PACKAGING RESOURCE CENTER

Ovals

Tubes with an oval-shaped base are available in sizes of 46.5 × 31 mm and 58 × 40 mm, with capacities ranging from 75 to 300 ml. The Polyfoil tubes can be made with a screw cap and top seal. A flip-top cap for the ovals is also available. A PE finish can be applied to the ovals. Hoffman Neopac AG, Oberdiessbach, Switzerland; +41 31770 1215; www.neopac.ch.

Decorating

A combined use of high-gloss metallic inks and spot varnishes can enhance tube package design. Using a company’s silk-screen printing process, high-gloss metallic inks can be applied to increase product visibility and brand recognition. Customized glitter and sparkle decorating effects can also be added. The company also provides hot-stamping for tubes. Metal effects can be integrated in custom colors and gloss levels. Tactile silk-screen inks provide a high-profile matte and nonslip finish. CCL Tube Inc., Los Angeles; 310/635-4444; www.ccltube.com.

Convolute Paper

Custom-manufactured paper tubes can be made from a variety of materials into a wide range of shapes and sizes. Tubes made from 100% recyclable materials are available, as well as construction from high-burst kraft, virgin kraft, and chipboard papers. All materials can be impregnated with wax or phenolic resins. Tubes can be printed, punched, and supplied with notched or burnished ends and embossed or grooved surfaces. New England Paper Tube Company, Inc., Pawtucket, RI; 401/725-2610; www.nepapertube.com.

Child-Resistant Caps

Caps for plastic tubes can only be removed with the combination of a downward force and twisting the cap counterclockwise. The child-resistant caps are available in sizes ranging from 13 to 60 mm. The caps have undergone extensive testing by SGS U.S. Testing Co. (Fairfield, NJ). World Wide Packaging Inc., Florham Park, NJ; 973/805-6500; www.wwpinc.com.

Locking Mechanism

A 16-mm-diameter tube allows users to dispense product with a single hand. The PE tubes feature a twist-click locking mechanism in its closure that gives control of the amount of fill that is dispensed and reduces the chance of leakage. Applicator options include doefoot, nylon brush, and shower head. The tube can be customized in metallic, pearlized, matte, soft touch, and gloss coatings; silk screen, hot stamp, and labeling are available. Tube length can be adjusted to fill requirements. International Cosmetic Suppliers Ltd., Hong Kong; +852 2802 9938; www.ics-world.com.

Testing Sensor System

Surface pressure-mapping technology aids research and development and quality control. The Tactilus Tube Testing Sensor System evaluates where and how a tube fatigues; the device can also test the lamination characteristics of labels and other applied finishes. Tactilus is composed of a matrix-based tactile surface sensor, software, and an electronic hub that plugs into any Windows PC. The sensor element functions as an electronic skin that records and interprets pressure distribution and magnitude between any two contacting or mating surfaces. Sensor Products Inc., Madison, NJ; 973/884-1755; www.sensorprod.com.