8011 vs 1235 Aluminium Foil: Which Alloy Should You Specify?
Both alloys are standard for thin foil, but they behave differently in food contact, laminating and forming. Here is how to choose between them.
8011 and 1235 are the two alloys that appear most often on thin gauge foil enquiries. The choice affects strength, food contact approval, how the foil laminates, and how much you pay.
1235 — the pure foil alloy
1235 is essentially unalloyed aluminium, around 99.35 percent pure. Its low impurity content makes it the preferred choice for food contact, laminating and lidding, where consistent barrier performance and cleanliness matter more than mechanical strength.
It rolls down to very light gauges reliably, which is why the thinnest converter foil is usually 1235. If your application is wrapping, laminating or lidding, start here.
8011 — the workhorse
8011 adds iron and silicon, which raises strength and improves behaviour during forming and baking. It is the standard alloy for household foil, foil containers and semi-rigid food packaging, and it holds up better when the foil is embossed or pressed.
Side by side
| Property | 1235 | 8011 |
|---|---|---|
| Purity | ~99.35% | alloyed (Fe, Si) |
| Strength | lower | higher |
| Formability / embossing | good | better |
| Typical use | laminating, lidding, converter foil | household, containers, embossed |
| Relative cost | higher | lower |
How to decide
- Wrapping or laminating, thinnest possible gauge → 1235
- Embossed retail foil, containers, anything pressed → 8011
- Food contact in either case → both are available with food grade documentation
In practice, most buyers end up ordering both: 1235 for the converter roll and 8011 for the retail product. We supply both in our food and household foil range, and you can compare thickness options on the aluminium foil roll page.