Soft tube plays a crucial role in the world of product packaging across industries like cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, adhesives, and more. It offers a convenient, protective solution to keep products safe from contaminants, air, light, and moisture. There are three main types of soft tube: pure aluminum tubes, plastic tubes, and aluminum barrier laminate tubes. Each type has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, allowing you to make an informed decision based on your product’s specific needs.
Aluminum Tubes
Aluminum tubes stand out due to their exceptional barrier properties. The metal effectively shields the contents from light, air, and moisture, creating a protective barrier that preserves the product’s quality and shelf life. These soft tubes are engineered to be soft, flexible, and robust enough to endure physical stress. The surface of aluminum tubes can be customized with high-quality printing or labeling, enhancing the product’s visual appeal and brand image.
However, aluminum tubes do have some downsides. They tend to be more expensive and heavier compared to plastic alternatives, which could lead to higher production costs.
Plastic Tubes
PE plastic tubes come with a lower raw material cost and are lightweight, making them a cost-effective choice. Their flexibility and ease of squeezing make them suitable for products like creams, lotions, and gels that need to be dispensed easily. Nevertheless, plastic tubes are not as effective as barriers compared to aluminum alternatives. This might result in a shorter shelf life or vulnerability to external elements.
Aluminum Barrier Laminate (ABL) Tubes
ABL tubes merge the strengths of aluminum and plastic layers. This combination results in cost-effective tubes that offer the sturdiness of aluminum and the flexibility of plastic. These packaging tubes are a favorite among cosmetic brands due to their ability to showcase intricate designs, fine details, and vibrant colors through high-quality printing. While ABL tubes provide good barrier properties, they still fall short of the protective capabilities of aluminum tubes when it comes to light and moisture.
Choosing the Right Tube for Your Product
Selecting the ideal soft tube depends on several factors, including the product’s nature, required barrier properties, budget considerations, and branding needs. Aluminum tubes excel in offering robust barrier protection, while plastic tubes offer flexibility and cost-effectiveness. ABL tubes strike a balance between quality printing and moderate barrier properties. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each soft tube material empowers you to make a well-informed decision that aligns with your product’s unique requirements.
Guangzhou Xinyi Enterprise Ltd is an aluminum collapsible tube manufacturer based in China, offering a variety of specifications and sizes, with tube capacities ranging from 3 ml to 90 ml. For more information on aluminum packaging tubes, including free sample requests, please feel free to contact Xinyi today: sales@tubenaire.net
