Tube Preferences Play Out in Marketplace

Of all the different sorts of plastic containers, squeeze tubes will gain market share the fastest, predicts market researcher The Freedonia Group (Cleveland). Why such an incredible performance?

It must be the squeeze factor. Consumers seem to love the interaction with the tube package. Through squeezing, they can control dispensing. Why do you think that no other container format has made such strong inroads into the toothpaste market, to mention only one example?

Tubes are adopting trends seen in other plastic containers, too. For instance, the barrier properties of plastic tubes continue to increase, allowing manufacturers to select from a variety of tube formats for even the most sensitive of products.

In addition, tube manufacturers are finding ways to use postconsumer content in material layers that do not come in contact with the product, enabling pharmaceutical, food, and other product manufacturers the chance to consider greener options.

Printing and decoration is scaling up, too, giving product marketers a brilliant marketing platform. Dispensing options continue to multiply. Sprayers and roller balls, typically only seen on bottles, are now available on a variety of tubes.

With so much activity, it may be hard to believe all the options for tubes! But believe it!

Paul Goodman
President
The Tube Council
paul.goodman@plastube.com