In cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, the collapsible tube is one of the most common packaging choices. It protects products like toothpaste, ointment, sunscreen, and other viscous liquids from air and contamination. Materials such as aluminum, LDPE, HDPE, nylon, EVOH, and laminate keep formulas safe. These tubes can be recycled. This gives brands a useful and eco-friendly choice.
Material choices and protective properties
Different industries rely on a wide selection of materials for collapsible tubes. An aluminium tube offers strong barrier properties against oxygen and UV rays. At the same time, bio-based PE, PCR, bamboo, sugarcane, and CO-EX materials support eco-friendly goals. Plastic, paperboard, aluminum, and multi-layer plastic tubes protect the product by adding layers. These layers keep products stable and fresh.
Sizes, dimensions, and applications
Collapsible tubes come in many dimensions, from 3-20g, 5ml, 8ml, 10ml-25ml, 15ml, 25ml, and up to 250ml. These formats suit products like paint, oil paint, adhesives, caulk, and treatment creams. Artists also use paint tubes for plein air and studio work. With hermetically sealed closures, products stay fresh and safe from contamination.
Design and printing techniques
Customization plays a big role in cosmetics packaging. Tubes can feature matte finish, labeling, hot stamping, silk screening, or wet-in-wet offset printing. Caps and closures include black cap, bamboo, twist, twist-lock, pump, and airless pump systems. Styles in stock range from lipstick compacts to sustainable lip formats, bottles droppers jars, and c-tubes. Each design balances function and appearance.
Recyclability and sustainability
Sustainability continues to shape the industry in 2025. Recyclable tubes made from PCR, bio-based PE, and monolayer or multilayer materials are now common. Other options include silicone, acrylic, mono, PBT, PMMA, LEDPE, and TPE. Packaging experts design packages that can be recycled. They also focus on making packages that are good for the environment. They make sure these designs still protect products well. People still use hermetically sealed aluminum tubes a lot. These tubes are important where UV rays or oxygen can harm products.
Practical benefits across industries
The benefits of collapsible tubes extend beyond cosmetics. They are used in pharmaceuticals, personal care, the food industry, and adhesives. They protect viscous liquids, improve hygiene, and ensure accurate dispensing. Tubes come in units measured in oz or ml, such as 15ml, 25ml, and 250ml. This flexibility makes them ideal for skincare packaging, paint tubes, caulk, and medical ointments alike.
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