Squeeze Tube Packaging Series

What Is Offset Printing?Offset printing is a printing technique where the inked image is transferred from a plate to a rubber blanket and then onto the tube surface. It’s especially effective for printing detailed graphics, fine text, and multicolor designs on round plastic tubes.

Why Use Offset Printing for Cosmetic Tubes?



🎨 High-Resolution Results: Perfect for sharp, detailed designs and small fonts.



🌈 Multi-Color Capabilities: Can print up to 6 or more colors in a single pass with perfect alignment.



🌀 360° Printing: Ideal for cylindrical surfaces, allowing full-body decoration around the tube.



🧼 Clean and Consistent: Delivers uniform color quality across batches.



Key Considerations in Production:



Surface Treatment: Tubes typically require surface activation (like corona treatment) to improve ink adhesion.



Ink Type: UV-curable inks are often used for durability and quick drying.



Material Compatibility: Works best on PE, laminated, or co-extruded tubes with smooth surfaces.



Design Limits: While ideal for precise graphics, it’s not suitable for metallic effects or very textured finishes—those require other techniques like hot stamping or silk screen.



Conclusion:Offset printing ensures that cosmetic packaging not only protects the product inside but also delivers a premium visual experience. It’s the go-to method for brands seeking high-definition decoration and consistent branding on every tube.

Step 1: Laminate FormingLaminate tubes begin as flat sheets composed of multiple layers (often including PE, EVOH, or aluminum for barrier properties). These sheets are rolled into a cylindrical shape and welded along the seam to form a tube body.



📄 Flat to Round: Precision machinery ensures accurate diameter and even seams.



🔗 Strong Sealing: Heat or ultrasonic welding bonds the edges, creating a durable and hygienic tube wall.



Step 2: CuttingOnce formed into long tubes, the next step is cutting them into specific lengths according to the final product specifications.



✂️ Custom Sizing: Length is tailored to capacity (e.g., 30ml, 60ml, etc.).



📏 Tight Tolerance: Accurate cutting ensures consistent volume and smooth processing in the next stages.



Step 3: HeadingThe cut tube is then fitted with an injection-molded head. The tube body is inserted into a mold, and plastic is injected to form a permanent head—complete with threads or nozzle shapes depending on the cap style.



🔩 Threaded or Nozzle Options: Ready for screw caps, flip-tops, or nozzle tips.



🔄 Strong Bonding: High temperature and pressure create a tight, leak-proof connection between tube body and head.



Conclusion:From sheet to tube, the laminate forming, cutting, and heading process is a precise and efficient transformation. These stages not only define the structural integrity of the cosmetic tube but also prepare it for the decoration and sealing processes that follow. It's the first step toward a finished product that combines function, aesthetics, and brand value.

Understanding Soft Touch CoatingSoft touch coating is applied to plastic substrates such as PE, PP, or multi-layer tubes. The result is a matte, velvety surface that feels smooth yet grippy in the hands. Unlike glossy finishes, soft-touch surfaces are resistant to fingerprints and smudges, maintaining a clean, premium appearance over time.

Key Benefits for Cosmetic Packaging



Enhanced Tactile ExperienceConsumers increasingly value packaging they can feel. A soft-touch tube offers a luxurious, velvety sensation, improving the overall perception of the product. Brands report that this tactile appeal can boost repeat purchases, as customers associate the feel with high quality.



Sophisticated Visual AppealThe matte finish of soft-touch coating elevates cosmetic tubes from ordinary to elegant. It pairs well with foil stamping, embossing, or subtle print designs, giving premium skincare, makeup, and personal care products a distinctive shelf presence.



Functional AdvantagesSoft-touch surfaces improve grip, reducing slip during use — a practical benefit for skincare creams, serums, and balms. The coating also adds scratch resistance, helping packaging maintain its pristine look throughout the product lifecycle.



Customizable Branding OpportunitiesBrands can combine soft-touch coating with color printing, logos, or other decorative techniques to create unique packaging that aligns with their identity. This combination of tactile and visual appeal is particularly effective for niche or luxury brands seeking differentiation.



Market Insights and ApplicationsSoft-touch coating is increasingly adopted by global cosmetic brands aiming to stand out in saturated markets. For example, premium skincare brands often use soft-touch tubes for facial creams and serums to communicate elegance, while hand creams and lip balms use this finish to provide practical grip without sacrificing aesthetic appeal.

ConclusionSoft-touch coating is more than just a cosmetic enhancement. It’s a strategic tool that combines tactile satisfaction, visual elegance, and functional reliability. For cosmetic brands, adopting this finishing technique not only improves user experience but also reinforces brand perception, helping products shine in a crowded marketplace.

Great to see our packaging for Ramla out there in the world at their recent activation in Chatswood Shopping Centre, Sydney!

The SampoX tubes and bottles were on display, helping to share the Ramla brand with local customers. Nothing makes us prouder than seeing our packaging in action.

A big thank you to the Ramla team. We're thrilled to be a part of your journey.



SampoX - Reliable Packaging, Behind Great Brands.


See Our Packaging in Action
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I. The "Pull-Off" Experience: Redefining Daily Rituals
The Snap-on Tube (or Pull-off Cap Tube) is changing the way consumers interact with high-frequency products. The "pull-to-open, snap-to-close" mechanism is explicitly engineered for Single-Hand Operation—a massive boost to User Convenience in fast-paced environments like the shower or kitchen.

This focus on effortless interaction, which SampoX champions in all its designs, makes the Innovative Pull-off Design a powerful differentiator, signaling a modern and thoughtful approach to personal care.

II. Engineering for Efficiency: The Dual Benefit of Material Reduction
Beyond consumer satisfaction, the Snap-on Tube Packaging architecture is a strategic win for sustainability and logistics. Traditional threaded caps require more plastic to mold the complex neck structure.

The simplified neck and cap design of the Snap-on Tube directly enables substantial Material Reduction—saving plastic weight per unit compared to conventional threaded closures. This reduction is a quantifiable commitment to Reduce Plastic Use, which directly contributes to Alleviate Environmental Pressure across the supply chain.



III. Aesthetics and Appeal: The Power of Minimalist Design
Visually, the Snap-on Cap achieves a sophisticated look that aligns with the premium market trend toward Minimalist Design. By eliminating visible threads, the packaging gains a cleaner, seamless profile.

This commitment to Minimalist Design enhances the tactile experience, turning the functional act of opening and closing into a pleasing interaction. This aesthetic choice powerfully supports Brand Storytelling, framing SampoX as a leader committed to efficiency and user-centric packaging.

IV. Sustainable Future: The Sustainable Closure Advantage
The Innovative Pull-off Design contributes significantly to a circular economy.



Recycling Simplification: The Snap-on Cap is often designed as a mono-material component (e.g., all PP), making the entire Sustainable Tube Packaging easier to process without requiring component separation.



Environmental Impact: By delivering both Material Reduction and simplified Sustainable Closure, this technology offers brands a definitive way to Alleviate Environmental Pressure and meet global targets to Reduce Plastic Use.




🔗 Explore More Sustainable Packaging Insights (Further Reading)


Looking for maximum formula protection? Learn about the benefits of [Airless Pump Technology].



Want to go beyond recycling? Discover the circular economy impact of [PCR Plastic Packaging].



Interested in material innovation? Read our guide on [Sugarcane Bioplastics] and renewable sourcing.



Need a refill solution? Explore our range of [Refillable Airless Pump Bottles].