Collapsible Tube Packaging Guide
What Are Collapsible Tubes?
Collapsible tubes are a type of flexible packaging designed to dispense viscous products such as creams, gels, pastes, sunscreen, makeup and more. When pressure is applied to the tube, the product is pushed through the opening regardless of the angle or location where pressure is applied. Once released, the tube generally stays compressed, helping limit the amount of air that returns to the container.
How Do Collapsible Tubes Work?
Collapsible tubes are designed to dispense product through pressure rather than pumping, pouring or scooping. When the tube is squeezed, pressure inside the container forces the product toward the opening and out through the tube orifice. The flexible walls collapse as product is dispensed, reducing the space available for air inside the container. This dispensing method allows users to control how much product is released with each squeeze. The narrow opening can also help direct the product where it's needed, making collapsible tubes useful for products that require precise or controlled application.
Before sealing, collapsible tubes have an open, cylindrical shape. The product is filled through the open end of the tube, which is then sealed to create a closed package. The sealed end can be finished in different ways depending on the tube and application.
What Are Collapsible Tubes Used For?
Collapsible tubes are commonly used for products that are thick, viscous or intended to be dispensed in controlled amounts based on the customer's preference. Their flexible construction and narrow opening make them suitable for a wide range of applications from beauty, hair care and cosmetics to pharmaceutical and industrial products.
Common applications include:
- Personal care: lotions, creams, gels and other topical products
- Cosmetics: makeup, skincare products and treatments
- Health care: ointments, topical medications and other pharmaceutical products
- Sun care: sunscreen and other products designed for topical application
- Household products: adhesives, polishes and other thick formulations
- Industrial products: lubricants, compounds and specialty pastes
Benefits of Collapsible Tube Packaging
Collapsible tubes offer several functional advantages. Their flexible construction and compact shape make them a practical packaging option for many applications.
Controlled Dispensing
The amount of product dispensed is largely controlled by the user and can be adjusted by applying more or less pressure to the tube. This can be particularly useful for products that are applied in small amounts or need to be directed to a specific area.
Efficient Product Use
As product is dispensed, the tube collapses around the remaining contents. This allows the package to maintain its compressed shape as it empties and helps users access product throughout the life of the package.
Compact and Lightweight
Collapsible tubes come in various sizes, with some being less than 1/2 ounce and others holding more than 12 ounces. Depending on material and product weight, collapsible tubes can be a very lightweight packaging option
Their shape can also make them convenient to store, transport and use.
Easy Application
The tube's narrow opening allows product to be directed during application rather than dispensed over a broad area. Depending on the closure and opening, this can provide additional control over how and where the product is applied.
Collapsible Tube Materials
Collapsible tubes can be made from many different materials, with plastic and aluminum being common options. The material used can affect the tube's flexibility, durability, appearance and compatibility with the product being packaged.
Plastic Collapsible Tubes
Plastic tubes are flexible and lightweight, making them suitable for a wide range of personal care, cosmetic, pharmaceutical and other products. Common plastic collapsible tube options include HDPE, PET, PP and more. Different plastics can offer different levels of flexibility and resistance to the product being packaged.
Aluminum Collapsible Tubes
Aluminum collapsible tubes are durable and highly malleable, allowing the tube to remain compressed after it has been squeezed. They can be used for products that benefit from a metal package and are commonly found in applications such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and industrial products.
Choosing a Material
The best material for a collapsible tube depends on the product, intended application and packaging requirements. Product compatibility, flexibility, durability, appearance and dispensing needs should all be considered when selecting a tube material. McKernan offers samples to help ensure product compatibility before making a packaging decision, and a sales rep can help guide you through the collapsible tube selection process.
Collapsible Tube Closures
Collapsible tube closures are an important part of a collapsible tube because they control how the product is dispensed and help protect the contents when the package is not in use. Different closure styles can provide different dispensing experiences depending on the product and how it is intended to be used.
Symmetrical Caps
A symmetrical cap can be either a continuous thread cap or a dispensing cap such as a snap-top or flip-top cap.
Continuous Thread Caps
Continuous thread caps attach to the threaded neck of a tube and can be removed as needed. They are a common option for products that are dispensed directly from the tube.
Snap-Top Caps
Snap-top or flip-top caps can be opened with one hand and provide quick access to the tube opening. They are often used for products that are dispensed frequently or need to be applied directly from the package.
Specialty Closures
Some collapsible tubes use closures designed for specific dispensing and application needs. Applicator tips, narrow orifices and other specialty designs can help control the amount of product released or direct it to a particular area.
Choosing the Right Collapsible Tube
Selecting a collapsible tube starts with understanding the product and how it will be used. Consider the product's viscosity, compatibility with the tube material, capacity and dispensing requirements. The tube's material, size, closure and opening can all affect how the finished package performs.
Testing is an important part of the selection process. Product samples can help confirm that the tube and closure work well with the formulation and provide the desired dispensing experience before moving forward with a larger order.
If you need help selecting collapsible tube packaging, McKernan's sales team can help you evaluate your options and find a tube that fits your product and application.
