Yes, aluminium can be used for the contact with food following some guidelines, as reported by Italian Ministerial Decree 18 April 2007 no. 76. Aluminium is safe if it comes in contact with food for less than 24 hours at room temperature or for more than 24 hours at cool temperature. In alternative, at room temperature and for more than 24 hours, aluminium trays can only contain: cocoa, chocolate, spices, coffee, sugar, cereals, non-fresh pastries, bakery products, confectionery or baked goods, dried legumes, fruit, mushrooms or vegetables.

Plain aluminium cannot be used for the contact with highly acid and salty food. On the contrary, lacquered aluminium guarantees prolonged use even with acidic and salty ones (e.g. lemon, tomato).

According to a report by the Fraunhofer Institute, aluminium trays can be used in the microwave, following some recommendations: the lid must be removed from the tray before use, the container must be placed in the middle of the turntable in the microwave oven, only one aluminium tray may be used at a time.

The dark coat is due to oxidation. It’s a protective barrier that you don’t have to remove because it’s not a risk for your health.

Aluminium is 100% recyclable and retains its properties indefinitely, so it can be used to produce new packaging solutions or applications. Thanks to its properties, more than 75% of all the aluminium ever produced is still in productive use today.

The recycle of aluminium allows a high energy saving compared to primary production, and a reduction of CO2 emissions.