company its innovation is twofold: manufacturing a round container that is rigid, reusable and recyclable; and adopting a cold moulding process instead of the traditional turning technique. This container is important in terms as It benefits the producer through lower processing costs and line efficiencies. The retailer has a strong, lightweight, multi-use range of containers, which look better too, due to the smooth wall finish. For the consumer, it offers better cooking properties, maintains full rigidity even when hot, as well as reusability and recyclability. The cold moulding process used allows the manufacturing of containers from lower thicknesses, without losing the rigidity and resistance. This reduces aluminium consumption by about 17kg for every 1000 containers produced, resulting in 15kg of emissions savings. Cold moulding consists of pressing rolled aluminium between a concave and a convex moulding body, which is more advantageous than the traditional ‘metal spinning’ turning process, according to company. Aluminium can be bare or lacquered with thermo-resistant colour coating. Before the drawing deformation, the rolled aluminium is chemically degreased and lubricated with food grade oil. So there is no need for additional lubrication and no necessity for later rinsing before disposal. This offers a significant reduction of water waste.
