Aluminium

Cooking with aluminum utensils is safe under normal conditions, especially if they are anodized or coated. Untreated aluminum can transfer small amounts to food when cooked for a long time with acidic ingredients such as tomato, lemon or vinegar. To minimize that migration, it is advisable to avoid storing acidic foods in unprotected aluminum containers and to replace utensils that are very scratched or deteriorated. The available evidence does not support a causal relationship between aluminum utensils and Alzheimer's.

Yes. Aluminum is one of the most recyclable materials because it can be melted and turned into new products without significant loss of properties. Recycling it requires much less energy than producing primary aluminum from bauxite. To facilitate the process, cans and trays must be emptied and, if possible, rinsed before being placed in the corresponding container. Containers with food scraps, plastics or adhesives can complicate recycling.

Aluminum oxidizes, but does not corrode in the same way as iron. When it comes into contact with air, it quickly forms a thin layer of aluminum oxide that adheres to the surface and protects the inner metal. That film is almost invisible and prevents further deterioration. Iron, on the other hand, forms porous oxide that falls off and allows corrosion to advance. That is why aluminum is so durable outdoors and in humid environments.

Yes. Aluminum is not normally found in nature as pure metal, but in minerals, and bauxite is the main raw material to obtain it. Through the Bayer process, alumina is extracted from bauxite, and subsequently the Hall–Héroult process separates metallic aluminum by electrolysis. It is an energy-intensive process, which explains the environmental and economic importance of recycling. Recycled aluminum considerably reduces the demand for extraction and electricity.

Aluminum combines lightness, corrosion resistance, malleability and a good barrier against light, oxygen and moisture. These qualities make it ideal for beverage cans, trays, cooking paper and food containers. In addition, it can be rolled into very thin sheets without breaking and can be recycled repeatedly without losing quality. Its low density also reduces the weight of transport and packaging, which is relevant in logistics, aviation and packaging.

Aluminum is much lighter than steel and resists corrosion better in humid environments because it forms a protective oxide layer. Steel is usually harder, more impact-resistant and cheaper for many structural applications. This is why aluminum predominates in aeronautics, transport, cans and lightweight profiles, while steel is common in construction, machinery and tools. The choice depends on the weight, cost, load and required environmental exposure.

In addition to packaging, aluminum is used in car bodies and components, aircraft structures, windows, doors, electrical cables, radiators, bicycles, household appliances and cookware. Its combination of lightness, electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance makes it very versatile. In construction it is used in profiles and facades; in electronics for heat sinks. It also forms alloys with copper, magnesium, silicon or zinc to improve strength and hardness.