Originally Published PMPN March 2002
PRODUCT UPDATE
Convenient-to-Use TubesCustomized tubes and closures offer controlled dispensing of fluid products.
Custom Tube Containers
A company designs and manufactures custom tube containers for pharmaceutical preparation and dispensing packaging applications. Extruded plastic and spiral-wound paper tube finishing capabilities include precision-cut lengths, thermal end-forming, sonic sealed ends, formed-flat or rolled ends, lateral-seal polyester sleeving, packaging tubes, formed-end plastic tube containers, printed tubes, and custom sizes and colors. Typical inner diameters on plastic extrusions range from 0.10 to 1.00 in. Stone Industrial, College Park, MD; 301/220-4277; www.stoneindustrial.com.
Easitube
A tube and closure are designed to perform with one-hand operation and lock for travel security. The EasiTube features a high-resiliency structure that can be tailored to optimize closure function and package performance. Conventional sealing equipment can be used, and a 2-in. diameter is available in a variety of configurations. The tube has the ability to be packaged with barrier structures. A full range of colors, patterns, finishes, textures, and graphics is available. Thatcher Tubes, Woodstock, IL; 815/334-1200; www.thatchertubes.com.
Unit-Dose Tubes Dual-Tube Package Copyright ©2002 Pharmaceutical & Medical Packaging News
A firm manufactures PVC unit-dose tubing packs and injection-molded squeeze tubes for liquids, gels, and creams. The Poly-Squeeze tubes are designed for sampling and unit-dose applications and are available in PP or LDPE in either a 2- or 4-cm3 size. Amco Pillow Paks are also unit-dose packages made from medical-grade PVC tubing that is electronically sealed for no package air or headspace. Andrew M. Martin Company, Inc; 800/64-MARTIN; www.andrewmartin.thomasregister.com.
A tube package holds two interactive products and keeps them separate until the product is dispensed from the tube. This tube-in-a-tube package is manufactured with a laminate outer tube providing high barrier protection, and a plastic inner tube. The two are snapped together at the tube shoulder. The product is dispensed through multiple ports in the orifice. The two tube materials, the orifice design, and the product's viscosity determine the dispense ratio. P&G Oral Care Group introduced its Crest Advanced Cleaning dentifrice product in this package. Cebal Americas, Norwalk, CT; 203/ 845-6317; www.cebalamericas.com.
