Tube packaging now spans industries — lubricants, foods, pharma ointments and toothpaste — because tubes are light, portable, durable, recyclable, easy to squeeze and printable. In cosmetics they are especially popular for skincare, daily care and colour cosmetics.
Tube structures
| Structure | |
|---|---|
| Aluminium-plastic (ABL) | PE/PE+EAA/AL/PE+EAA/PE; barrier is the foil; foil thinned from 40µm to 12/9µm |
| All-plastic (PBL) | No aluminium; higher recyclability, lower barrier |
| Mono-material | Best for curbside recycling where the formula allows |
Choose by barrier need
If the formula is oxygen- or light-sensitive (vitamin C, retinol, peroxide), specify an aluminium-plastic laminate whose foil thickness matches the required shelf life. For everyday cleansers and lotions, an all-plastic tube is lighter, cheaper and easier to recycle.
Specification checklist
- Diameter (typically 16–50 mm) and capacity.
- Cap style: flip-top, stand-up or screw.
- Orifice size and tube length.
- Decoration: offset, silk-screen, hot-stamp.
- Optional PCR content and recyclability claim.
Questions to ask suppliers
| Ask | |
|---|---|
| Barrier | Foil thickness and oxygen transmission rate (OTR) |
| Decoration | Which printing holds up in the fill line? |
Share your formula and target shelf life and we will recommend a laminate and a decoration that protect the product without inflating cost.