What Types of Products Are Best Packaged in Collapsible Tubes

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Collapsible tubes are good for products in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, cleaning, and personal care. You see tubes used for creams, gels, toothpaste, and ointments. These tubes help you use the right amount. They keep the product safe from air and germs. The chart below shows cosmetics use 40% of collapsible tubes. Pharmaceuticals use 30% of these tubes.

 The chart shows cosmetics use 40% of collapsible tubes. Pharmaceuticals use 30% of these tubes.

Collapsible tubes can be made from aluminum, plastic, laminated materials, or eco-friendly choices. These tubes are good for packaging semi solid products. They work well for things with sensitive or thick textures.

Key Takeaways

  • Collapsible tubes work well for creams, gels, ointments, and food pastes. They keep products safe. They are easy to use.
  • These tubes stop air and germs from getting in. This helps products stay fresh. It also helps them last longer.
  • Aluminum collapsible tubes are good for the environment. They are easier to recycle than plastic tubes. Picking them helps the earth.
  • You can squeeze out just enough from collapsible tubes. This means you waste less. They are useful for daily use.
  • Check for clear labels and seals on collapsible tubes. This helps keep food and medicine safe.

Pharmaceuticals

Collapsible tubes are important for medicine packaging. You often find them with ointments and gels. These tubes keep your medicine safe and simple to use.

Ointments

Ointments need to stay clean and fresh. Collapsible tubes help you apply ointments without touching the rest. You squeeze out just what you need. The rest of the ointment stays safe from air and water. This keeps it stable and stops germs from getting in.

Tip: Squeeze the tube to use all the ointment, so you waste less.

Most ointments use plastic, aluminum, or laminated tubes. In 2024, plastic tubes were the most used. Aluminum tubes are becoming more popular. Squeeze tubes are common for ointments and creams. They are used for skin medicine and pain relief.

Material TypeApplication in Pharmaceutical PackagingBenefits for Hygiene and Contamination Prevention
Metallic collapsible tubesUsed for semisolid products like creams and ointmentsSingle material tubes can be tested for stability, reducing contamination risks.
Aluminum and tin-plated steelCommonly used for cans and aerosol containersProvides a barrier against external contaminants.

Rules say each aluminum tube must have a special code. This can be a barcode or QR code. It helps track the product and stop fake medicine. Seals and holograms also protect your medicine.

Gels

Gels need to stay safe from air and water. Collapsible tubes keep gels fresh for longer. You can squeeze out every last bit. The soft tube is easy to use for many things.

Packaging TypeAdvantages
Collapsible TubesProtects from air and moisture, extending shelf life and maintaining product integrity.
Ointment JarsExposes entire contents to air, increasing risk of contamination and spoilage.
FeatureDescription
Protection from elementsCollapsible tubes protect the contents from external factors like heat, cold, and moisture.
Maintenance of product integrityThey help maintain the product’s characteristics and extend shelf life by limiting air exposure.

Collapsible tubes are good for the environment. You can recycle them to help the planet. Safety is very important for medicine and food. Aluminum tubes do not let out bad chemicals. You can clean them to kill germs. They block light, air, and water to keep your medicine safe. Seals and good factory rules also protect your products.

Making collapsible tubes is not always easy. Companies compete with other packaging types. Prices for materials can change. There are many strict rules to follow. It can be hard to change the design. Some people worry about plastic tubes and the environment.

Cosmetics

Collapsible tubes are used a lot in cosmetics.

Collapsible tubes are used a lot in cosmetics. You see them with skin and hair products. These tubes make creams, lotions, and toothpaste easy to use. They keep your products safe and fresh.

Creams

People use creams for skin and beauty. Collapsible tubes help you squeeze out just enough. This packaging keeps air and germs away. You can use almost all the cream. Brands pick tubes for face, hand, and eye creams. Squeeze tubes are small and good for travel.

Tip: Keep your cream tube in a cool spot. This helps it stay fresh longer.

Lotions

Lotions need to be safe from light and air. Collapsible tubes give many benefits for lotion:

  1. You can carry your lotion anywhere.
  2. Tubes keep lotion clean and safe.
  3. You use almost all the lotion, so there is less waste.
  4. Tubes help brands sell good products for less money.

Cosmetic companies use recyclable materials for lotion tubes. You help the planet when you pick these products.

Toothpaste

Toothpaste is often sold in collapsible tubes. More than 85% of toothpaste brands use tubes. In the U.S., big brands like Crest and Tom’s of Maine use tubes. Tubes keep toothpaste fresh and simple to use. Pump bottles are growing but not as popular.

Innovation TypeDescription
Sustainable MaterialsNew caps use less material and come from recyclable sources.
New Dispensing TechnologiesTamper-evident seals and airless pumps improve safety and performance.
Consumer-Friendly FeaturesNozzle applicators help you apply the right amount and reduce waste.

Cosmetic tube packaging keeps getting better. Brands want new designs and eco-friendly materials. You see more recyclable and biodegradable tubes in beauty and hair products. Companies want you to have safe and easy packaging.

Aluminum Collapsible Tubes

Aluminum collapsible tubes keep products fresh and safe. These tubes block light, air, and water. Your food and personal care items last longer. Aluminum does not react with your product. The taste and smell stay the same. You do not need to worry about changes.

Food

Some foods spoil fast. Aluminum collapsible tubes help keep these foods fresh. They stop oxygen and light from getting in. You squeeze out what you need. The rest stays safe inside. Here are foods you often see in aluminum collapsible tubes:

  • Mustard
  • Mayonnaise
  • Tomato paste
  • Other food pastes
Food ProductsReasons for Packaging in Aluminum Tubes
MustardKeeps out oxygen and light, so it stays fresh.
MayonnaiseStays good and does not spoil.
Tomato PasteNeeds extra protection to stay safe.

Food in aluminum collapsible tubes must follow strict rules. In the US, the FDA checks if tubes are safe for food. In the EU, special symbols and labels show safety. These rules help keep your food safe. You can trust what you buy.

Personal Care

Aluminum collapsible tubes are good for personal care products. You find hand creams, moisturizers, sunscreens, and toothpaste in these tubes. They keep your products clean and easy to use. You can carry them in your bag or take them on trips. The tubes look nice and help brands seem eco-friendly.

  • Toothpastes
  • Hand creams
  • Moisturizers
  • Sunscreens

Aluminum collapsible tubes block germs and air. They are safe and easy to use. Many people like these tubes because you can recycle them. Plastic collapsible tube packaging is harder to recycle. It can get mixed up or dirty. Aluminum helps the planet and protects your products.

Tip: Pick aluminum collapsible tube packaging if you want your product to last longer. It keeps out light and air, so your creams and food stay fresh.

Advantages

Controlled Dispensing

Collapsible tubes help you use the right amount each time. You squeeze out just what you need, so you do not waste any. Aluminum collapsible tubes are great for creams, ointments, and gels. They keep air and light away from your product. This helps your product stay fresh and work well. Many companies in medicine and beauty use these tubes for accurate doses. Factories also use collapsible tubes for adhesives and lubricants. These tubes are strong and simple to use. That is why many people pick them for packaging.

Protection

Collapsible tubes keep your product safe from air and germs. Every time you use them, your creams and gels stay clean. The tubes make a seal that blocks air and stops germs. This helps your product last longer and stay good. Aluminum tubes give even more protection from light and air. They have special coatings inside to keep things safe. You can trust these tubes to keep your medicine and cosmetics clean.

  • Collapsible tubes make a seal that keeps out air.
  • They stop germs and keep products stable, which is important for medicine and beauty.
  • Special coatings inside help the tubes work with many products.

Recycling plastic is harder and less effective than recycling aluminum. Some plastic tubes can be recycled, but not many are. This is because of germs, sorting problems, and plastic getting weaker after recycling. So, a lot of plastic tubes end up in landfills or as trash, which hurts the environment.

  • Collapsible tubes, especially aluminum ones, are easier to recycle than plastic.
  • Making plastic tubes uses up resources and a lot of energy, which adds to pollution.
  • Plastic lasts a long time and can pollute the earth for hundreds of years.

Convenience

Collapsible tubes are easy to use and carry with you. They fit in your bag or pocket, so you can take them anywhere. Many people like how these tubes look and feel. You can use almost all the product inside, so you waste less. Companies pick collapsible tubes for personal care, health, and online shopping because they are light and small.

SectorKey Insights
Personal CarePeople like collapsible tubes because they look nice, are easy to use, and keep things safe.
HealthcareThese tubes are easy to carry and use, so they are good for creams, gels, and lotions.
E-commerceMore people shop online, so they want small, light packaging that is easy to ship and use.

You see collapsible tubes used for many things. They help you use your creams, gels, and food pastes safely. These tubes protect your products and make life easier.

Collapsible tubes are used for medicine, beauty, food, and personal care. These tubes keep products safe and easy to use. They work well for things that are soft or need protection. When picking packaging, think about how sensitive the product is. Also, look at how much it costs and if it is good for the planet.

Tube TypeKey FeaturesBenefits
Squeeze TubesSoft and simple to useYou can control how much comes out. It helps stop germs.
Airless Squeeze TubesStops air from getting inProducts last longer and stay fresh.

Tip: Always look for clear labels and good quality. This helps keep your products safe and people trust them.

Collapsible Tubes – Frequently Asked Questions

Discover which formulas shine in collapsible tubes, how to choose the right materials, orifices and closures, and when aluminum vs. plastic constructions make sense.

1) What products are best suited for collapsible tubes?
Creams, gels and pastes that benefit from hygienic, controlled dosing: hand/body creams, sunscreens, face cleansers, toothpastes, hair masks, ointments and artist paints.
2) When should I choose aluminum tubes over plastic?
Pick aluminum for oxygen/light-sensitive or solvent/acidic formulas (retinol, vitamin C, essential oils, medicated ointments). Choose PE/PBL for soft squeeze and lower cost.
3) Are skincare creams and lotions good candidates?
Yes—day/night creams, hand creams and body lotions dispense cleanly with minimal contamination and strong shelf appeal in 30–200 ml sizes.
4) Do sunscreens work well in collapsible tubes?
Absolutely. Tubes allow precise dosing, travel-friendly sizes (≤100 ml), and barrier options (COEX PE+EVOH or PBL) for UV-sensitive actives.
5) What about acne and spot treatments?
Needle or slanted tips on small tubes (10–20 ml) enable precise application for benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or sulfur pastes.
6) Are hair care products compatible?
Yes—masks, conditioners and styling creams use larger diameters (Ø35–50 mm) with 100–250 ml capacities and 2.0–2.5+ mm orifices.
7) Which makeup products belong in tubes?
Primers, tinted moisturizers, liquid/cream blush and foundation. Airless/pump tubes help with dose accuracy and oxidation control for premium SKUs.
8) Are oral-care products like toothpaste ideal?
Yes—classic use case. PE/PBL/ABL constructions provide clean dosing and strong barrier; orifices around 2.0–3.5+ mm suit paste viscosity.
9) Can pharmaceutical or OTC ointments use collapsible tubes?
Widely used. Aluminum with proper BPA-NI or epoxy-phenolic liners protects medicated creams and gels; add tamper-evident membranes.
10) Are food and craft products suitable?
Yes—condensed milk, icing gels (food-safe builds), and artist oil/acrylic paints. Confirm liner/ink compliance for food or hobby use.
11) What materials can I choose for collapsible tubes?
Mono-PE (recyclability), COEX PE+EVOH (barrier), PBL (all-plastic laminate, higher barrier), ABL (aluminum barrier laminate), and aluminum slugs with internal lacquer.
12) How do I pick the right orifice size?
Serums/lotions: 1.0–1.4 mm; creams: 1.4–2.0 mm; balms/masks: 2.0–2.5+ mm; toothpaste/pastes: 2.0–3.5+ mm. Match size to viscosity and dose.
13) Which closures/applicators pair well?
Flip-top, disc-top, screw, needle/slanted tips, roller/metal tips for cooling massage, and airless/pump heads for oxygen-sensitive actives.
14) Any sustainability guidance for tube-friendly products?
Use mono-PE body + PE cap for recyclability, add 20–50% PCR-PE or sugarcane bio-PE, limit heavy metallization and include disposal guidance.
15) Why choose Xinfly Packaging for collapsible tube projects?
Broad PE/COEX/PBL/ABL/aluminum portfolio, PCR/bio-PE options, premium finishes (foil/spot-UV/soft-touch), fast sampling and export-ready packing.

Ready to customize your packaging? Contact our team for detailed pricing, MOQ flexibility, and fast production samples.

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Jeff Shao
Jeff – Founder & Managing Director of Xinfly Packaging

Jeff Shao is a forward-thinking entrepreneur and packaging innovator with over 20 years of experience in the cosmetic and personal-care packaging industry. As the Founder and Managing Director of Xinfly Packaging, he has transformed the company from a traditional plastic tube manufacturer into a global provider of custom, eco-friendly, and premium cosmetic tube solutions.

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