If you're interested in starting a profitable business in the packaging industry then the aluminium foil containers manufacturing business offers an excellent opportunity. Expansion of the food business, aluminium foil containers are in high demand these days. It has a thin shield that helps to protect your items like food and medical storage from moisture and bacteria for longer periods. Aluminum has an easily recyclable and environmentally friendly storage facility that has high demand in the market. Today we will take you through the essentials of aluminium foil container manufacturing, including the manufacturing process, required machinery, container sizes, and pricing so that you can get a clear idea. Let's get started!
An Overview of Aluminium Foil Containers:
Aluminium foil containers are widely used for packaging various food products, catering services, and take-out meals. Their popularity stems from their versatility, lightweight nature, and excellent heat conduction properties. These containers are durable, recyclable, and provide an effective barrier against moisture, light, and oxygen, ensuring food remains fresh. Aluminium foil comes in different sizes and shapes, making them suitable for various applications.
India exports its aluminium foil containers to 143 countries and has a 3% global market share. It has gained major acceptance due to the expansion of the food delivery market. It has a 75% contribution in the food and beverage industry and followed by pharmaceuticals (7%), Cosmetics (8%) and other sectors (10%).
The aluminium foil container market is roughly $3 billion and as per CAGR, it would reach $4.2 billion by 2029.
Aluminium Foil Container Making Process, from Raw Material to Finished Product:
To produce aluminium foil containers, you need a clear understanding of the manufacturing process. It typically involves the following steps:
- Preparing the raw material: Aluminium foil rolls are unwound and inspected for quality.
- Lubrication: The foil passes through a lubrication process to facilitate smooth forming.
- Feeding: The lubricated foil is fed into a press machine that cuts and forms the containers.
- Stamping and punching: The machine stamps and punches the foil into the desired container shape.
- Trimming and curling: Excess foil is trimmed, and the edges are curled for a finished look.
- Annealing: The containers are heat-treated to increase their strength and flexibility.
- Quality control: Each container undergoes rigorous quality checks before packaging.
Aluminium Foil Container Making Machines, essential Machinery for Manufacturing:
To streamline your aluminium foil container manufacturing process, you'll need specialized machinery. The key equipment includes:
- Foil cutting and forming machine: This machine cuts and forms the aluminium foil into the desired container shape.
- Stamping and punching machine: It precisely stamps and punches the foil to create the container's features.
- Annealing furnace: The furnace is used for heat treatment to enhance the containers' properties.
- Packaging machine: This machine helps in efficiently packaging the finished containers for distribution.
Investing in high-quality machines is crucial to ensure productivity, efficiency, and consistent product quality.
The selection of machinery for your aluminium foil container manufacturing depends on the size of your business. Following are the type of machines that are available in the market.
- Semi-Automatic Machine - The cost of a semi-automatic machine will be INR 15-18 lakh as per your requirements like capacity and mould design.
- Fully Automatic Machine - The cost of the automatic machine is INR 20-23 lakh depending on the cavity, mould capacity and loading and unloading feature with extra attachment.
Semi-automatic machines produce 15-18 units per minute whereas fully automatic machines can produce 70-80 units per minute. But the production capacity also depends on the size of the container and its mould. Mould also has four categories, single, double, there-cavity and four-cavity mould.
There are six steps where you can make your container from the aluminium foil roll:
- Aluminium foil unwinding
- Feeding foil
- Press stamping
- Waste collection
- Collection process
- Packaging
Aluminium Foil Container Sizes, a Range of Container Sizes:
Aluminium foil containers are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate different food portions and packaging requirements. Common sizes include120ml, 250ml, 450ml, 670ml and 750ml.
- Small square containers: Perfect for individual meals or snacks.
- Medium-sized rectangular containers: Ideal for take-out meals and food delivery services.
- Large round containers: Suited for catering events and family-sized meals.
It's important to understand the market demand and offer a diverse range of container sizes to attract a wider customer base as per the required mould.
Aluminium Foil Container Price List, determining the Cost:
The price of aluminium foil containers depends on various factors, including:
- Raw material cost: The price of aluminium foil rolls fluctuates based on market conditions. Aluminium foil roll is available in three major microns, i.e. 7, 9 and 11 microns. Each foil roll cost is between INR 200-250 depending on the micron's size and quality.
- Manufacturing overheads: Expenses related to machinery, labour, utilities, and quality control.
- Container size and quantity: Larger containers or bulk orders may offer economies of scale.
- Market competition: Prices should be competitive while considering profit margins.
It's essential to conduct market research, evaluate costs, and set prices that ensure profitability without compromising on quality.
Manufacturing overhead cost is also included for packaging your aluminium foil container. You need boxes (size as per your order), cello tapes or gum or else branded adhesive tapes can also be very suitable for packaging.
Aluminium Foil Container Business Strategy and Profit Analysis:
If you want to succeed n your aluminium foil container manufacturing venture, follow these key steps:
- Research and planning: Conduct thorough market research, assess competition, and create a comprehensive business plan.
- Obtain necessary licenses and permits: Comply with local regulations and obtain the required following licenses and permits for your business.
- Business Registration
- GST registration
- Trade License
- FSSAI Certification is the compulsory licensing for the aluminium foil business
- NOC from the state pollution control board
- Secure funding: Explore financing options to acquire the machinery, and raw materials, and cover initial operational costs.
- Set up your manufacturing facility: Choose a suitable location, set up the necessary infrastructure, and install the manufacturing equipment. Minimum 800-1200 sqft. the area you would require to setting up your manufacturing plant.
- Establish supply chain partnerships: Identify reliable suppliers for aluminium foil rolls and other raw materials.
- Market and promote your business: Develop a marketing strategy, build an online presence, and establish connections with potential customers. Promote your business on online and offline channels.
Apart from the above steps you would also require a good B2B portal tie-ups like Flipkart, Amazon etc. Also register and create your business profile in the local marketplace like Just Dial, or Google My Business.
Local wholesaler tie-up, local food delivery vendors, restaurants etc. are necessary for your aluminium container business.
Profit: 15-20% average profit margin that can be earned from this business. But if you can manage to supply directly to the potential buyers then this profit margin can grow. If you can produce 18-20 cartoons per day the profit would be somewhere between INR 200-250 depending on the quality.
Below are the three slabs where you will have a clear idea of how the retail price can be for an aluminium foil container.
- INR 125 for 250ml aluminium foil container box
- INR 270 for 450ml box aluminium foil container box
- INR 360 for 750ml box aluminium foil container box
Note: Above slabs will be for a minimum of 100 pieces box.
Conclusion:
By following the steps outlined in this guide, investing in the right machinery, and offering a range of container sizes at competitive prices and lucrative branding, you can build a successful venture in this industry. Explore the opportunities, stay updated with industry trends, and provide excellent customer service to make your mark in the aluminium foil container market.
FAQ’s:
Is the aluminium foil business profitable?
Yes, the aluminium foil business can be profitable. The demand for aluminium foil containers is consistently high due to their widespread use in the food packaging industry.
What is the cost of an aluminium foil machine in India?
The cost of an aluminium foil container-making machine in India can vary depending on factors such as the machine's capacity, features, and brand. Generally, the price range for a basic machine suitable for small to medium-scale production starts from INR 5 lakhs and can go up to INR 20 lakhs or more for high-capacity, advanced machines.
Is foil better than plastic?
Aluminium foil offers several advantages over plastic. It provides superior heat conductivity, which makes it ideal for baking, grilling, and reheating food. Foil also offers better protection against moisture and light and is recyclable.
What is the current price of foil?
The current price of aluminium foil may vary depending on factors such as market conditions, region, and supplier. Aluminium foil cost is between INR 200-250 depending on the microns (7, 9 and 11 microns are widely used) size and quality.
Is aluminium foil risks health?
The aluminium foil itself is considered safe for use in food packaging. However, certain practices like using foil to wrap acidic or salty foods, or using damaged or low-quality foil, can potentially result in the transfer of small amounts of aluminium to the food. It's generally recommended to use aluminium foil appropriately and avoid excessive exposure or direct contact with highly acidic or salty foods.