Product Update: Innovative Tubes

Plastic Squeeze Tubes

A manufacturer of rigid containers and closures has introduced a new line of plastic squeeze tubes for pharmaceutical applications. The tubes are available in a wide range of sizes and colors, and come in UV, matte, and gloss finishes. They are manufactured from polypropylene and high- and low-density polyethylene materials, including softouch, dual-layer, and coextruded. The tube heads can be ordered with a variety of orifices and matching caps with dispensing features such as snip-tips, flip-tops, disc-tops, stand-ups, and child resistance. Decorating processes include offset printing, silk-screening, hot stamping, and labeling. The company also features a variety of glass, plastic, and metal containers and closure systems. O. Berk Co., Union, NJ; 888/CPG-BERK; www.oberk.com.

Tamper-Evident Aluminum Tube

A company has introduced a new tamper-evident aluminum tube designed for pharmaceutical applications. The new tube provides user security through the use of the company’s captive tamper-evident specialty closure. The design utilizes aluminum that is rolled over a flange on the molded plastic cap. By removing the closure, the flange is released from underneath the skirt. Once that occurs, the closure cannot return to its original position, which indicates that the tube has been opened. The tube measures 0.5 in. in height and comes with an eye-tip neck and fez closure. The company also supplies laminate, plastic laminate, and tin tubes; coated metered-dose inhaler cans; and bottles and closures. IntraPac, Don Mills, ON, Canada; 630/579-9986; www.intrapacgroup.com.

Single-Use Tubes

A packaging company offers a line of single-use plastic tubes available in a wide range of colors. The tubes are available in sizes ranging from 2 to 30 ml and employ the company’s PrismaPak printed see-through method that allows the product within to become an integral and visible part of the package design. PrismaPak gives pharmaceutical companies unlimited design flexibility for color, shape, and graphics. Both the tip and the butt of the tube can be custom shaped to any configuration. In addition, an enhanced graphic system enables the tubes to be decorated with better clarity to meet sophisticated graphic requirements. The company’s tip styles for tubes also include narrow channels for more-accurate product dispensing. Unette, Wharton, NJ; 973/328-6800; www.unette.com.

Digital Tube Printing

A packaging company offers a digital printing process for aluminum, foil laminate, and plastic laminate tubes. This process, called M-Deco, provides a variety of visual possibilities with maximum colors, complete graphics, and repeatability. It is suitable for product launches, seasonal packaging, private-label, or test-marketing new products in limited runs. The process also allows customers to focus on smaller market segments. Montebello Packaging, Oak Park, IL; 800/548-TUBE; www.montebellopkg.com.

Laminate Tubes

A line of laminate tubes allows customers to differentiate their products on the shelf. The company utilizes cost-effective web structures and distinctive package graphics, and reportedly offers optimal barrier characteristics, durability, and dispensing options. It also offers routine FDA and CPSC interface, reliable quality assurance, and materials traceability practices based on 20-plus years of industry experience. Alcan Packaging Cebal, Norwalk, CT; 203/845-6356; www.cebalamericas.com.