When choose cosmetic tube packaging, requires considering whether it effectively protects the formula, and extends its shelf life, while also highlighting the brand’s features and reasonably controlling costs. Currently, cosemtic tubes on the market can be divided into two main categories: plastic squeeze tubes and laminate tubes. Squeeze tubes can be customized in various colors, based on the number of wall layers, include 2-layer PE squeeze tubes and 5-layer PE squeeze tubes.
Difference between 2-layer and 5-layer squeeze tubes
5-layer PE squeeze tubes contain an EVOH barrier layer, which prevents air from entering the tube and also prevents the contents from permeating or evaporating. While 2-layer PE squeeze tubes do not contain EVOH, they meet the packaging requirements of most skincare products. Furthermore, in terms of appearance, there is almost no difference between 2-layer and 5-layer squeeze tubes, but 2-layer squeeze tubes are more economical. Therefore, 2-layer plastic squeeze tubes are the most common and widely used.
Laminate tubes
Laminate tubes include aluminum barrier tubes (ABL tubes), plastic barrier tubes (PBL tubes), and all-plastic tubes. Aluminum barrier tubes are further divided into two types based on the material of the intermediate layer: one is aluminum, which has a metallic aluminum texture, is opaque, and blocks light from entering tube, has a regular gloss level. The other is VMPET, which has a high gloss level, light can pass through. Therefore, tubes made with aluminum-containing materials are called gloss ABL tubes, and they are available in white and silver. Tubes made with VMPET are called high gloss ABL tubes, and they are only available in silver. Like 5-layer squeeze tubes, PBL tubes also contain EVOH and are available in transparent and white. However, all-plastic tubes contain neither EVOH nor aluminum; they can be either transparent or white.
Thickness of laminate tubes
Laminate materials are available in different thicknesses, commonly 270mic, 300mic, 350mic, 390mic, and 400mic. Thicker thicknesses generally offer better elasticity. Tubes of different diameters typically require materials of corresponding thicknesses. For example, tubes with a diameter of 30mm or less typically use 270mic or 300mic; 35mm tubes use 300mic or 350mic materials, 40mm tubes use 350mic materials, and tubes with a diameter of 45mm or more use 390mic materials.
Application
Both plastic squeeze tubes and laminate tubes can be used for offset printing, screen printing, hot stamping, and various finishes. However, plastic squeeze tubes are generally only suitable for printing solid color. Laminate tubes, on the other hand, can handle not only printing solid color but also multi-color overprinting, allowing for the printing of more colors and more intricate designs.
How to distinguish extruded tubes and laminate tubes
Extruded tube are produced by injection molding, therefore there are no seams. While laminate tubes must be welded, so there is usually a seam on the side of the tube.
Now you should know how to choose the right tube for your cosmetics and skincare products. So, what kind of tube material would you like to choose?
Gloss ABL laminte material
High gloss ABL laminate material
White ABL laminte material
Printed ABL laminate tubes
