Collapsible Tubes and Collapsible Tube Caps

Collapsible tubes are in stock and ready to ship at McKernan. Collapsible tubes are a type of packaging that can hold viscous liquids such as toothpaste, creams, pastes, paints, ointments, gels, and adhesives. Some advantages of collapsible tubes are their ability to keep their shape, while easily dispensing product. They are light and space efficient, making them easy to transport and store.


A majority of tubes are found in hair care, beauty, and cosmetics industries with products such as hair gel, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, suntan lotion, facial cleanser, liquid foundation, concealer, and lip gloss.

Because collapsible tubes dispense easily and contamination is kept at a minimum, these are also popular for pharmaceutical applications like ointments and creams. Pet care is a growing category for collapsible tubes in relation to food products, toothpastes, ointments and oral medications. Collapsible tubes are also used in food & beverage, home & garden, and automotive industries but with less frequency than these other categories.

Many collapsible tubes sold at McKernan are made from LDPE or other forms of plastic but some are also made of aluminum.

Often, a symmetrical cap is paired with a collapsible tube. Symmetrical caps are usually a double shell closure that sits flush on the container. These caps can be either a continuous thread or a snap-on finish and often the top of the cap is flat allowing the packaging to stand on the cap. Collapsible tube caps can also include continuous thread caps or a dispensing caps such as snap-top, with a sponge applicator, or a twist open and close that are not symmetrical.

Be sure to ask for samples to test these collapsible tubes with your specific product for compatibility. Add your samples to your cart or call 1 (800) 787-7587 and ask for a Sales Representative for assistance, and remember to ask for matching closures.