Many brands and businesses select a packaging format based on trends, appearances and style. While all those things are essential aspects of choosing a packaging, however structure, material, brand personality, budget and so many other things also contribute to a well thought and strategic packaging design. This blog discusses paper tube packaging in detail so brands know complete information about this packaging format along with all its pros and cons.
Why Do Businesses Choose Paper Tube Packaging?
Paper Tube Packaging has a unique appeal as compared to regular square/rectangular shaped cardboard packaging. This makes them more noticeable and catchy on the crowded and cluttered retail aisles.
Secondly, Custom Paper Tube Packaging is psychologically associated with high-end and luxury for example it is very common in designer perfumes, premium cosmetics and skincare etc. Therefore, many businesses also choose it to enhance the perceived value of the product and to fit into that category of distinct and premium brand.
Thirdly, other than serving looks and high resistance, it also serves sustainability. Since paper tube packaging is made up of eco-friendly material and can be easily recycled, therefore it has slowly started becoming the safest choice for eco-conscious consumers.
Lastly, Paper Tubes are durable and offer great strength due to their cylindrical shape and the paperboard material is sturdy enough to withstand external pressures.
Types Of Materials Used For Paper Tube Packaging
There are a variety of materials which are commonly used for producing paper tube packaging. These materials are given below in the table along with their fundamental characteristics and most suited industries.
Material Option | Key Traits | Commonly Used For |
Kraft Paper | Organic brown color with rustic appeal, highly sustainable and recyclable | Organic Products such as skincare, haircare etc. Natural teas, environment focused brands |
Cardboard | Smooth surface for high quality printing results, maximum strength and durability. | Vibrant and accurate printing results, high end cosmetics and perfumes. |
Rigid | Highly tensile and heavy duty density. | Heavy and premium products such as Glass jars, candle jars, wine bottles, perfumes and premium/heavy weight gifts. |
However, leading packaging companies such as Titan Boxes also customise paper tube packaging in required material other than the ones listed above upon request.
Industries & Products Which Widely Use Custom Paper Tube Packaging
Paper tube packaging is ideal packaging solution for various industries and products mentioned below:
Makeup & Skincare Industry: With the rise of tiktok and Instagram unboxing trends from influencers, makeup and skincare has adopted paper tube packaging incredibly fast, as it catches more eyes, feels premium and looks fancier. It is commonly used for lip balm packaging, premium deodorants packaging, perfume packaging, serums and beard oil packaging etc.
Gourmet Food & Drinks: Bakery and gourmet items have also readily started using paper tube packaging due to compact structure, shelf life extension, resealable feature, and shape preservation of few food related products. The products for which it is well suited includes artisanal chocolates, crisps, spices and granola etc.
Home Goods & Fragrances: Due to its distinct shape and modern feel, it is also being utilised as a packaging for a diverse range of home goods and fragrances like in paper deodorant tubes. The examples of products include diffusers,colognes, essential oils, bath salts etc.
Apparel Industry: Many trendy and gen z audience focused clothing brands have also started using paper tube packaging for their t-shirts, tank top packaging etc.
Conditions Under Which Paper Tube Packaging Is Not Advised
Regardless of the fact that it catches consumer’s attention and has multiple other benefits which fulfill brands packaging objectives, there are few instances where it is not recommended to use paper tube packaging.
Low Margin/Budget Items: Since paper tube packaging is expensive in comparison to traditional packaging, it is advised to not use it for low cost items. Since it will exhaust too much of the profit margin for a product which is already low priced.
Unsealed/Unwrapped Liquid Foods: It is encouraged to use airtight pouches or another internal lining/packaging for fresh or liquid foods as the direct contact of liquid with paper tube packaging will impact the quality of food as well as packaging.
Flat Items or Square Shaped Products: If the shape of the product is square, rectangular and it is flat, it will occupy too much material and space which can result in an excessive and wasteful packaging expense for the brand.
Printing Techniques & Visual Customization
There are several printing techniques used for creating graphics and prints on paper tube packaging. Businesses and brands can print their brand logo, artwork, slogan, product name, barcode and other important information onto the packaging. The high definition prints can be created using following methods:
Digital Printing
Offset Printing
Flexographic Printing
Screen Printing
CMYK
PMS
Add Finishes To Enhance Aesthetics & Barrier Protection Of Paper Tube Packaging
Finishes add an additional layer against the watermarks, fingerprints, smudges, dust and the packaging. It does not only elevate the premium appeal of paper tube boxes but also safeguards the packaging. Finishes are very diverse and have their own unique traits which enrich the outlook of packaging.
Types Of Finishes/Coatings | Key Trait |
Matte Lamination | Gives a flat, non-reflective smooth finish which speaks luxury and elegance |
Gloss Lamination | Create a very shiny and glossy effect which makes colors on packaging look flashy and vibrant |
Spot UV | Generates a glossy and shiny effect on targeted areas such as logo, artwork etc against matte backdrop to make certain elements prominent |
Foil Stamping | Used for luxury product packaging as it enhances the perceived value of product by using |
Embossing | Raises targeted areas of design above the packaging surface giving a 3D effect |
Debossing | Presses the targeted area of design inward to create a carved effect onto packaging |
Pros & Cons Of Using Paper Tube Packaging
Pros
It justifies a higher price point of the product and sounds more appealing to the consumer due to trendy, stylish and distinct packaging style.
Maintains the shape and structure of cylindrical shaped products during shipping and rough retail handling.
Ideal for limited edition, high-end products, promotional gifts, influencer marketing and social media attraction.
Advanced safety for fragile products such as glass jars, candles, perfume bottles etc.
Paper Tubes are sturdy and durable enough that customers can reuse them beyond the product life and like to keep them as keepsakes, resulting in longer brand presence in their homes.
Cons
Paper Tube Packaging takes more warehouse storage space as compared to other types of packaging as it does not ship flat.
Not ideal for objects which are very wide and flat as it can result in too much extra space.
Paper Tubes Give Premium Unboxing Experience
The smoothly slidable lid of paper tubes gives a very comfortable, memorable and enjoyable unboxing experience which can result in many “wow” moments from the beginning till the product is used. Based on the feedback gathered through clients from Titan Boxes from time to time, it has been proved that it has become the instagram crowd favorite packaging. The nail tapping gesture on paper tube packaging creates ASMR resulting in clicking and rhythmic sounds which brings focus directly towards the box. Thus, it has resulted in gaining popularity and an organic audience on social media platforms.
Small But Essential Tips For Designing Paper Tube Packaging
Always measure the product at its widest point for custom sizing of paper tube packaging and add 1.5mm to 2mm of additional space for smooth gliding and sliding out.
Avoid placing primary branding material such as logo, brand name etc and essential product information directly on the overlap join of Paper Tubes.
Keep essential text and brand marks in the middle and center where it is easily noticeable and scannable even in small thumbnails preview.
Ensure that the finishes and printing techniques you choose compliment the type of material chosen for paper tube packaging to create a polished and professional appearance.
With the new trends coming to market every other day, it is becoming challenging to stay relevant and in vogue. Paper tube packaging is very intentional and thoughtful. It carries the charisma to make customers feel like they bought something premium. That immediate impression of quality and feeling of satisfaction can be a game changer for your product and turn potential buyers into repeated consumers.
