Used historically since the mid-1800s, aluminium tubes, along with other metals, have long housed all sorts of products from a variety of sectors. Commonly used for cosmetics (or as may be remembered by some, specifically toothpaste), aluminium tubes are also used for food stuffs, pharmaceuticals, industrial products and more.
At Fillcon we use our advanced facilities to fill a range of packaging types, from tubes to bottles and sachets with any number of liquid products. We’ve put together this guide to aluminium tube packaging to explain some of the benefits they provide and answer why they are so popular in cosmetics.
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Aluminium Tube Packaging in Cosmetics
Aluminium tubes have been used for a range of products across centuries, however, with the advent of widespread plastic use, aluminium was shunned. In recent years, aluminium tube packaging is regaining traction, especially over social media, with online influencers increasingly promoting aluminium tube products on Instagram.
While the aesthetic value of aluminium tube packaging may be responsible for its recent popularity, the benefits afforded by aluminium tube packaging are timeless. Looks are important for sales, but other important considerations for using aluminium tube packaging include product volume, tube fold type, material recyclable, cap type, colour and more.
Other Popular Cosmetic Packaging
Fillcon specialise in cosmetic sampling solutions, filling a range of bottles, tubes and sachets with cosmetic products. Additional to full size products, we also offer a range of travel sized or sampling solutions such as sachets or mini-tubes.
See more: 4 Benefits of Using Sachets for Product Packaging.
Benefits of Aluminium Tube Packaging
The continued use of aluminium tube packaging is testament to the many benefits afforded by this packaging material.
Here are some of the top benefits of aluminium tube packaging:
Infinite recycling
Aluminium can be recycled over and over without losing quality. Where other packaging materials may not be recyclable, or are for a few uses, aluminium can be infinitely recycled. This is especially valuable to environmentally conscious consumers who may actively seek recyclable packaging.
Product protection
Aluminium tube packaging is incredibly airtight and tough, creating an impermeable barrier to exterior elements and protecting the product. For especially sensitive products, such as cosmetics or pharmaceutical goods, substantial protection from light, moisture and oxygen is critical for preservation. Certain products (from hair dyes to industrial products) may also contain harsh chemicals which must be housed in a strong and suitable material such as aluminium.
The pressure seal aspect of many aluminium tube packaging is also very important for product preservation. By ensuring that the tube doesn’t suck air back in when product is dispensed, aluminium tubes prevent bacteria from coming into contact with the product.
Shipping
Although robust, aluminium tube packaging is still relatively lightweight; a great benefit for shipping. Also, the tube shape helps to ensure space efficiency, allowing more products to be shipped in the same amount of space.
As the tube packaging is resistant to knocks and extremely tough, there is little concern over damage in transit.
Customising
Generally, aluminium tube packaging has a silver, metallic sheen, however there are many customising options available, including finish and colour. This means the tubes can be designed to fit your branding, important for developing recognition and consumer loyalty.
Sizing
Aluminium tube packaging is not very restrained and can be available in a variety of sizes to suit needs/requirements. Typical sizes may range from 7ml, 15ml, 30ml, up to 200ml.
Smaller aluminium tube packaging may be ideal for cosmetic samples or travel size products. It is common to find small aluminium tube packaging used for especially sensitive to air products, such as eyelash and nail glue, which last better in smaller, more protected loads.
Applicators
Lids and closures can have a huge impact on user experience; therefore, it is vital to select the right one for the product. Aluminium tube packaging often houses gels and creams with ranging viscosity, which can be difficult to dispense exactly, however as users can control the dispensed amount exactly with their fingers, most closures work. Getting out too much product can be frustrating for consumers, who may feel like they are being wasteful and losing value.
An important consideration, especially for perishable products, is tamper evidence. Aluminium tube packaging often have seals over the tube neck to prevent the product from spoiling. Latex seals can be peeled off and aluminium seals are often pierced using a point integrated in the lid.
Complete product use
With aluminium tube packaging, consumers can get to every last drop of product by folding the tube. Other materials do not allow the consumer such easy access.
Luxurious feeling
Aluminium may feel more luxurious to consumers than plastic; where plastic may feel cheaper or mass produced, aluminium feels slightly heavier, sturdier and exclusive. Aluminium tube packaging may also ignite feelings of nostalgia or invoke the heritage of a company by reflecting the historic materials and product versions.
Get Started with Fillcon
Whether you have a lip balm, hand cream or any other of a wide variety of cosmetic products, Fillcon can assist you in filling packaging. As specialists in cosmetic sampling solutions, we know all there is to know about packaging solutions. If you want tubes, bottles, sachets and more filled, don’t hesitate to get in touch!