Vacuum Metalized Paper Series
vacuum metalized paper is vital for Hangzhou Haimu Technology Co., Ltd. to achieve business success. Cast by raw materials which meet the quality standards, it is featured by a high degree of stability and long-term durability. In order to meet international standards for quality, preliminary tests are repeatedly implemented. The product gains more recognition from the customers by its stable performance.
We have built HARDVOGUE brand to help customers acquire world-class competitiveness in quality, production, and technology. Customers' competitiveness demonstrates HARDVOGUE's competitiveness. We will continue to create new products and expand the support because we believe that making a difference in customers' business and making it more meaningful is the reason of HARDVOGUE' being.
Vacuum metalized paper enhances paper properties through a metallic finish, offering aesthetic appeal and functional benefits. Widely applied in packaging, decorative, and industrial settings, it combines the look of solid metal with the flexibility and printability of paper. This material is ideal for creating high-end, cost-effective products.
Vacuum metalized paper provides a premium metallic finish, enhancing product aesthetics while offering durability and moisture resistance. Its combination of visual appeal and functional barrier properties makes it ideal for luxury packaging and industrial applications.
This product is widely used in food and cosmetic packaging (e.g., chocolates, coffee, skincare) to elevate brand perception. It also serves technical purposes like insulation in electronics or decorative elements in labels and gift wraps, catering to both commercial and creative needs.
When selecting vacuum metalized paper, prioritize metal layer thickness for desired opacity, compatibility with printing methods (e.g., offset, flexography), and certifications for food safety or eco-friendliness. Customization options ensure alignment with specific design and functional requirements.
What Is Metallized Paper? A Basic Review
Metallized paper is a composite material created by depositing an ultra-thin layer of aluminum onto the surface of paper via physical or chemical methods. It retains the flexibility and printability of paper, while also offering metallic gloss, barrier properties, and more.
Unlike aluminum foil paper, the aluminum layer in metallized paper is much thinner, usually between 0.01–0.03μm, making it more process-friendly and environmentally sustainable.
Common base papers include:
White board paper
Coated paper
Kraft paper
Dust-free paper
These substrates undergo pretreatment and are then metallized via vacuum deposition or transfer methods, making them ideal for premium packaging, food bags, wine boxes, gift boxes, and other applications.
Core Production Process of Metallized Paper
1. Substrate Pretreatment
Before metallizing, the paper surface is treated (e.g., gluing, glazing, or coating) to improve adhesion of the aluminum layer. This step significantly impacts the final product’s durability and print compatibility.
2. Vacuum Metallization
Currently the most mainstream and industrially efficient metallizing technique.
Working Principle:
Aluminum wire is placed in a high vacuum chamber and heated via resistance or electron beam, turning it into a vapor that condenses evenly on the paper’s surface.
Steps:
Heat aluminum wire to >1500°C until it vaporizes
Aluminum vapor condenses onto fast-moving paper rolls under vacuum via cathode radiation
The layer is cooled to form a film and rewound
Optional post-processing includes lamination, embossing, or varnishing
Equipment Involved:
Vacuum metallizer
Tension control system
Roll-to-roll transport system
3. Post-Processing
Depending on customer needs, the metallized paper can undergo various enhancements:
Embossing: Adds tactile and 3D effects
Matte Lamination: Reduces glare and adds a premium feel
Hot Stamping / Thermal Transfer: Enhances decorative appeal
Laminating: For multi-layer structures like food-grade heat-sealable bags
Key Differences Between Vacuum Metallization and Other Technologies
Besides vacuum metallization, the industry also uses transfer coating and aluminum foil lamination. Each has distinct principles and use cases:
Process Type
Vacuum Metallization
Aluminum Foil Lamination
Transfer Coating Method
Aluminum Application
Aluminum vapor condensation
Glue-based full foil bonding
Transfer via coated aluminum film
Al Layer Thickness
Ultra-thin ~0.02μm
Thick >6μm
Moderate
Surface Gloss
High mirror gloss
Matte or prone to oxidation
Adjustable gloss/matte
Cost
Medium
High
Medium
Adhesion Stability
Very strong
Medium
Moderate
Eco-Friendliness
✅ Excellent
❌ Difficult to recycle
✅ Biodegradable, glue-free
Print Compatibility
High
Medium
High
Typical Uses
Tobacco, food, cosmetics
High-end wine boxes, electronics
Food bags, gift boxes, formula bags
Why Vacuum Metallization Is the Mainstream Method
✅ Superior Visual AppealProduces a thin, even coating that provides mirror-like metallic gloss, improving shelf presence.
✅ Mature and Versatile ProcessCompatible with various paper and film substrates, and supports UV, offset, and flexographic printing.
✅ Cost-EffectiveCompared to aluminum foil laminates, it has higher material efficiency and lower waste, making it more economical.
✅ Environmentally FriendlyNo solvents or glue involved; easier to recycle and suitable for passing certifications like FSC, RoHS, and FDA.
Tips: How to Choose the Right Metallization Process
If you focus on brand image and premium packaging:Use vacuum metallization + embossing to boost both visual and tactile quality.
If your priority is food safety and biodegradability:Choose eco-friendly transfer-coated metallized paper + food-grade lamination to avoid glue contamination.
If you want to cut costs without sacrificing appearance:Vacuum metallization offers the best cost-performance ratio for large-scale, stable production.
Client Case Study: Packaging Upgrade for a Cosmetics Brand
Background:A European natural skincare brand wanted to enhance gloss on gift box packaging while maintaining eco-friendliness.
Original Solution:Glossy coated paper + hot stampingResult: Poor visual appeal and high waste
Upgraded Solution:90gsm white board + vacuum metallization + matte lamination
Results:
Significantly enhanced premium look, resulting in a 12% price increase
Complaint rate dropped by 50%, print yield improved by 20%
Successfully passed Nordic eco-certification standards
FAQ
Q1: What is the aluminum thickness in vacuum metallization?A: Typically 0.01–0.03 microns, hundreds of times thinner than aluminum foil, but still offers excellent reflectivity and barrier properties.
Q2: Is metallized paper prone to delamination?A: High-quality vacuum metallization ensures strong adhesion, especially when surface tension exceeds 38 dyn/cm.
Q3: Is it safe for food contact?A: Only if it has FDA or EU food contact certification. A PE or PET barrier film is recommended.
Q4: Can metallized paper be heat-sealed?A: Not directly. Lamination or composite layers are needed to form a heat-sealing layer.
Q5: How to evaluate coating quality?A: Through abrasion tests, peel tests, and optical density measurements to assess adhesion and uniformity.
Conclusion: Understanding the Process Is the First Step to Competitive Packaging
In today’s world of differentiated packaging, materials are not just protective shells—they are the first visual language of a brand. Vacuum metallized paper, with its balanced strengths of cost, gloss, eco-friendliness, and adaptability, is a preferred material for many international brands. If you are planning a packaging upgrade, mastering the metallization process will empower you to make smarter decisions.
📩 Contact Hardvogue to request samples or customized metallized paper packaging solutions tailored to your product positioning.