Home » Custom Paper Tube Packaging: The Complete Guide for Brands

Custom Paper Tube Packaging: The Complete Guide for Brands

Paper Tube Packaging

Are you looking for packaging that stands out on shelves while staying eco-friendly? Custom paper tube packaging might be your answer. This guide helps you know everything you need to know about custom paper tube packaging in detail. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in and explore everything related to paper tube packaging:

What is Custom Paper Tube Packaging?

Custom paper tube packaging is when you get a cylinder container created from the layers of paperboard that have been wound together, created exclusively for your company and product. Paper tube packaging can be mass produced as well as generic; however, custom tubes are built with your branding, exact size, and specialized closures in mind.

How Paper Tubes Are Made

Small paper tubes packaging are made by gluing layers of recycled paperboard (and/or kraft paper), wrapped around a steel mandrel, creating a cylindrical, stiff shape. This is accomplished by first cutting the paper into strips, then applying adhesive, then wrapping it in a spiral fashion, allowing it to dry, and finally cutting to the desired length.

Common Types of Paper Tube Packaging

The market is flooded with a huge range of tube packaging. Take a look at some of the most popular types:

Composite Cans

Paper tubes with a metal or plastic top that protect the protein powder product as much as possible. These are used on food products such as chip bags, coffee cups and nut containers.

Slide Tube

Simple tube with an internal sleeve or external wrap that slides into place. This is very economical to produce and is easy to fill.

Telescopic Tubes

Two piece tube with the top of the tube (the lid) being pushed down onto the bottom (the base). A high-end way to present a gift or a luxury item.

Paper Tube Packaging types

Plug & Cap Tubes

A tube that has removable caps at each end so you can easily open it, use its contents, then close the tube back up again. This type of tube is most commonly used for cosmetics and other small items.

Push Up Tubes

The bottom of the tube is pushed up to release the product. This is commonly used in the cosmetic industry for lipstick and solid cosmetics.

 

Paper Tube Packaging vs Traditional Box Packaging

Paper tubes clearly win when branding and presentation matter. Therefore, check out some of the most important aspects:

Feature Paper Tube Packaging Folding Carton Boxes
Shape Cylindrical Rectangular
Shelf Environmental Impact High Medium
Durability Strong Moderate
Reusability High Low
Sustainability High High
Brand Perception Premium Standard

 

Why Choose Paper Tube Packaging?

After studying hundreds of brands, this guide gives useful insights about the key advantages that make paper tubes increasingly popular. Have a look at some of the following advantages:

Sustainability

Tea Paper Tubes are a sustainable packaging option to promote your sustainable practices. Some of the following aspects:

Completely Recyclable: Tubes may be put into any recycling stream that accepts paper products without separating them from other materials composition (unlike multi material packaging).

Compostable: If tubes cannot be recycled, they will biodegrade in 2 to 6 months. Plastic takes 400 + Years to Biodegrade.

Renewable Materials: Paperboard is made from wood pulp from responsibly harvested trees; recycled content levels of 60% – 100% are also available.

Lower Carbon Footprint: Paper tube production produces 60% fewer greenhouse gas emissions (CO2) than plastic packaging production.

Product Protection

Product protection is important. Take a look at some of the most important considerations:

Structural Strength: Paperboard tubes have multiple layers of cardboard which give them high crush resistance (the ability to withstand the force of being crushed) – they will usually be able to hold in excess of 50-200 pounds of stacked weight per inch of tube thickness.

Resistance to Moisture: Coatings or foil liners are applied to the inside of the tubes to prevent moisture from entering the contents while still allowing them to be recycled.

Light Protection: The opaque paperboard used to make the tubes prevents UV (ultraviolet) light from coming through, which causes degradation to products such as cosmetics and supplements.

Shock Absorption: Due to their cylindrical shape and layered construction, the tubes are able to absorb impact forces much more effectively than traditional rigid packaging systems.

Airtight Seals: Tubes can be sealed with metal or plastic endcaps with gaskets to create an airtight seal to help keep the product fresh.

Premium Brand Perception

Branding is everything. Therefore, check out some of the most appealing benefits related to effective branding:

Brand Differentiation: Paper cylindrical packaging is significantly different than flat box packaging; this can make a product stand out on store shelves by as much as 35% in terms of visibility.

Sensory Experience: The smooth surface with no give when touched gives the impression that it is of premium quality.

Unboxing Experience: The sliding or telescoping motion creates an experience of satisfaction, which increases the customer’s ability to remember the brand name.

Potential For Customization: There are virtually unlimited ways to customize the color, finish, embossing, etc., of a paper tube.

Brand Associations: Many luxury brands use coffee paper tubes packaging to market their high-quality products and in doing so associate those brands with quality and exclusivity.

Cost-Effectiveness

Cost is one of the most critical aspect that every brand and business look for. Have a look at some of the most important aspects:

  • Paper tubes are cost effective for smaller quantities. They do not need expensive molds as injection molded plastics do, and custom sizes begin around 500 to 1000 pieces.
  • Paper Tubes use fewer materials when in cylindrical format than in rectangular formats of the same size.
  • Because of their light weight, paper tubes will save you money on freight compared to glass or plastic containers.
  • The tubes can be used by customers multiple times, providing extra branding to customers who find them visually appealing.

Industries That Use Custom Paper Tube Packaging

There are a lot of brands and businesses that use these tubes to meet their needs. Check out some of the most popular industries:

  • Cosmetic Businesses

  • Skincare Brands

  • Candle Brands

  • Home Fragrances

  • Food Chains

  • Beverage Brands

  • Apparel Brands

  • Accessory Businesses

  • Corporate Gifting

  • Ecommerce Brands

Design Best Practices To Make Your Brand Stand Out

After reviewing thousands of paper tube designs, here are my proven recommendations:

  • Consider the Full Cylinder
  • Account for Seams
  • Size Appropriately
  • Test Opening Mechanisms
  • Use High-Resolution Graphics
  • Consider Interior Aesthetics
  • Plan for Stacking
  • Prototype Before Production

Cost Considerations for Custom Paper Tube Packaging

  • Factors that influence pricing include:
  • Tube size (diameter & height in inches)
  • Material thickness
  • Printing method
  • Finishes and add-ons
  • Order quantity

Common Mistakes to Avoid

There are various ways a human can make a mistake. Therefore, learn from others’ expensive errors. Have a look at some of the most common errors:

  • Not accounting for wall thickness in addition to interior diameter of tubes will increase their exterior dimension.
  • Using a “beautiful” or “soft-touch” coating for food products that is not food-safe and therefore rejects products from packaging lines.
  • Designing a tube to be printed via an offset process (where each color has to be applied separately), however, ordering only in low MOQs (which are too small to economically justify the cost of setting up).
  • Not testing your prototypes with the actual products you intend to package. The prototype may fit empty but will break when filled with the weight of the product.
  • Failing to account for how tubes will ship as well as how to orient them during shipment. Tubes arrived crushed at the end of shipping because they were not properly packaged to protect the ends of the tubes.

Where To Get Custom Paper Tube Packaging?

Tube Packaging Pro has all the skills to manufacture custom paper tube packaging tailored to your needs through our customizable packaging solutions. We use high-grade materials, unique layouts, CMYK printing, and premium finishes to customize these tubes to grow your brand and meet your requirements. 

We also construct these tubes as per your needs with complete precision. Don’t have a packaging design? Worry not! Feel free to contact us and create a tube design that is as premium as your products. We are available 24/7 to help you, from start to end of the packaging project.

Conclusion

Custom paper tube packaging is the perfect balance of protecting your product, presenting it in a premium way, and being sustainable for today’s modern brands. Paper lip balm tubes come in all shapes and sizes for the different types of products you may want to package such as cosmetic, food, gift or apparel.

They create a unique and distinct shelf appeal and an unboxing experience that will build customer loyalty to your brand.

 

Frequently Asked Questions paper tube packaging

Are paper tubes waterproof?

Standard tubes aren’t waterproof but resist light moisture. Add interior foil or plastic liners for water resistance while maintaining recyclability.

How long do paper tubes last?

Properly stored, paper tubes remain structurally sound for 2-3 years. Products inside are protected as long as moisture doesn’t compromise the tube.

Can paper tubes hold heavy items?

Yes. Wall thickness determines capacity. Standard 2-3mm tubes hold up to 5 lbs; heavy-duty 4-5mm tubes can hold 15+ lbs.

Are paper tubes more expensive than boxes?

Per unit costs are comparable to custom printed boxes ($2-$5 range), but tubes offer unique benefits that justify pricing for premium products.

Are custom paper tubes expensive?

They are cost-effective when considering durability, reusability, and enhanced brand perception.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hussnain Shahid
Paper Tube Packaging

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