Tube: packaging for viscous products

When the product is in a viscous form, cream, or gel, the way users dispense each dose directly affects hygiene, experience, and the longevity of the formula. A tube addresses all three issues with a simple mechanism: squeeze the soft body, the product comes out of the tip, and the remaining part stays sealed.

What is a tube?

A tube is a type of soft cylindrical packaging, with a threaded neck for a cap, and a sealed bottom after filling with the product. Users squeeze the body to dispense the product without direct contact with the remaining contents inside.

There are three main groups:

• Aluminum tube: Rigid body, collapses and retains its shape after each squeeze. Almost completely blocks light, moisture, and gas. Commonly used in topical pharmaceuticals such as ointments and gels.
• Plastic tube (usually PE or PP): soft body, returns to a round shape after being squeezed. Lower cost, available in transparent or various colors, but has poorer moisture and gas barrier properties compared to the other two types.
• Laminate tube: The body is made from multiple layers of pressed materials, at least five layers. There are two classifications: ABL (aluminum core, very high moisture and gas barrier) and PBL (plastic core with an EVOH layer, good oxygen barrier, body recovers shape after squeezing). This is the primary choice for skincare and toothpaste in the mid to high segment.

Both screw and flip lids are popular. Many tubes have a thin membrane sealing the opening as a sign that the product has not been opened. The tube surface with a membrane allows for printing and decorative processing that wraps around the body 360 degrees with nearly invisible seams.

When to choose, when not to

Tubes are suitable when the product needs to be dispensed in small doses without exposing the remaining contents to air. This is why tubes dominate the categories of creams, facial cleansers, and toothpaste.

Do not choose tubes when: The product is in a flowing liquid form like toner or facial mist, as tubes cannot dispense liquids properly. It is also not suitable when you need a solid, heavy box feel for premium gifts, or when you need a large printing area to present a lot of information.

Costs, time and quantity

The cost of tubes is moderate to high compared to other packaging types. Single-layer plastic tubes are cheaper; ABL laminated tubes and aluminum tubes are more expensive due to their complex structure and tighter processing requirements. Additional processing such as soft coating, foil stamping, or vacuum aluminum plating increases costs further.

Regarding minimum quantity: composite film tubes and standard PE tubes usually have a minimum threshold of around 10,000 units per code based on reference frameworks from suppliers. Highly customized designs may have a higher minimum. Some squeeze aluminum tubes have lower minimums, but confirmation with each specific printer is necessary.

Execution time depends on the printer and the complexity of the design. Sinh Vũ does not commit to printing prices and does not set production times on behalf of the printer, as this falls outside the scope of creative direction. Sinh Vũ provides standard technical files for the printer to quote and schedule as accurately as possible.

Regarding compliance: food contact tubes must meet food contact material standards (refer to QCVN 12-1/BYT, specific standards need expert approval). Pharmaceutical tubes must comply with labeling regulations from the Drug Administration. Cosmetic tubes must list ingredients according to the international nomenclature INCI and comply with cosmetic declaration regulations. Sinh Vũ will provide guidance on these aspects but recommends that you confirm with industry legal experts.

What does Sinh Vũ need from you to get started

To allow Sinh Vũ to advise on the right type of tube and build a design suitable for the production process, you need to provide:

• Product and formula: product name, form (cream, gel, ointment), sensitivity to moisture, oxygen, and light to determine the type of barrier needed.
• SKU number and volume: How many different codes are there, how many ml for each code, and are there size variations?
• Market and sales channels: domestic or export, pharmacy, online, or retail chain. This affects labeling and language requirements.
• Budget and expected quantity: how many units are in the first batch, to determine the feasible type of tube at the MOQ floor.
• Timeline: The date you need the finished product for Sinh Vũ to plan backward for the design time and ensure sufficient time for the printer.
• Compliance requirements: What category does the product belong to (cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food) to prepare the correct mandatory content on the label.

With the information above, Sinh Vũ will propose the appropriate type, a 360-degree design structure, and a technical file for the printer's quotation. You can send your needs through Sinh Vũ's contact page to begin.