If you’re looking for a way to package your food in a way that is both stylish and functional, then consider using tube packaging. It can be used to package a variety of food items. Not only does this flexible packaging option look great, but it also protects your food from damage and moisture. Plus, it’s easy to open and use.

We interviewed our Account Executive James Daniell, who discussed his tube packaging expertise. With more than 10 years of experience in the tube packaging industry, he has worked with many customers in the personal care and home improvement industries, just to name a couple.

This post will share information about this attractive and convenient way to package your food products and how MJS Packaging can help you with your complete tube packaging solution!

The Importance of Tube Packaging for Food

Bags, boxes, containers and other types of packaging are an essential part of the food industry. Tube packaging is a type of packaging used for various food products, including sauces, condiments and decorative icings.

According to a Global Tube Packaging Market Analysis Report, the worldwide tube packaging market was expected to reach USD $9.91 billion in 2020 and is predicted to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2% from 2021 to 2028. The squeeze and collapsible packaging industry also captivated the market in 2022 with a share of 71%.

Tube packaging for food offers several benefits for food manufacturers and consumers alike:

  • Effective barrier against contaminants, such as bacteria and oxygen. 
  • Protects food from spoilage and retains its freshness and flavor. 
  • Easy to store and transport, making it convenient for manufacturers and consumers.

In addition to the benefits listed above, tube packaging can come in protective materials that include polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) plastic. It’s also a cost-effective packaging solution due to the tube only needing one pass-through on the production line to have all deco printed on it and a closure applied. Unlike ongoing extended lead times with some packaging components, current lead times on tubes are spanning 6-10 weeks. Minimum order quantities typically start at just 25,000, with options for digital printing for smaller MOQs. This can often be a good alternative for a product line with multiple SKUs.

Many tube manufacturers produce their own closures, choosing to incorporate custom threads. These are the perfect complement to their tubes. However, other tubes can accommodate commonly used closures, varying from continuous thread to child-resistant.

Uses of Tube Packaging for Food

The worldwide demand for recyclable tubes is expected to grow as customers seek new, more environmentally friendly items. Tubes are extremely popular in Europe because they come in a wide variety of sizes, making them both easy to store for consumers and retail locations. Plus, many different foods can be stored in tubes, from mayonnaise and mustard to energy gels and pâtés. It is this convenience, usability, and efficiency that continues to inspire their worldwide rise in popularity.

Condiments and Sauces

Mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, and other sauces can be easily stored in tubes. This is especially convenient for on-the-go meals such as picnics, as tube packaging allows you to pack items without taking up a lot of space. Plus, they can be easily squeezed out when needed, which is convenient when dealing with concentrated paste in tubes. We see a number of food products successfully using tubes for their packaging. 

Tube packaging tomato paste squeezing out
Tomato paste and ketchup are some of the best types of food products that work well within tube packaging.

Gels and Pastes

Energy gels and pâtés are often sold in tubes. They’re easy to store and to eat on the go. Tubes of pâté can last for quite a while in the fridge, making them an excellent option for those who like to have some on hand for quick snacks or meals.

Herbs and Spices

Another great use for tube packaging is herbs and spices. Cilantro, garlic and ginger, for example, are popular paste options for consumers who love to use them as an alternative to fresh-cut herbs and raw spices.

Let MJS Packaging Help With Your Tube Packaging Needs

Tube packaging is highly desirable because of its many uses and benefits that other food packaging options cannot provide. If you’re in the market for food packaging, be sure to consider tubes as an option. MJS Packaging can provide you with all the tube packaging options you need to get your business up and running.

Contact our knowledgeable packaging solutions specialists today to learn more about how tube packaging can work for your food product!