Aluminum alloy for food end closure for food packaging and method for producing the same

Abstract

Described herein are aluminum alloys that are friendly to recycling for the production of food packaging. The aluminum alloys provide a single aluminum alloy composition for the production of both food can bodies and food end closures, thereby improving the recyclability of the food packaging produced from the aluminum alloys. The aluminum alloys are capable of replacing 5xxx series aluminum alloys for food can bodies and food end closures, which are more expensive and have poor recyclability. The aluminum alloys are capable of being used to produce food packaging configured to contain a food product.

Description

Citation of relevant applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 623,571, filed January 22, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to the fields of metallurgy, aluminum alloys, aluminum manufacturing, and related fields. In particular, this disclosure provides recyclable aluminum alloys for producing food packaging and food ends for storing food products (e.g., fruits, vegetables, proteins, cheese, pet food). Background Technology

[0003] Traditional food packaging is made from 5xxx series aluminum alloys. For example, food can bodies and end caps used in food packaging are typically made from 5xxx series aluminum alloys. Generally, the strength of the aluminum alloys used to produce food end caps needs to be higher than that used to produce the food body. Therefore, food end caps are usually made from 5xxx series aluminum alloys, which contain a significant amount of magnesium (Mg) for reinforcement. For example, food end caps used in food packaging can be made from highly engineered AA5006, AA5352, or AA5052 aluminum alloys. However, because the composition of these alloys is strictly controlled, they contain a large amount of Mg, a small amount of recycled aluminum alloy scrap, and a high content of prime aluminum. Therefore, conventional food packaging has limited recycling capacity (e.g., the ability to use recycled aluminum alloy scrap to produce alloys), and there is little commonality in the use of used beverage cans (UBC) to manufacture new aluminum alloys for food packaging. Therefore, if recycled aluminum alloy scrap is used to produce new aluminum alloys, primary aluminum and additional alloying elements need to be added to adjust the composition to produce aluminum alloys used in food packaging. Such additions reduce the recyclability of the recycled aluminum alloy product for producing new aluminum alloys, and the need to add primary aluminum reduces the recycling content. Furthermore, the additional primary aluminum increases carbon dioxide emissions, leading to environmental hazards and high costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments covered by this disclosure are defined by the claims rather than by the content of this invention. The content of this invention is a high-level summary of various aspects of the invention and introduces some concepts further described in the following detailed description section. This content is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used alone to define the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood with reference to the appropriate portions of the specification throughout, any or all of the drawings, and each claim.

[0005] This document describes an aluminum alloy for food packaging that provides a cost-effective and recycling-friendly alternative to the use of 5xxx series aluminum alloys. In some embodiments, this disclosure relates to an aluminum alloy for food packaging end caps comprising up to 0.50 wt% Si, up to 0.80 wt% Fe, up to 0.30 wt% Cu, up to 1.20 wt% Mn, up to 1.30 wt% Mg, up to 0.20 wt% Zn, up to 0.20 wt% Cr, up to 0.20 wt% Ti, up to 0.15 wt% impurities, and the remainder being Al. In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy contains 0.05–0.40 wt% Si, 0.10–0.70 wt% Fe, 0.01–0.25 wt% Cu, 0.25–1.10 wt% Mn, 0.50–1.20 wt% Mg, up to 0.15 wt% Zn, up to 0.15 wt% Cr, up to 0.15 wt% Ti, up to 0.15 wt% impurities, and the remainder Al. In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy contains 0.10–0.40 wt% Si, 0.20–0.70 wt% Fe, 0.05–0.25 wt% Cu, 0.50–1.10 wt% Mn, 0.60–1.20 wt% Mg, up to 0.15 wt% Zn, up to 0.15 wt% Cr, up to 0.15 wt% Ti, up to 0.15 wt% impurities, and the remainder Al. In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy contains 0.20–0.40 wt% Si, 0.30–0.60 wt% Fe, 0.05–0.20 wt% Cu, 0.75–1.10 wt% Mn, 0.80–1.20 wt% Mg, up to 0.10 wt% Zn, up to 0.10 wt% Cr, up to 0.10 wt% Ti, up to 0.10 wt% impurities, and the remainder Al. In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy comprises 0.20–0.30 wt% Si, 0.40–0.60 wt% Fe, 0.10–0.20 wt% Cu, 0.80–1.00 wt% Mn, 1.00–1.20 wt% Mg, up to 0.05 wt% Zn, up to 0.05 wt% Cr, up to 0.05 wt% Ti, up to 0.05 wt% impurities, and the remainder being Al. In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy has a yield strength of 150 MPa to 300 MPa. In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy has an ultimate tensile strength of 200 MPa to 350 MPa. In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy has an elongation of 3% to 20%. In some embodiments, the food end cap comprises the aluminum alloy described herein.In some embodiments, the food end caps have a thickness of 0.001 mm to 0.01 mm. In some embodiments, the food can body comprises the aluminum alloy described herein.

[0006] In some embodiments, this disclosure relates to a food packaging comprising a food end cap and a food can body, wherein the food end cap is made of an aluminum alloy containing up to 0.50 wt% Si, up to 0.80 wt% Fe, up to 0.30 wt% Cu, up to 1.20 wt% Mn, up to 1.30 wt% Mg, up to 0.20 wt% Zn, up to 0.20 wt% Cr, up to 0.20 wt% Ti, up to 0.15 wt% impurities, and the remainder Al, wherein the food packaging is configured to store a food product. In some embodiments, the food can body is made of a 3xxx series aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the 3xxx series aluminum alloy includes AA3104 aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the food can body is made of the same aluminum alloy as the food end cap. In some embodiments, the food end cap has a gamut thickness of 0.001 mm to 0.01 mm. In some embodiments, the food packaging is configured to withstand an internal pressure of up to 0.50 MPa. In some embodiments, the food packaging is configured to withstand an internal pressure of up to 0.11 MPa. In some embodiments, the food end caps have a thickness of 1500 mg / m³. 2 Up to 3100mg / m 2 The coating. In some embodiments, the food end cap has a specification thickness of 0.001 mm to 0.01 mm, wherein the food packaging is configured to withstand an internal pressure of up to 0.15 MPa, and wherein the food packaging is configured to contain food products.

[0007] Other aspects, objects, and advantages will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed embodiments and accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0008] This document describes a novel aluminum alloy for the production of food packaging (e.g., food can bodies and food end caps). Specifically, it describes an aluminum alloy composition that can be used to produce both food can bodies and food end caps, improving the recyclability of the food packaging. Aluminum alloys offer significant advantages because they are nearly 100% recyclable, unlike current materials used in food packaging, such as those comprising various 5xxx series aluminum alloys for food end caps. Furthermore, the aluminum alloy described herein provides a cost-effective alternative to the use of 5xxx series aluminum alloys for food packaging. In some embodiments, this disclosure provides a single aluminum alloy composition for both food end caps and food can bodies. In some embodiments, food packaging produced from the aluminum alloy described herein is particularly well-suited for containing food products (e.g., fruits, vegetables, proteins, cheeses, pet food).

[0009] Traditional food packaging made from aluminum alloys consists of two parts – the can body and the end caps. For food packaging, the can body and end caps are typically made from the same or different 5xxx series aluminum alloys. 5xxx series aluminum alloys are difficult to process and have low recycling rates (e.g., less than 70%). Additionally, 5xxx series aluminum alloys typically have high virgin content (e.g., greater than 70% virgin aluminum) due to their high Mg content and tightly controlled composition to achieve high strength and formability. Therefore, food packaging containing 5xxx series aluminum alloys has limited capacity to incorporate recycled aluminum alloy scrap and requires the addition of virgin aluminum, increasing carbon dioxide emissions, leading to environmental damage and high costs.

[0010] The food packaging described herein incorporates aluminum alloys with high recyclability, thereby reducing costs and carbon dioxide emissions. In some embodiments, the food packaging described herein comprises 3xxx series aluminum alloys. For example, the food packaging may include a food can body and a food end cap, and the food end cap comprises a 3xxx series aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the 3xxx series aluminum alloy is a modified AA3104 aluminum alloy. Advantageously, 3xxx series aluminum alloys used in the production of food packaging are easier to process and have a higher recycling rate (e.g., greater than 70%) than 5xxx series aluminum alloys. The inventors have discovered that by changing the composition of the 3xxx series aluminum alloys and using specific processing steps, a good balance between strength and formability can be achieved with the 3xxx series aluminum alloys described herein, despite an increase in the amount of particles from recycled aluminum alloy waste. By utilizing 3xxx series aluminum alloys in the production of food packaging and replacing 5xxx series aluminum alloys, the amount of primary aluminum, a major contributor to CO2 emissions, can be reduced by 50% or more.

[0011] Definition and description As used herein, the terms “invention,” “the invention,” “this invention,” and “the present invention” are intended to broadly refer to the subject matter of this patent application and all of the following claims. Statements containing these terms should not be construed as limiting the subject matter described herein or limiting the meaning or scope of the patent claims below.

[0012] This specification mentions alloys identified by aluminum industry designations such as "Series" or "5xxx". For an understanding of the most commonly used numerical designation systems in naming and identifying aluminum and its alloys, see "International Alloy Designations and Chemical Restrictions for Forged Aluminum and Forged Aluminum Alloys" or "Aluminium Industry Association Alloy Designations and Chemical Restrictions Register Record for Aluminum Alloys in Casting and Ingot Forms," ​​both published by the Aluminium Industry Association.

[0013] As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, “a” or “the” means both singular and plural referents.

[0014] As used in this article, the thickness of the sheet is typically greater than 15 mm. For example, a sheet can refer to aluminum products with a thickness greater than 15 mm, greater than 20 mm, greater than 25 mm, greater than 30 mm, greater than 35 mm, greater than 40 mm, greater than 45 mm, greater than 50 mm, or greater than 100 mm.

[0015] As used in this article, the thickness of Saudi sheets (also known as thin sheets) is typically between 4 mm and 15 mm. For example, the thickness of Saudi sheets can be 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm or 15 mm.

[0016] As used in this article, sheet metal generally refers to aluminum products with a thickness of less than 4 mm (e.g., less than 3 mm, less than 2 mm, less than 1 mm, less than 0.5 mm, less than 0.3 mm, or less than 0.1 mm). For example, the thickness of the sheet can be 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.7 mm, 1.8 mm, 1.9 mm, 2 mm, 2.1 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.3 mm, 2.4 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.6 mm, 2.7 mm, 2.8 mm, 2.9 mm, 3 mm, 3.1 mm, 3.2 mm, 3.3 mm, 3.4 mm, 3.5 mm, 3.6 mm, 3.7 mm, 3.8 mm, 3.9 mm or 4 mm.

[0017] As mentioned above, formability refers to the ability of a material to be deformed into a desired shape without fracture, tearing, necking, earing, or forming defects such as wrinkling, springback, or undercut. In engineering, formability can be classified according to the deformation mode. Examples of deformation modes include drawing, stretching, bending, and stretch flanging.

[0018] As used herein, primary aluminum refers to aluminum material containing at least 99.7% by weight aluminum. Primary aluminum is produced by the initial conversion of raw materials into aluminum (e.g., processing bauxite into alumina and electrolyzing alumina into aluminum).

[0019] As used in this article, yield stress (also known as yield strength) is the point at which an aluminum alloy begins to plastically deform and can no longer return to its original state.

[0020] Reference may be made to alloy tempering or conditions in this application. For the most commonly used descriptions of alloy tempering, see “American National Standards (ANSI) H35 on Alloy and Temper Designation Systems”. F tempering refers to manufactured aluminum alloys. O tempering refers to annealed aluminum alloys. Hxx tempering, also referred to herein as H tempering, refers to non-heat-treatable aluminum alloys that have been cold-rolled and may or may not have undergone heat treatment (e.g., annealing). Suitable H temperings include HX1, HX2, HX3, HX4, HX5, HX6, HX7, HX8, or HX9 temperings. T1 tempering refers to aluminum alloys cooled from hot working and subjected to natural aging (e.g., at room temperature). T2 tempering refers to aluminum alloys cooled from hot working, cold-worked, and subjected to natural aging. T3 tempering refers to aluminum alloys that have undergone solution heat treatment, cold working, and natural aging. T4 tempering refers to aluminum alloys that have undergone solution heat treatment and natural aging. T5 temper or tempered refers to aluminum alloys that have been cooled from hot working and undergone artificial aging (at high temperature). T6 temper or tempered refers to aluminum alloys that have undergone solution heat treatment and artificial aging. T7 temper or tempered refers to aluminum alloys that have undergone solution heat treatment and artificial aging. T8x temper or tempered refers to aluminum alloys that have undergone solution heat treatment, cold working, and artificial aging. T9 temper or tempered refers to aluminum alloys that have undergone solution heat treatment, artificial aging, and cold working. W temper or tempered refers to the state of aluminum alloys after solution heat treatment.

[0021] As used in this article, "room temperature" can mean a temperature between 15°C and 30°C, such as 15°C, 16°C, 17°C, 18°C, 19°C, 20°C, 21°C, 22°C, 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, 27°C, 28°C, 29°C, or 30°C.

[0022] All ranges disclosed herein should be understood to encompass both endpoints and any and all subranges included therein. For example, the specified range “1 to 10” should be considered to include any and all subranges between the minimum value 1 and the maximum value 10 (and inclusive of 1 and 10); that is, all subranges begin with a minimum value of 1 or greater (e.g., 1 to 6.1) and end with a maximum value of 10 or less (e.g., 5.5 to 10).

[0023] The following aluminum alloys are described in terms of elemental composition as a percentage by weight (wt%) of the total alloy weight. In certain instances of each alloy, the remainder is aluminum, and the maximum wt% of the total sum of impurities is 0.15%.

[0024] Aluminum alloys for food packaging The properties of aluminum alloys are partly determined by their composition. In some respects, the alloy composition can influence or even determine whether the alloy possesses properties suitable for the desired application.

[0025] The alloys described herein are novel aluminum alloys. The properties of the alloys are achieved at least in part due to their elemental composition. In some embodiments, the aluminum alloys described herein are 3xxx series aluminum alloys. Suitable 3xxx series aluminum alloys for producing the aluminum alloys described herein include, for example, AA3002, AA3102, AA3003, AA3103, AA3103A, AA3103B, AA3203, AA3403, AA3004, AA3004A, AA3104, AA3204, AA3304, AA3005, AA3005A, AA3105, AA3105A, AA3105B, AA3002, AA3102, AA3003, AA3103A, AA3105B, AA30 ...A, AA3105B, AA3003A, AA3105A, AA3105A, AA3105B, AA3003A, AA3105A, AA3105A, AA3105A, AA3105A, AA3105A, AA3105A, AA3105A, AA3105A, AA3105A, AA3105A, AA3105A 07, AA3107, AA3207, AA3207A, AA3307, AA3009, AA3010, AA3110, AA3011, AA3012, AA3012A, AA3013, AA3014, AA3015, AA3016, AA3017, AA3019, AA3020, AA3021, AA3025, AA3026, AA3030, AA3130, and AA3065. In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy is a modified AA3104 aluminum alloy.

[0026] In some embodiments, the aluminum alloys provided in Tables 1-5 can replace 5xxx series aluminum alloys (such as AA5052 aluminum alloy) for food end caps. In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy is a variant of AA3104 aluminum alloy. Advantageously, by replacing food end caps made of 5xxx series aluminum alloys with food end caps made of the aluminum alloys described herein, the primary aluminum content can be reduced by 30% to 50%.

[0027] In some instances, aluminum alloys as described herein may have the following elemental compositions as provided in Table 1.

[0028] Table 1

[0029] In some instances, aluminum alloys as described herein may have the following elemental compositions as provided in Table 2.

[0030] Table 2

[0031] In some instances, aluminum alloys as described herein may have the following elemental compositions as provided in Table 3.

[0032] Table 3

[0033] In some instances, aluminum alloys as described herein may have the following elemental compositions as provided in Table 4.

[0034] Table 4

[0035] In some instances, aluminum alloys as described herein may have the following elemental compositions as provided in Table 5.

[0036] Table 5

[0037] Silicon (Si) In some instances, the aluminum alloys described herein contain up to 0.50% (e.g., 0.05% to 0.40%, 0.10% to 0.40%, 0.20% to 0.40%, or 0.20% to 0.35%) of Si based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloy may contain 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0.09%, 0.10%, 0.11%, 0.12%, 0.13%, 0.14%, 0.15%, 0.16%, 0.17%, 0.18%, 0.19%, 0.20%, 0.21%, 0.22%, 0.23%, 0.24%, 0. 0.25%, 0.26%, 0.27%, 0.28%, 0.29%, 0.30%, 0.31%, 0.32%, 0.33%, 0.34%, 0.35%, 0.36%, 0.37%, 0.38%, 0.39%, 0.40%, 0.41%, 0.42%, 0.43%, 0.44%, 0.45%, 0.46%, 0.47%, 0.48%, 0.49%, or 0.50% Si. All expressed as weight percent.

[0038] Iron (Fe) In some instances, the aluminum alloys described herein also contain up to 0.80% (e.g., 0.10% to 0.70%, 0.20% to 0.70%, 0.30% to 0.65%, or 0.40% to 0.65%) of Fe based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloy may contain 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.09%, 0.10%, 0.11%, 0.12%, 0.13%, 0.14%, 0.15%, 0.16%, 0.17%, 0.18%, 0.19%, 0.20%, 0.21%, 0.22%, 0.23%, 0.24%, 0.25%, 0.26%, 0.27%, 0.28%, 0.29%, 0.30%, 0.31%, 0.32%, 0.33%, 0.34%, 0.35%, 0.36%, 0.37%, 0.38%, 0.39%, 0.40%. %, 0.41%, 0.42%, 0.43%, 0.44%, 0.45%, 0.46%, 0.47%, 0.48%, 0.49%, 0.50%, 0.51%, 0.52%, 0.53%, 0.54%, 0.55%, 0.56%, 0.57%, 0.58%, 0.59%, 0.60%, 0.61%, 0.62%, 0.63%, 0.64%, 0.65%, 0.66%, 0.67%, 0.68%, 0.69%, 0.70%, 0.71%, 0.72%, 0.73%, 0.74%, 0.75%, 0.76%, 0.77%, 0.78%, 0.79% or 0.80% Fe. All expressed as weight percent.

[0039] Copper (Cu) In some instances, the aluminum alloys described herein contain up to 0.30% (e.g., 0.01% to 0.25%, 0.05% to 0.25%, 0.05% to 0.20%, or 0.10% to 0.23%) of Cu based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloy may contain 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0.09%, 0.10%, 0.11%, 0.12%, 0.13%, 0.14%, 0.15%, 0.16%, 0.17%, 0.18%, 0.19%, 0.20%, 0.21%, 0.22%, 0.23%, 0.24%, 0.25%, 0.26%, 0.27%, 0.28%, 0.29%, or 0.30% Cu. All are expressed as a percentage by weight.

[0040] Manganese (Mn) In some instances, the aluminum alloys described herein may contain up to 1.20% (e.g., 0.25% to 1.10%, 0.50% to 1.10%, 0.75% to 1.10%, 0.50% to 0.90%, 0.80% to 1.00%, or 0.90% to 1.00%) of Mn based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloy may contain 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0.09%, 0.10%, 0.11%, 0.12%, 0.13%, 0.14%, 0.15%, 0.16%, 0.17%, 0.18%, 0.19%, 0.20%, 0.21%, 0.22%, 0.23%, 0.24%, 0.25%, 0.26%, 0.27%, 0.28%, and 0.29% of the following: 0.30%, 0.31%, 0.32%, 0.33%, 0.34%, 0.35%, 0.36%, 0.37%, 0.38%, 0.39%, 0.40%, 0.41%, 0.42%, 0.43%, 0.44%, 0.45%, 0.46%, 0.47%, 0.48%, 0.49%, 0.50%, 0.51%, 0.52%, 0.53%, 0.54%, 0.55%, 0.56%, 0.57%, 0.58%, 0.59%, 0 0.60%, 0.61%, 0.62%, 0.63%, 0.64%, 0.65%, 0.66%, 0.67%, 0.68%, 0.69%, 0.70%, 0.71%, 0.72%, 0.73%, 0.74%, 0.75%, 0.76%, 0.77%, 0.78%, 0.79%, 0.80%, 0.81%, 0.82%, 0.83%, 0.84%, 0.85%, 0.86%, 0.87%, 0.88%, 0.89%, 0.9 0%, 0.91%, 0.92%, 0.93%, 0.94%, 0.95%, 0.96%, 0.97%, 0.98%, 0.99%, 1.00%, 1.01%, 1.02%, 1.03%, 1.04%, 1.05%, 1.06%, 1.07%, 1.08%, 1.09%, 1.10%, 1.11%, 1.12%, 1.13%, 1.14%, 1.15%, 1.16%, 1.17%, 1.18%, 1.19%, or 1.20% Mn. All expressed as a percentage by weight.

[0041] Magnesium (Mg) In some instances, the aluminum alloys described herein may contain up to 1.30% (e.g., 0.50% to 1.20%, 0.60% to 1.20%, 0.80% to 1.20%, 1.00% to 1.20%, or 1.00% to 1.25%) of Mg based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloy may contain 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0.09%, 0.10%, 0.11%, 0.12%, 0.13%, 0.14%, 0.15%, 0.16%, 0.17%, 0.18%, 0.19%, 0.20%, 0.21%, 0.22%, 0.23%, 0.24%, 0.25%, 0.26%, 0.27%, 0.28%, 0.29%, 0.30%, 0.31%, 0. 32%, 0.33%, 0.34%, 0.35%, 0.36%, 0.37%, 0.38%, 0.39%, 0.40%, 0.41%, 0.42%, 0.43%, 0.44%, 0.45%, 0.46%, 0.47%, 0.48%, 0.49%, 0.50%, 0.51%, 0.52%, 0.53%, 0.54%, 0.55%, 0.56%, 0.57%, 0.58%, 0.59%, 0.60%, 0.61%, 0.62%, 0.63%, 0.64%, 0 0.65%, 0.66%, 0.67%, 0.68%, 0.69%, 0.70%, 0.71%, 0.72%, 0.73%, 0.74%, 0.75%, 0.76%, 0.77%, 0.78%, 0.79%, 0.80%, 0.81%, 0.82%, 0.83%, 0.84%, 0.85%, 0.86%, 0.87%, 0.88%, 0.89%, 0.90%, 0.91%, 0.92%, 0.93%, 0.94%, 0.95%, 0.96%, 0.97%. 0.98%, 0.99%, 1.00%, 1.01%, 1.02%, 1.03%, 1.04%, 1.05%, 1.06%, 1.07%, 1.08%, 1.09%, 1.10%, 1.11%, 1.12%, 1.13%, 1.14%, 1.15%, 1.16%, 1.17%, 1.18%, 1.19%, 1.20%, 1.21%, 1.22%, 1.23%, 1.24%, 1.25%, 1.26%, 1.27%, 1.28%, 1.29%, or 1.30% Mg. All percentages are expressed in weight%.

[0042] In some cases, the novel aluminum alloys described herein may contain a lower Mg content than conventional AA5182 aluminum alloys. In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy may contain at least one of the aforementioned amounts of Cu or Mn to compensate for the reduced Mg content in the aluminum alloy. Adding Cu and / or Mn avoids the need to add additional Mg to the aluminum alloy composition, thereby reducing costs.

[0043] Zinc (Zn) In some instances, the aluminum alloys described herein contain up to 0.20% (e.g., up to 0.15%, 0.10%, or 0.05%) of Zn based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloy may contain 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0.09%, 0.10%, 0.11%, 0.12%, 0.13%, 0.14%, 0.15%, 0.16%, 0.17%, 0.18%, 0.19%, or 0.20% Zn. In some cases, Zn is absent from the alloy (i.e., 0%). All figures are expressed as a percentage by weight.

[0044] Chromium (Cr) In some instances, the aluminum alloys described herein contain up to 0.20% (e.g., up to 0.15%, 0.10%, or 0.05%) of Cr based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloy may contain 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0.09%, 0.10%, 0.11%, 0.12%, 0.13%, 0.14%, 0.15%, 0.16%, 0.17%, 0.18%, 0.19%, or 0.20% Cr. In some cases, Cr is absent in the alloy (i.e., 0%). All figures are expressed as a percentage by weight.

[0045] Titanium (Ti) In some instances, the aluminum alloys described herein contain up to 0.20% (e.g., up to 0.15%, up to 0.10%, or up to 0.05%) of Ti based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloy may contain 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0.09%, 0.10%, 0.11%, 0.12%, 0.13%, 0.14%, 0.15%, 0.16%, 0.17%, 0.18%, 0.19%, or 0.20% Ti. In some cases, Ti is absent from the alloy (i.e., 0%). All figures are expressed as a percentage by weight.

[0046] Trace elements Optionally, the aluminum alloys described herein may also contain other trace elements, sometimes referred to as impurities, in amounts of 0.05% or less, 0.04% or less, 0.03% or less, 0.02% or less, or 0.01% or less. These impurities may include, but are not limited to, Sc, V, Ni, Hf, Zr, Sn, Ga, Ca, Bi, Na, Pb, or combinations thereof. Thus, Sc, V, Ni, Hf, Zr, Sn, Ga, Ca, Bi, Na, or Pb may be present in the alloy in amounts of 0.05% or less, 0.04% or less, 0.03% or less, 0.02% or less, or 0.01% or less. The total amount of all impurities shall not exceed 0.15% (e.g., 0.10%). All figures are expressed as weight percent. The remaining percentage of each alloy may be aluminum.

[0047] characteristic In some instances, aluminum alloy products (e.g., aluminum alloy sheets) produced from the aluminum alloys described herein may have a yield strength of 150 MPa or greater. For example, aluminum alloy products produced from the aluminum alloys described herein may have a yield strength of 160 MPa or greater, 170 MPa or greater, 180 MPa or greater, 190 MPa or greater, 200 MPa or greater, 210 MPa or greater, 220 MPa or greater, 230 MPa or greater, 240 MPa or greater, or 250 MPa or greater. In some cases, the yield strength is from 150 MPa to 300 MPa (e.g., 160 MPa to 290 MPa, 200 MPa to 290 MPa, 230 MPa to 290 MPa, or 250 MPa to 290 MPa), or any value in between. When measured in the longitudinal (L), transverse (T) and / or diagonal (D) directions (each corresponding to the rolling direction), the aluminum alloy products described herein can exhibit the yield strength as described herein.

[0048] In some instances, aluminum alloy products manufactured from the aluminum alloys described herein may have an ultimate tensile strength of 200 MPa or greater. For example, aluminum alloy products may have an ultimate tensile strength of 210 MPa or greater, 220 MPa or greater, 230 MPa or greater, 240 MPa or greater, 250 MPa or greater, 260 MPa or greater, 270 MPa or greater, 280 MPa or greater, or 290 MPa or greater. In some cases, the ultimate tensile strength is between 200 MPa and 350 MPa (e.g., 210 MPa to 340 MPa, 225 MPa to 330 MPa, 240 MPa to 320 MPa, or 260 MPa to 320 MPa), or any value in between. When measured in the longitudinal (L), transverse (T), and / or diagonal (D) directions (each corresponding to the rolling direction), the aluminum alloy products described herein may exhibit the ultimate tensile strength as described herein.

[0049] In some instances, aluminum alloy products produced from the aluminum alloys described herein may have a total elongation of 3% to 15% (e.g., 3% to 14%, 4% to 12%, 6% to 12%, 7% to 12%, or 6% to 10%). For example, aluminum alloy products produced from the aluminum alloys described herein may have a total elongation of 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, or 15%, or any value between these values. When measured in the longitudinal (L), transverse (T), and / or diagonal (D) directions (each corresponding to the rolling direction), the aluminum alloy products described herein may exhibit the total elongation as described herein.

[0050] Methods for manufacturing aluminum alloys The aluminum alloys described herein can be cast into cast products using a direct cooling (DC) process or a continuous casting (CC) process. The casting process is performed according to standards commonly used in the aluminum industry as known to those skilled in the art. The CC process may include, but is not limited to, the use of a twin-belt casting machine, a twin-roll casting machine, or a block casting machine. In some instances, the casting process is performed using a CC process to form slabs, strips, etc. In some instances, the casting process is a DC casting process to form cast products. Prior to casting, various sources of recycled aluminum alloy scrap can be melted to produce molten aluminum alloy for casting. In some embodiments, the sources of recycled aluminum alloy scrap may be one or more of the following: waste beverage cans (UBC), automotive scrap, extrusion scrap, offset printing scrap, run-around scrap, etc.

[0051] Further processing steps can then be performed on the cast product, slab, or strip. Optionally, these further processing steps can be used to prepare aluminum alloy products (e.g., sheets, plates, or sheets). Such processing steps include, but are not limited to, homogenization, hot rolling, cold rolling, annealing, and optional painting. Processing steps for cast products are described below. However, with modifications known to those skilled in the art, processing steps can also be applied to cast slabs or strips.

[0052] In the homogenization step, the cast product can be heated to a homogenization temperature, such as a temperature in the range of 400°C to 610°C. For example, the cast product can be heated to temperatures of 400°C, 410°C, 420°C, 430°C, 440°C, 450°C, 460°C, 470°C, 480°C, 490°C, 500°C, 510°C, 520°C, 530°C, 540°C, 550°C, 560°C, 570°C, 580°C, 590°C, 600°C, or 610°C. In some embodiments, the heating rate to the peak metal temperature can be 70°C / hour or lower, 60°C / hour or lower, or 50°C / hour or lower. The cast product can then be immersed (i.e., held at the indicated temperature) for a period of time to form a homogenized product. In some instances, the immersion time at the peak metal temperature can be from 0.5 hours to 24 hours (e.g., 1.0 hour to 22 hours, 2.0 hours to 20 hours, 3.0 hours to 18 hours, 4.0 hours to 16 hours, 5.0 hours to 14 hours, 6.0 hours to 12 hours, 7.0 hours to 10 hours, or 8.0 hours to 9.0 hours). In some instances, the total time for the homogenization step (including the heating and immersion phases) can be up to 24 hours.

[0053] In some embodiments, the homogenization step described herein may be a two-stage homogenization. The first stage may include heating the cast product to a first homogenization temperature of 550°C to 630°C (e.g., 570°C to 610°C, 580°C to 610°C, 580°C to 600°C, or 590°C to 600°C). For example, the cast product may be heated to temperatures of 550°C, 560°C, 570°C, 580°C, 590°C, 600°C, 610°C, 620°C, or 630°C. In some cases, the cast product is heated to a first homogenization temperature of 580°C to 600°C. In some cases, the heating rate to the first homogenization temperature may be 70°C / hour or lower, 60°C / hour or lower, or 50°C / hour or lower. The cast product is then immersed (i.e., held at the specified first homogenization temperature) for a period of time. In some cases, the cast product is immersed at a first homogenization temperature for up to 10 hours (e.g., 30 minutes to 10 hours, including extreme values). For example, the cast product may be immersed at a first homogenization temperature of 570°C to 610°C for 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, 6 hours, 7 hours, 8 hours, 9 hours, or 10 hours. In some embodiments, the cast product may be immersed at a first homogenization temperature of 580°C to 600°C for 2 hours to 5 hours.

[0054] The second stage may include heating the cast product from a first homogenization temperature to a second homogenization temperature of 450°C to 590°C (e.g., 460°C to 580°C, 470°C to 570°C, 480°C to 510°C, or 490°C to 500°C). For example, the cast product may be heated to temperatures of 450°C, 460°C, 470°C, 480°C, 490°C, 500°C, 510°C, 520°C, 530°C, 540°C, 550°C, 560°C, 580°C, 580°C, or 590°C. In some cases, the cast product is heated to a first homogenization temperature of 480°C to 510°C. The cast product is then immersed at the second homogenization temperature for a period of time. In some cases, the cast product is immersed at the second homogenization temperature for up to 10 hours (e.g., 30 minutes to 10 hours, including the endpoints). For example, the cast product may be immersed in a second homogenization temperature of 450°C to 590°C for 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, 6 hours, 7 hours, 8 hours, 9 hours, or 10 hours. In some embodiments, the cast product may be immersed in a second homogenization temperature of 480°C to 510°C for 0 to 2 hours.

[0055] Following the homogenization step, a hot rolling step may be performed. The homogenized product can be hot-rolled using a rolling mill to produce a hot-rolled product. Before starting hot rolling, the homogenized product may be allowed to cool to a desired temperature, such as 200°C to 425°C. For example, the homogenized product may be allowed to cool to temperatures of 200°C to 400°C, 250°C to 375°C, 300°C to 425°C, or 350°C to 400°C. The homogenized product can then be hot-rolled at a hot rolling temperature (e.g., 200°C to 450°C) to produce a hot-rolled product (e.g., hot-rolled sheet, hot-rolled shate, or hot-rolled roll). In some embodiments, the homogenized product may be hot-rolled in tandem hot rolling mills.

[0056] A cold rolling mill can be used to cold roll a hot-rolled product into a thinner product, such as a rolled product of final specifications. Cold rolling can be performed to obtain a final specification thickness that represents a specification reduction of greater than 75% (e.g., greater than 80% or greater than 85%) compared to the specification before cold rolling began. In some embodiments, the cold rolling step may include one or more cold rolling steps to achieve the desired specification thickness reduction. Optionally, the method for producing aluminum alloys may include an annealing step (e.g., between or after one or more cold rolling steps). For example, the rolled product of final specifications may be annealed at a temperature of 150°C to 350°C, such as 175°C to 325°C, 200°C to 350°C, 200°C to 300°C, or 225°C to 275°C, for 30 minutes to 5 hours. In some embodiments, the rolled product of final specifications may be annealed at a temperature of 230°C to 260°C for 1 hour to 3 hours.

[0057] Subsequently, the final-gauge rolled product may optionally undergo a painting step. The painting step may include applying a coating to the final-gauge rolled product at a temperature of 150°C to 400°C for 1 second to 10 minutes. For example, the final-gauge rolled product may be painted at temperatures of 150°C to 400°C, 200°C to 400°C, 250°C to 350°C, 200°C to 300°C, or 300°C to 400°C. The peak metal temperature range of the final-gauge rolled product during the painting process may be 100°C to 300°C (e.g., 125°C to 275°C, 150°C to 250°C, or 200°C to 300°C).

[0058] Food packaging constructed to contain food products Food packaging made from the aluminum alloys described herein is configured to contain food products. In some instances, the food packaging includes a food end cap and a food can body, wherein the food end cap comprises the aluminum alloy described herein. In some instances, the food end cap and food can body of the food packaging comprise 3xxx series aluminum alloys. In some instances, the 3xxx series aluminum alloys include AA3104 aluminum alloy. In some aspects, the food can body comprises the same aluminum alloy as the food end cap.

[0059] Food packaging is designed to hold a wide variety of food products. It can hold fruits such as peaches, pears, citrus fruits, pineapples, pink grapefruits, and fruit cocktails; vegetables such as corn, green beans, mushrooms, carrots, beets, asparagus, squash, tomatoes, and okra; grains such as pasta, pasta soup, and barley soup; dairy products such as condensed milk, cheese, and macaroni and cheese; proteins such as tuna, shrimp, sardines, salmon, chicken, baked beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, and lentils; and various pet foods.

[0060] In some instances, food end caps have a thickness of 0.001 mm to 0.01 mm (e.g., 0.001 mm to 0.009 mm, 0.002 mm to 0.008 mm, or 0.004 mm to 0.008 mm). Food end caps may have a thickness of 0.001 mm, 0.002 mm, 0.003 mm, 0.004 mm, 0.005 mm, 0.006 mm, 0.007 mm, 0.008 mm, 0.009 mm, or 0.010 mm.

[0061] In some implementations, the food packaging is configured to withstand an internal pressure of up to 0.50 MPa (e.g., up to 0.48 MPa, up to 0.42 MPa, up to 0.35 MPa, up to 0.28 MPa, up to 0.21 MPa, up to 0.18 MPa, up to 0.14 MPa, or up to 0.11 MPa). Food packaging can be constructed to withstand up to 0.10 MPa, 0.11 MPa, 0.12MPa, 0.13 MPa, 0.14 MPa, 0.15 MPa, 0.16 MPa, 0.17 MPa, 0.18 MPa, 0.19 MPa, 0.20 MPa, 0.21 MPa, 0.22 MPa, 0.23 MPa, 0.24 MPa, 0.25 MPa, 0.26 MPa, 0.27 MPa, 0.28 MPa, 0.29MPa, 0.30 MPa, 0.31 MPa, 0.32 MPa, 0.33 MPa, 0.34 MPa, 0.35 MPa, 0.36 MPa, 0.37 MPa, 0.38 MPa, 0.39 MPa, 0.40 MPa, 0.41 MPa, 0.42 MPa, 0.43 Internal pressures of 0.44 MPa, 0.45 MPa, 0.46 MPa, 0.47 MPa, 0.48 MPa, 0.49 MPa, or 0.50 MPa.

[0062] In some instances, the food end caps of food packaging have a thickness measured at 1500 mg / m³. 2 Up to 3100 mg / m 2 The coating. The coating thickness can be measured at 1500 mg / m. 2 1600 mg / m 2 1700 mg / m 2 1800 mg / m 2 1900 mg / m 2 2000 mg / m 2 2100 mg / m 2 2200 mg / m 2 2300 mg / m 2 2400 mg / m 2 2500 mg / m 2 2600 mg / m 2 2700 mg / m 2 2800 mg / m 2 2900 mg / m 2 3000 mg / m 2 Or 3100 mg / m2 .

[0063] Example Aluminum alloy samples were tested to determine the properties of the alloy described herein, thereby determining whether it could effectively replace AA5352 aluminum alloy for food end caps. The aluminum alloy samples were directly cold-cast to produce cast products. The cast products were milled to remove 9 mm from each side. The cast products were homogenized at 595°C and immersed at the homogenization temperature for two hours to produce homogenized cast products. The homogenized cast products were cooled to 510°C and hot-rolled in 13 hot rolling passes to a specification thickness of 1.8 mm to produce hot-rolled products. The hot-rolled products were cold-rolled to a final specification thickness of 0.256 mm (thickness reduction of 85.9% in one pass in a 3-stand CM process), then annealed at 255°C for 2 hours, followed by coating. The compositions of example alloy A and AA5352 aluminum alloy are provided below.

[0064] Table 6

[0065] AA5352 aluminum alloy is produced using a method similar to that of Example Alloy A, but requires more than 15% more primary aluminum compared to Example Alloy A. Additionally, AA5352 aluminum alloy requires a higher milling thickness reduction (12 mm / face), more hot rolling passes, and a lower total recycling rate. Therefore, the method used to produce Example Alloy A is more economical than that used for AA5352 aluminum alloy, resulting in significant cost and CO2 savings.

[0066] Examples of suitable methods and alloy products Example 1: An aluminum alloy for food packaging end caps, the aluminum alloy comprising up to 0.50 wt% Si, up to 0.80 wt% Fe, up to 0.30 wt% Cu, up to 1.20 wt% Mn, up to 1.30 wt% Mg, up to 0.20 wt% Zn, up to 0.20 wt% Cr, up to 0.20 wt% Ti, up to 0.15 wt% impurities, and the remainder Al.

[0067] Example 2: As described in any of the preceding or following examples, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises 0.05–0.40 wt% Si, 0.10–0.70 wt% Fe, 0.01–0.25 wt% Cu, 0.25–1.10 wt% Mn, 0.50–1.20 wt% Mg, up to 0.15 wt% Zn, up to 0.15 wt% Cr, up to 0.15 wt% Ti, up to 0.15 wt% impurities, and the remainder Al.

[0068] Example 3: As described in any of the preceding or following examples, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises 0.10–0.40 wt% Si, 0.20–0.70 wt% Fe, 0.05–0.25 wt% Cu, 0.50–1.10 wt% Mn, 0.60–1.20 wt% Mg, up to 0.15 wt% Zn, up to 0.15 wt% Cr, up to 0.15 wt% Ti, up to 0.15 wt% impurities, and the remainder Al.

[0069] Example 4: As in any of the preceding or following examples, the aluminum alloy comprises 0.20–0.40 wt% Si, 0.30–0.60 wt% Fe, 0.05–0.20 wt% Cu, 0.75–1.10 wt% Mn, 0.80–1.20 wt% Mg, up to 0.10 wt% Zn, up to 0.10 wt% Cr, up to 0.10 wt% Ti, up to 0.10 wt% impurities, and the remainder Al.

[0070] Example 5: As described in any of the preceding or following examples, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises 0.20–0.30 wt% Si, 0.40–0.60 wt% Fe, 0.10–0.20 wt% Cu, 0.80–1.00 wt% Mn, 1.00–1.20 wt% Mg, up to 0.05 wt% Zn, up to 0.05 wt% Cr, up to 0.05 wt% Ti, up to 0.05 wt% impurities, and the remainder being Al.

[0071] Example 6: As in any of the preceding or following examples, wherein the aluminum alloy has a yield strength of 150 MPa to 300 MPa.

[0072] Example 7: As described in any of the preceding or following examples, wherein the aluminum alloy has an ultimate tensile strength of 200 MPa to 350 MPa.

[0073] Example 8: As in any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the aluminum alloy has an elongation of 3% to 20%.

[0074] Example 9: A food end cap comprising an aluminum alloy as described in any of the foregoing or subsequent examples.

[0075] Example 10: As described in any of the preceding or following examples, wherein the food end cap has a specification thickness of 0.001 mm to 0.01 mm.

[0076] Example 11: A food can body comprising an aluminum alloy as described in any of the foregoing or subsequent examples.

[0077] Example 12: A food package comprising a food end cap and a food can body, wherein the food end cap comprises an aluminum alloy containing up to 0.50 wt% Si, up to 0.80 wt% Fe, up to 0.30 wt% Cu, up to 1.20 wt% Mn, up to 1.30 wt% Mg, up to 0.20 wt% Zn, up to 0.20 wt% Cr, up to 0.20 wt% Ti, up to 0.15 wt% impurities, and the remainder being Al, wherein the food package is configured to store a food product.

[0078] Example 13: As in any of the preceding or following examples, the food can body is made of 3xxx series aluminum alloy.

[0079] Example 14: As in any of the preceding or following examples, the 3xxx series aluminum alloys include AA3104 aluminum alloy.

[0080] Example 15: As described in any of the preceding or following examples, wherein the food can body comprises the same aluminum alloy as the food end cap.

[0081] Example 16: As described in any of the preceding or following examples, wherein the food end cap has a specification thickness of 0.001 mm to 0.01 mm.

[0082] Example 17: As described in any of the preceding or following examples, the food packaging is configured to withstand an internal pressure of up to 0.50 MPa.

[0083] Example 18: As described in any of the preceding or following examples, the food packaging is configured to withstand an internal pressure of up to 0.11 MPa.

[0084] Example 19: As described in any of the preceding or following examples, wherein the food end cap has a thickness of 1500 mg / m³. 2 Up to 3100 mg / m 2The coating.

[0085] Example 20: As described in any of the preceding or following examples, wherein the food end cap has a specification thickness of 0.001 mm to 0.01 mm, wherein the food packaging is configured to withstand an internal pressure of up to 0.15 MPa, and wherein the food packaging is configured to contain food products.

[0086] All patents, publications, and abstracts cited above are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Various embodiments of the invention have been described to achieve the various objectives of the invention. It should be understood that these embodiments are for illustrative purposes only. Various modifications and alterations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. An aluminum alloy for use as an end cap in food packaging, said aluminum alloy comprising up to 0.50 wt% Si, up to 0.80 wt% Fe, up to 0.30 wt% Cu, up to 1.20 wt% Mn, up to 1.30 wt% Mg, up to 0.20 wt% Zn, up to 0.20 wt% Cr, up to 0.20 wt% Ti, up to 0.15 wt% impurities, and the remainder being Al.

2. The aluminum alloy of claim 1, comprising 0.05–0.40 wt% Si, 0.10–0.70 wt% Fe, 0.01–0.25 wt% Cu, 0.25–1.10 wt% Mn, 0.50–1.20 wt% Mg, up to 0.15 wt% Zn, up to 0.15 wt% Cr, up to 0.15 wt% Ti, up to 0.15 wt% impurities, and the remainder being Al.

3. The aluminum alloy of claim 1, comprising 0.10–0.40 wt% Si, 0.20–0.70 wt% Fe, 0.05–0.25 wt% Cu, 0.50–1.10 wt% Mn, 0.60–1.20 wt% Mg, up to 0.15 wt% Zn, up to 0.15 wt% Cr, up to 0.15 wt% Ti, up to 0.15 wt% impurities, and the remainder being Al.

4. The aluminum alloy of claim 1, comprising 0.20–0.40 wt% Si, 0.30–0.60 wt% Fe, 0.05–0.20 wt% Cu, 0.75–1.10 wt% Mn, 0.80–1.20 wt% Mg, up to 0.10 wt% Zn, up to 0.10 wt% Cr, up to 0.10 wt% Ti, up to 0.10 wt% impurities, and the remainder being Al.

5. The aluminum alloy of claim 1, comprising 0.20–0.30 wt% Si, 0.40–0.60 wt% Fe, 0.10–0.20 wt% Cu, 0.80–1.00 wt% Mn, 1.00–1.20 wt% Mg, up to 0.05 wt% Zn, up to 0.05 wt% Cr, up to 0.05 wt% Ti, up to 0.05 wt% impurities, and the remainder being Al.

6. The aluminum alloy according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the aluminum alloy has a yield strength of 150 MPa to 300 MPa.

7. The aluminum alloy according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the aluminum alloy has an ultimate tensile strength of 200 MPa to 350 MPa.

8. The aluminum alloy according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the aluminum alloy has an elongation of 3% to 20%.

9. A food end cap comprising an aluminum alloy as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The food end cap of claim 9, wherein the food end cap has a thickness of 0.001 mm to 0.01 mm.

11. A food can blank comprising an aluminum alloy as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

12. A food package comprising a food end cap and a food can body, wherein the food end cap comprises an aluminum alloy containing up to 0.50 wt% Si, up to 0.80 wt% Fe, up to 0.30 wt% Cu, up to 1.20 wt% Mn, up to 1.30 wt% Mg, up to 0.20 wt% Zn, up to 0.20 wt% Cr, up to 0.20 wt% Ti, up to 0.15 wt% impurities, and the remainder being Al, wherein the food package is configured to store a food product.

13. The food packaging as claimed in claim 12, wherein the food can body comprises 3xxx series aluminum alloy.

14. The food packaging as claimed in claim 13, wherein the 3xxx series aluminum alloy includes AA3104 aluminum alloy.

15. The food packaging as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the food can body comprises the same aluminum alloy as the food end cap.

16. The food packaging as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the food end cap has a thickness of 0.001 mm to 0.01 mm.

17. The food packaging as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the food packaging is configured to withstand an internal pressure of up to 0.50 MPa.

18. The food packaging as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the food packaging is configured to withstand an internal pressure of up to 0.11 MPa.

19. The food packaging according to any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein the food end cap has a thickness of 1500 mg / m³. 2 Up to 3100 mg / m 2 The coating.

20. The food packaging of claim 12, wherein the food end cap has a nominal thickness of 0.001 mm to 0.01 mm, wherein the food packaging is configured to withstand an internal pressure of up to 0.15 MPa, and wherein the food packaging is configured to contain a food product.

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