Aluminium foil is a common household item that has been used since many years for various purposes, from cooking to packaging. There are, however, potential risks to health and the environment from using it. According to some studies, the chemicals from the chemically treated aluminum foil can seep into food.
Aluminum is a
neurotoxic heavy metal associated with health problems like Alzheimer's disease
as well as the dysfunction of particular brain regions, including memory loss,
loss of coordination, and loss of self-control. Owing to these health concerns,
people are increasingly looking for alternatives for aluminium foil replacement.
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This prevents the mineralization of bones and causes osteoporosis.
Additionally, high concentrations of aluminium reduce the growth rate of human brain cells. Experts are hence
looking for aluminium foil replacements
to substitute its usage.
There is a growing need for aluminium foil replacement also due to the negative environmental impacts of its production and disposal as well. Chemically treated aluminium foil is a major contributor to land and water pollution, and its production uses large amounts of energy and water.
While most aluminum products can be recycled indefinitely, aluminum foil can
only be recycled a few times before it becomes too damaged to be used again.
Additionally, aluminium foil is not biodegradable and can take centuries to
break down in landfill.
There are a number of sustainable alternatives to chemically treated aluminium foil, such as beeswax wraps, that can be reused multiple times and are biodegradable. Another option is to use silicone lids, that are also reusable and can be placed on top of bowls and containers.
The market for aluminium foil replacement is small but growing. Currently, the
primary users of aluminium foil replacements are restaurants and catering
companies that use it to line baking pans, reduce clean-up time and prevent food from sticking to pans.
