Tubes

World Wide Packaging LLC (WWP; Florham Park, NJ) has partnered with Mary Kay Global to introduce five three-color in-line silk screened 1-oz tubes to serve as a gift with purchase (GWP) set for Mary Kay products.

By Marie Redding
Freelance Writer

Tube suppliers and fillers say business is growing. New innovations in structure, closure, and decoration are all helping to fuel the demand for tubes.

By Marie Redding
Freelance Writer

The demand for squeeze tubes is expected to climb 4.8% annually to $1.1 billion through 2014, according to The Freedonia Group’s industry study, “Tube & Stick Packaging,” published last May. “Prospects will be helped by improved barrier properties in extruded plastic tubes, and greater use of laminate tubes in applications beyond toothpaste,” the study predicts.

Procter & Gamble has launched Crest Pro-Health Sensitive Shield toothpaste and Crest 3D White Vivid toothpaste in multilayer stand-up tubes. Crest Pro-Health Sensitive Shield contains the active ingredient Stannous Fluoride, which reduces sensitivity by blocking triggers from stimulating nerves inside the tooth. Crest Pro-Health also protects against cavities, gingivitis, tartar, and plaque while promoting fresh breath and whitening.

Tube Filler

The tube business in North America has come roaring back in 2010 versus a year ago. In September of 2008, when the credit crunch started to hit, the tube business started a decline as well. This decline continued for about 12 months then volumes started to pick up towards the 4th quarter of 2009.

The market is global and it is huge, with literally billions of tubes shipped to customers in sizes from 13 mm diam up to 2.5 in. In every supplier’s facility, innovations are the rule. All squeeze tube products are benefiting from new material formulations and decoration capabilities both on the plastic and laminate side.

Neosporin brand has partnered with waste converter TerraCycle to recycle expired antibiotic tubes. On Earth Day, the two companies encouraged consumers to begin collecting these tubes and recycle them by joining one of TerraCycle’s 1000 Neosporin Tube Brigades. These groups collect used packages and send them to TerraCycle for converting into innovative products.