What is aluminium foil?
Aluminium foil, also called “tin foil”, is an ultra-thin sheet made of aluminium that is used in kitchens, catering, and food processing in a wide range of applications. It is used to cover, wrap, package, or cook food and reliably protects it from light, air, moisture, and bacteria.
In professional kitchens, it is considered basic equipment – just as in butcher shops, snack bars, hotels or bakeries. But aluminium foil has also become indispensable in private households.
Foil cutter for wall mounting | cling film & aluminum foil
Content: 1 piece(s)
Aluminum foil | 44 cm x 150 m | 18 my | with dispenser box & cutter
Content: 6 Rolle(n)
Aluminum foil | 30 cm x 150 m | 14 my | with dispenser box & cutter
Content: 6 Rolle(n)
Aluminum foil | 45 cm x 150 m | 14 my | with dispenser box & cutter
Content: 6 Rolle(n)
Aluminum foil | 45 cm x 150 m | 16 my | with dispenser box & cutter
Content: 6 Rolle(n)
What is aluminium foil used for?
Aluminium foil has many practical properties that make it indispensable in food processing:
Covering & preserving freshness: Foil protects food from drying out, loss of aroma and external influences.
Wrapping & packaging: Ideal for sandwiches, cheese, fish or meat
Cooking & baking: Heat-resistant up to over 600 °C. Perfect for grill, oven or steamers.
Transport & catering: Protection when keeping food warm or freezing it.
Light- and airtight: Preserves aroma and quality – even with delicate food products.
Properties of aluminium foil
Aluminium foil is especially popular because it is:
- Temperature-resistant (from freezing to grilling)
- Malleable & tear-resistant. Adapts to any container or product
- Odourless and tasteless
- Light- and oxygen-tight
- Food-safe and hygienic
Available in various thicknesses (e.g. 9–20 microns) and widths, depending on application and requirements.
What types of aluminium foil are there?
Standard aluminium foil
For everyday use in kitchens and food service. Ideal for covering, wrapping or keeping food warm.
Typical features:
- Thickness: approx. 10–12 µm
- Width: 30–45 cm
- On roll, often with tear-off box
Extra strong aluminium foil
For demanding applications such as grilling, freezing large quantities or packaging products with sharp edges.
Typical features:
- Thickness: 15–20 µm
- Extra tear-resistant
- Often in large rolls for professional kitchens
Aluminium foil in large rolls (catering rolls)
For bulk consumers such as hotels, canteens, industrial kitchens or catering companies.
Typical features:
- Rolls of 150–300 m length
- Saves time and packaging costs
- Often compatible with wall-mounted dispensers
Which foil thickness is ideal?
The thickness of aluminium foil is measured in microns (µm) and directly affects its tear resistance, heat resistance and applications. Depending on the use case, different thicknesses are recommended:
10–12 µm: Standard foil for kitchen & household
Thin foils ideal for covering, wrapping food or keeping it fresh in the fridge. Flexible and easy to shape – perfect for everyday use in households, small kitchens or cafés.
Typical applications:
- Wrapping sandwiches
- Covering baking dishes
- Short-term food protection
13–15 µm: Universal foil for gastronomy & commercial use
Medium strength offering more stability while maintaining flexibility. Preferred for professional use when extra protection or heat resistance is needed.
Typical applications:
- Wrapping food for transport
- Baking & cooking in the oven
- Covering GN containers or baking trays
16–20 µm: Extra strong foil for heavy-duty use
Highly tear- and heat-resistant. Ideal for sharp-edged foods, grilled items or long storage times. Remains stable even under extreme conditions.
Typical applications:
- Grilled packages with marinated meat
- Freezing large cuts of meat or cheese
- Protective packaging for catering and delivery services
Conclusion: The right thickness depends on the application
| Area of use | Recommended thickness |
| Household, daily use | 10–12 µm |
| General gastronomy | 13–15 µm |
| Grilling, freezing | 16–20 µm |
Professionals seeking flexibility, stability and cost-efficiency should use catering foils 15–20 µm thick – ideally on large rolls and compatible with dispenser systems.
What should be considered during use?
- Do not wrap acidic or salty foods directly – aluminium can react. Use baking paper or plastic instead.
- Do not place in the microwave – sparks may occur due to the metal.
- Use sustainably: Aluminium foil is recyclable, but must be clean and sorted.
Alternatives & compatibility
Aluminium foil can be combined with other packaging materials:
- Cling film: For airtight packaging without metal contact
- Paper-aluminium combinations: For sandwiches or take-away
- GN containers with lids: For longer storage
Compared to cling film, aluminium foil offers mechanical protection and is suitable for high temperatures.
Practical examples of use
Gastronomy & catering
- Keeping food warm in bain-marie or thermal boxes
- Packaging take-away meals
- Wrapping fish, meat, vegetables for oven or grill
Bakeries & pastry shops
- Covering baking trays
- Wrapping dough for proofing
- Protection from drying in cold rooms
Households & leisure
- Grill packages for vegetables or fish
- Covering leftovers in the fridge
- Crafting, decorating, insulating
FAQ | Frequently Asked Questions about Aluminium Foil
Is aluminium foil food-safe?
Yes, commercial aluminium foil is food-safe. However, it should not be in direct contact with acidic or salty foods.
Can aluminium foil be recycled?
Yes. Aluminium foil is 100% recyclable if clean and not mixed with other materials.
Can aluminium foil go in the oven?
Yes. It is heat-resistant up to over 600 °C and ideal for grill, oven and steamers.
Are there different foil thicknesses?
Yes. From thin household foil to extra strong gastro foil (e.g. 20 µm) for professional use.
Why shouldn't aluminium foil go in the microwave?
Metal reflects microwaves. Sparks may occur or damage the appliance.
Buy aluminium foil online
Whether standard roll for the kitchen or catering foil for bulk use – in the Swiss online shop of heroshygiene.ch you’ll find a carefully selected range of aluminium foils for professional applications.
Advantages at heroshygiene.ch:
✅ Aluminium foil in various thicknesses & widths
✅ Large rolls for gastronomy, catering & hospitality
✅ Compatible with dispensers & cutter boxes
✅ Food-safe & hygienically packaged
✅ Fast delivery from Switzerland
✅ Attractive volume discounts for bulk buyers