
No more aluminum: Discover Combivac ALU FREE – the packaging that changes the rules
In the world of food packaging, innovation means more than just higher performance. It’s about simplifying, reducing weight, and staying ahead of environmental regulations. This is the vision behind Combivac ALU FREE, the solution developed by Niederwieser Group to tackle the challenges of vacuum, high barrier and pasteurizable packaging—without the use of aluminum.
The new standard for aluminum-free packaging
Multilayer bags with aluminum have long been the go-to option for products requiring high barrier protection and resistance to heat treatment like pasteurization. However, aluminum presents several drawbacks: volatile pricing, higher weight, recycling difficulties, and limited sustainability. Combivac ALU FREE replaces these traditional laminates with an advanced, fully plastic structure that delivers the same—or even better—performance, without the disadvantages of aluminum.
11-layer coextruded film: Performance engineered by Niederwieser
At the core of Combivac ALU FREE is an 11-layer coextruded film, fully designed and manufactured in-house by Niederwieser. The formulation includes 30% polyamide (PA), ensuring excellent mechanical strength—crucial for minimizing vacuum leaks, improving seal integrity, and withstanding the intense thermal cycles of pasteurization.
Less weight, more economic and environmental benefits
Without aluminum, Combivac ALU FREE significantly reduces the packaging’s weight at the same thickness. The result? Real economic advantages: lower transport and handling costs, reduced environmental fees (such as CONAI in Italy), and a smaller ecological footprint due to the use of fewer raw materials.
Regulatory compliance: Ready for the PPWR
Thanks to its fully plastic structure, Combivac ALU FREE is a strategic choice for compliance with the new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Free from aluminum, the material is easier to classify and design for recyclability, contributing to circular economy goals and improving recycling efficiency.
Brand image and printing: A quality that stands out
Beyond its technical and regulatory strengths, Combivac ALU FREE offers exceptional visual quality: print results are brighter and more vivid. Customizable finishes enhance the look of the packaging, turning it into a powerful brand communication tool.
Ideal applications
Combivac ALU FREE is perfectly suited for various food industry segment, including:
- Processed meats
- Dried fruits
- Coffee
- Ice cream powders
In all these applications, the film ensures excellent oxygen and moisture barrier, thermal resistance, reliable sealing, and greater overall sustainability.
A no-compromise solution
Choosing Combivac ALU FREE means no longer having to choose between performance and sustainability. It’s a practical solution for companies aiming to cut costs and environmental impact—without sacrificing quality, food safety, or brand image. With a single material, you gain multiple advantages: proprietary technology, simplified compliance, operational efficiency, and visual impact.
For truly advanced packaging, the path is clear: no aluminum, all the performance—Combivac ALU FREE.