Paper tubes are cylindrical packaging made from rolled paperboard. They hold everything from posters and documents to cosmetics, candles, food products, and promotional items. Custom paper tubes from Teal Packaging start at $1.45/unit for orders of 200+.
Why Paper Tubes Stand Out
Cylinders are rare in a world of rectangles. On a retail shelf or in a mailbox full of boxes, a tube gets picked up first. The shape is inherently interesting, and it communicates something different about the brand inside.
Beyond aesthetics, tubes are structurally strong. The curved wall distributes pressure evenly, making paper tubes more crush-resistant than equivalently-sized rectangular boxes at the same wall thickness.
Paper Tube Types
- Telescoping tubes: Two-piece (body + cap). The cap slides over the body edge. Most common style. Used for candles, wine bottles, cosmetics, tea, and small gifts.
- Sealed-end tubes: Both ends crimped or capped. Used for powders, loose-leaf tea, spices, and food products. Can include a foil seal for freshness.
- Mailing tubes: Long, narrow cylinders with plastic end caps. Standard sizes: 2" to 4" diameter, 12" to 48" length. For posters, blueprints, artwork, and textiles.
- Push-up tubes: Inner platform pushes product upward (like a deodorant stick). Used for solid perfumes, lip balms, and cosmetic sticks.
- Window tubes: Die-cut window with clear PET film to show the product inside. Popular for food items and candles.
Materials and Construction
Paper tubes are spiral-wound or convolute-wound from paperboard strips:
- Spiral-wound: Multiple plies wound at an angle. Strongest construction. Wall thickness from 1mm to 5mm. Standard for most applications.
- Convolute-wound: Single sheet rolled concentrically. Smoother interior surface. Used when interior aesthetics matter (cosmetics, food).
- Outer wrap: Printed label paper (128-157gsm) glued around the tube body. Full-color CMYK printing.
Diameters: 1.5" to 6" standard. Custom up to 10". Lengths: 2" to 48". Wall thickness: 1mm (light duty) to 5mm (heavy/mailing).
Pricing
- Small cosmetic tubes (2"x4"): $1.45 to $2.50/unit at 200-500 qty; $0.90 to $1.70/unit at 1,000+
- Medium product tubes (3"x6"): $1.80 to $3.20/unit at 200-500 qty; $1.20 to $2.30/unit at 1,000+
- Large mailing tubes (3"x24"): $1.20 to $2.00/unit at 200-500 qty
- Push-up tubes (1.5"x3"): $1.60 to $2.80/unit at 200-500 qty
Popular Uses
Candle brands are the biggest paper tube customers. A printed tube with a metal lid on top creates packaging that doubles as the candle vessel container. Tea and coffee brands use sealed tubes with foil liners to maintain freshness. Cosmetics brands use push-up tubes for solid products as an alternative to plastic containers.
Order Paper Tubes
MOQ 200 units (tube production has a higher minimum than flat boxes due to the winding process). Standard production 18-22 business days. Free shipping to US, Canada, UK, Australia, and Ireland. Request a free quote.
Paper Tube Closure Options
The closure style affects both aesthetics and functionality:
- Metal cap (standard): Tin-plated steel cap. Crimp-sealed or friction-fit. Most common for cosmetics and food.
- Push-fit plastic cap: Lightweight, cost-effective. Available in black, white, or custom colors.
- Screw-top: Allows repeated opening. Used for products consumed over time (coffee, tea, spices).
- Sliding band: Decorative metal band that slides over the tube. Premium look.
- End-seal (no cap): Both ends crimped or heat-sealed. One-time opening. Used for food powders and samples.
Paper Tube Interior Options
- Plain (kraft interior): Standard. Brown inside.
- White poly coating: White interior, moisture-resistant. For food and cosmetics.
- Foil barrier: Maximum moisture and oxygen barrier. For premium food products.
- Printed interior: Full-color printed interior. Adds cost but creates impact.
Order Paper Tubes
MOQ 200 units. Production 18-22 business days. Get a quote.