In recent years, consumers and cosmetic manufacturers have placed more and higher demands on cosmetic packaging, such as better protection of formulas and extended shelf life, as well as the ability to print more colorful patterns.
Laminate tubes emerged in response to advancements in production technology and consumer needs. Aluminum laminate tubes are named for the use of aluminum as a barrier material. Aluminum has excellent barrier properties, preventing oxygen from entering the tube. It protecting the active ingredients of the formula and preventing certain components from leaching out, to avoid the formula ineffective.
Today, aluminum laminate tubes are widely used in the packaging of cosmetics, personal care, oral care and ointments. The laminate tube market is projected to reach $2.8 billion by 2025, with cosmetics and personal care accounting for 52.3% (data from FMI). Aluminum barrier laminate tubes (ABL tubes) are particularly important in composite tubes, favored for their durability, lightweight design, and cost-effectiveness. This article focuses on regular brightness aluminum barrier laminate tubes.
I. Structure of Aluminum Barrier Tube
When manufacturing laminate materials, laminate the PE film and aluminum foil into rolls, and then cut the roll of material to the required width. Common ABL tubes have a five-layer structure, the inner and outer layers are LDPE, the middle layer is aluminum foil, and there is a polymer between the LDPE and aluminum foil layers. The polymer tightly bonds the LDPE and aluminum foil together. The aluminum foil layer thickness is typically 12µm or 18µm, but can also customize the thickness as needed. In terms of appearance, there are two common types of laminate sheets, one where both inner and outer layers are transparent, clearly showing the texture of the middle aluminum foil layer, thus giving the aluminum barrier sheet a silver appearance; and another where the inner layer is transparent and the outer layer is white.
II. Specifications of Laminate Sheet Material
Laminate materials are available in different thicknesses, commonly 270µm, 300µm, 350µm, 390µm, and 400µm. Thicker thicknesses generally offer better elasticity. Different diameter tubes typically use materials of corresponding thicknesses. For example, tubes with a diameter of 30mm and below use 270mic or 300mic, 35mm uses 300mic or 350mic, 40mm uses 350mic, and tubes with a diameter of 45mm and above use 390mic or 400mic.
III. Printing Characteristics
Do aluminum barrier laminate tubes also have good printing characteristics? This is a question of great concern, as it affects the creation of a good product image. The answer is yes. Common printing methods, such as gravure printing, letterpress printing, flexographic printing, screen printing, and hot stamping, can all be used effectively. Can create glossy, matte, pearlescent, spot UV, and reverse UV finishes, and can also create even gold, silver, or other metallic look packaging.
IV. Applications of Laminate Tube
Aluminum barrier laminate tubes can be used for packaging almost all cosmetics and personal care, meeting various sizes. They can be made into round, oval, and ultra-flat shapes, and can be paired with various flip-top caps, screw caps, and nozzle caps.
V. Advantages and Disadvantages
The biggest disadvantage of aluminum barrier tubes is their slightly inferior elasticity. After squeeze, the tube generally does not return to its original shape. However, this can also be an advantage, as it allows for quick and accurate squeeze of formulations when reused.
VI. Environmental Friendliness
With people increasing their environmental awareness, requires higher environmental on cosmetic packaging. Today, biodegradable and recyclable aluminum barrier tubes can be manufactured.
