Tobacco is a perishable and often expensive consumer product and requires packaging that delivers it to the consumer in the very best of condition. Aluminum foil has been an integral part of this process since the 1950s.

The packaging of tobacco products calls for a careful balance between the protection of a sensitive and aromatic natural product and the presentation of brands striving for individual identity and appeal.

Aluminum foil has become the preferred barrier material, particularly for the inner liner of cigarette packets. This is because it combines the ability to retain the characteristic aroma peculiar to each blend and brand, within a unique quality of ‘feel’ and appearance which is light, robust and easy to re-seal.An aluminum foil/paper laminate also offers mechanical qualities not available in alternative materials.

Cigarette inner liners

Liners are the most familiar and significant use of aluminum foil due to its unique combination of barrier, embossing, dead fold and web strength properties.

The total barrier nature of an aluminum foil laminate is well illustrated by the retention of the added aroma when menthol is added to a cigarette liner laminate. The aluminum foil enables the menthol to permeate within the tobacco but prevents it from escaping to the outside of the pack. Also, added product identity can be given by the use of embossed designs – textures, lacquer colours and logos.