When it comes to sustainability in food packaging, not all materials are created equal. While many options claim to be recyclable, few are actually recycled at scale. Aluminium stands out as one of the most widely recycled and truly circular packaging materials in the world.
For food manufacturers, retailers, and caterers, switching to aluminium packaging isn’t just a sustainable choice—it’s a smart one.
What Makes Aluminium So Recyclable?
Unlike multilayer plastics or compostable packaging that require special conditions, aluminium is:
- 100% recyclable without loss of quality
- Infinitely recyclable—it can be reused over and over
- Accepted in nearly all kerbside recycling schemes in the UK
Because of its material purity and high scrap value, aluminium has one of the highest recycling rates of any food packaging substrate.
Low Impact, High Return
Recycling aluminium requires up to 95% less energy than producing it from raw materials. That translates to significantly lower carbon emissions and a reduced environmental footprint.
When you use aluminium trays or containers, you're not only reducing landfill waste—you’re contributing to a closed-loop system that keeps materials in use and out of nature.
Clear Labelling Matters
To support recycling efforts, we ensure all of our aluminium packaging is clearly labelled and compatible with local recycling streams. Many of our products are also mono-material, making separation and sorting even easier for both consumers and waste processors.
Part of a Circular Economy
More and more food businesses are prioritising circular packaging systems—and aluminium fits right in. It’s durable, lightweight, and easy to recover and reuse at scale.
At Coppice, we supply a range of aluminium food containers and trays designed not only for performance, but for long-term sustainability too.
Learn More About Aluminium Applications and Performance
Want to understand how aluminium packaging performs across freezing, baking, sealing, and hot-hold applications? Our dedicated page covers the full technical overview—including performance in production environments, compatibility with sealing systems, and usage across sectors like QSR, retail, and manufacturing.
Read the full breakdown here:
Aluminium Food Containers – Applications & Specs
Frequently Asked Questions About Aluminium Food Containers
Yes. Coppice aluminium containers are certified oven-safe and can withstand temperatures up to 220°C. They’re ideal for cooking, reheating, and hot-hold applications.
Yes. Our trays are engineered for freezer-to-oven convenience. Just ensure the tray isn’t tightly sealed and allow for safe thermal expansion.
Absolutely. Aluminium is 100% recyclable and can be reused endlessly without loss of quality. It’s widely accepted in UK kerbside recycling collections.
Yes. Many Coppice trays are air fryer-compatible—perfect for reheating or crisping smaller portions. Just ensure there’s proper airflow around the tray.
In general, aluminium is not microwave-safe in standard domestic microwaves. However, some commercial models allow for safe use of foil trays—always check your equipment guidelines.
Coppice trays are ideal for ready meals, lasagnes, casseroles, roasted vegetables, proteins, bakery items, and more. They're also suitable for hot-hold and chilled display.
Yes. Our trays are compatible with both heat-seal films and clip-on lids, depending on your production requirements. This ensures hygiene and extends shelf life.
Yes. Our containers are widely used in supermarkets, QSRs, and convenience stores. They offer excellent presentation, durability, and heat retention for hot food to go.
Aluminium has a much higher recycling rate and lower long-term environmental impact compared to most plastics. It’s one of the most sustainable packaging materials available today.