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, there are two main categories of cosmetic plastic tubes on the market: plastic squeeze tubes and laminate tubes. According to the structure of the plastic squeeze tube, include 2-layer squeeze tube and 5-layer squeeze tube, we can cusotmize various colors with plastic squeeze tubes.
Difference between 2-layer and 5-layer squeeze tubes
5-layer squeeze tube contain an EVOH barrier layer, which prevents air from entering the tube, and also prevents the contents from permeating or evaporating. So 5-lay squeeze commonly used in high-end products, or products containing oxygen-sensitive formulas that require air barrier properties. While 2-layer squeeze tubes do not contain EVOH, they meet the packaging requirements of most skincare product formulation. 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 laminate tubes (ABL tubes), plastic barrier laminate tubes (PBL tubes), and all-plastic tubes. Based on the material of the intermediate layer, ABL tubes are further divided into two types: one is aluminum foil, 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 foil-containing materials, we name them regular gloss ABL tube, and they are available in white and silver. Tubes made with VMPET, we name them high gloss ABL tube, and they are only available in silver. Like 5-layer squeeze tube, 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
