Tube: packaging for viscous products
From pharmaceutical aluminum tubes to premium skincare laminated tubes, understanding the right type of tube helps you choose the right barrier, the right tactile experience, and the right budget.
A tube is a type of flexible packaging, squeezed to dispense products in cream, gel, or ointment form for each use. There are three main groups: aluminum tubes, plastic tubes, and multi-layer laminated tubes. This format is commonly used for skincare cosmetics, topical pharmaceuticals, and toothpaste, where the formula needs to be dispensed hygienically without reaching into the container.
- facial cleanser, cream
- gel and ointment pharmaceuticals
- toothpaste
- oxygen-sensitive sunscreen
- liquid products (toner, water)
- gift box with a sturdy hard case
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.
- Strengths: Protects formulas sensitive to moisture, oxygen, and light at a high level when choosing aluminum tubes or ABL. 360-degree body printing, hidden seals, seamless appearance. Soft-touch coating, hot stamping, vacuum aluminum plating create a premium feel. Hollow body before being filled is more compact than rigid bottles, saving storage volume when importing tubes for filling.
- Limitations: Minimum order quantities are often high (see cost section), hindering very small batches. The tube body has a narrow vertical area, prioritizing core information and is not suitable for printing extensive content. Multi-layer film tubes are harder to recycle than single-material tubes, requiring consideration if the brand positions itself as sustainable. Choosing a barrier core (ABL or PBL) must match the formula's sensitivity, requiring discussion with the formula manufacturer beforehand.
You should not choose a tube when: the product is in a flowing liquid form like toner or facial mist, as tubes cannot dispense liquids correctly. It is also not suitable when you need a heavy, rigid 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.
The implementation time depends on the printer and the complexity of the design, so it is necessary to inquire about the production schedule as soon as the technical file is complete. Sinh Vũ does not guarantee printing prices and does not represent the printer.
Regarding compliance: the food contact tube must meet the food contact material standards (QCVN 12-1:2011/BYT for plastic and laminated tubes, QCVN 12-3:2011/BYT for metal tubes such as aluminum). Pharmaceutical tubes must comply with the labeling regulations set by the Ministry of Health. Cosmetic tubes must list ingredients according to the international nomenclature INCI and comply with cosmetic declaration regulations. These aspects should be confirmed with an industry legal expert before printing.
What to prepare to get started
To select the right tube type and build a design that fits the production process, you should prepare:
- 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: what is the total quantity for the first batch, to determine the feasible type of tube at the minimum quantity threshold.
- Timeline: the date you need the final product to calculate backwards for the design time and to allow enough 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, you can work with the printer to choose the appropriate tube type and prepare the standard technical file for the printer to provide a quote.
Decision checklist
Topic: Tube (packaging). Sinh Vũ guide, sinhvu.com
Select each item you find appropriate, then print or save as PDF to take with you.
If you have marked most of the signs above, this is the time to discuss in more detail. Sinh Vũ can help you review and propose a direction.
This article provides general information according to the documents in effect as of October 6, 2026. This is not legal advice and does not substitute for a lawyer's opinion for your specific case. Rights and obligations between Sinh Vũ and clients arise only according to the signed contract.
References
ETMA (European Tube Manufacturers Association, high reliability). Othilapak, Xinfly, Lisson Packaging, Impacked Packaging (supplier reference framework). Sinh Vũ's internal packaging handbook.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between ABL and PBL laminated tubes?
ABL has an aluminum core, providing almost absolute protection against moisture, light, and gas, suitable for very sensitive formulas. PBL replaces the aluminum core with a plastic layer containing EVOH, offering good oxygen barrier. The PBL tube body returns to its shape after each squeeze, making it easy to see how much product is left, but its overall barrier is one level lower than ABL. The choice depends on the sensitivity of the formula; you should consult the formula manufacturer before deciding.
What is the minimum quantity to create a custom tube for your brand?
Laminated tubes and standard PE plastic tubes typically have a minimum order quantity of around 10,000 units per code based on reference frameworks from suppliers. The more customized the design, the higher the minimum order quantity may be. This is a reference number and should be confirmed with the specific printer when a complete design is available. Sinh Vũ does not guarantee printing prices and does not represent the printer.
Can the tube be printed around the entire body?
Yes. Laminated tubes and aluminum tubes are printed with a full 360-degree wrap, with seams that are almost invisible. Additional finishing processes such as UV coating, soft-touch coating, hot stamping, and vacuum aluminum plating are all feasible on laminated tubes. These techniques help achieve a premium feel in mass production.
This article is for reference. The scope, pricing, and specific commitments of Sinh Vũ are detailed in the proposal and signed contract.