30.05.2023 - Aluminium Association

The study of geometric parameters of aluminium foil in coils presented in retail sale has been completed by the experts of the Aluminium Association together with the Union of Consumers of the Russian Federation (SPRF).

Checking the compliance of 38 foil samples with the geometric parameters declared by the companies-manufacturers revealed that there are violations in all points: length, width and thickness. However, compared to the outcome of the Association's and SPRF's 2021 survey, there are significantly fewer violations, especially for foil length. A summary table of the survey results is available on the Aluminium Association website.

The least number of violations was revealed by analysing the length of foil in the roll - only 3 out of 38 items checked. Recall that the 2021 inspection found 15 violations out of 26 possible violations. This time, all three length violations are by TDZ. However, only one of them is significant (-26%), while the other two are slightly out of the norm (-7%, with a length deviation norm of ±5%). A good dynamic was shown by Introplastica, which did not have a single foil length infringement - although previous surveys had noted such infringements.

Twice as many violations were detected in terms of foil thickness - 6 out of 38. In the last survey, they were 6 out of 26. Three offences for TDZ, two for Introplastica and one for Prom. It should be noted that the thickness value was not indicated at all on the foil packaging of five items, so it was not possible to assess its compliance. From the point of view of the current regulatory framework, the mandatory indication of this parameter is not obvious, although it affects the most important consumer property of foil - strength.

The highest number of width violations was 11 out of 38. Two years ago, they were found to be 7 out of 26. Three violations were found at TDZ, two at Introplastica and one at Prom.

Manufacturers with no violations detected: "Sayanskaya Foil" (brands "Every Day", ARO, Vetta, "Madame Povari", Home story, "PR!STO", "Lenta" (in the case of production of this brand by other manufacturers, violations were detected), LLC "Biosphere Polymer" (brand "Simply ABC"), as well as newcomers to the survey - LLC "Liga Pak" (brands "VkusVill", Master FRESH) and IE A.A. Buchnev (brands Real Sibir, Grifon).

The results of the survey are sent to market regulators, chain retailers and consumer protection societies to take measures to prevent consumer misleading and unfair competition.

"Our study of foil in rolls for compliance with the declared geometric parameters showed that in one of the main parameters - the length of the material in the roll - manufacturers have significantly tightened up. Compared to the results of the 2021 inspection, the situation looks much better. This cannot yet be said for the thickness and width of foil in rolls. We believe it is necessary to continue monitor-ing on a regular basis the compliance of foil samples with the declared characteristics, as well as to make adjustments to the regulatory framework that would make it mandatory to mark all the most important consumer characteristics of foil - length, width and thickness," said Alexei Efimov, Head of Technical Regulation and Interaction with Government Bodies of the Aluminium Association.

"We also see a downward trend in consumer deception by unscrupulous manufacturers of aluminium foil in coils with the connivance of sellers who do not check the compliance of the products supplied to them with the geometric dimensions specified in the supply contract and in its marking. The consumer cannot independently check them before buying, and will not do it at home, and even if he does, he will not be able to prove deception. This is why the Aluminium Association is doing the right thing by systematically organising such studies together with consumer advocates and informing trade organisations, consumers and authorities about the results. I am sure that it is this kind of work that has ensured a certain improvement in the situation. But it is still far from normal, so we will continue, constantly threatening fraudsters with exposure and punishment," commented Petr Shelishch, Chairman of the Consumer Union of the Russian Federation.