Tube Packaging Market Size and Share
Market Overview
| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
|---|---|
| Market Volume (2025) | 52.95 Billion units |
| Market Volume (2030) | 68.35 Billion units |
| Growth Rate (2025 - 2030) | 5.24% CAGR |
| Fastest Growing Market | Asia Pacific |
| Largest Market | Asia Pacific |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0. |
|
Tube Packaging Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence
The tube packaging market size stands at 52.95 billion units in 2025 and is projected to reach 68.35 billion units by 2030, advancing at a 5.24% CAGR. Regulatory mandates that require recyclability by 2030, combined with rising consumer demand for sustainable solutions, are compelling manufacturers to invest in mono-material and recycled-content formats. Paperboard and bio-based tubes record the fastest growth at 8.81% CAGR, while plastic formats retain volume leadership because of established processing infrastructure. End-use diversification into ready-to-eat foods and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals broadens revenue streams as brands prioritize convenience and precise dosing. Continued merger activity, led by Amcor’s USD 8.4 billion combination with Berry Global, is reshaping competitive dynamics and accelerating innovation in barrier technologies that limit reliance on multi-layer plastics.
Key Report Takeaways
- By product type, plastic tubes led with 63.13% revenue share in 2024; paperboard and bio-based formats are forecast to expand at an 8.81% CAGR through 2030.
- By packaging type, squeeze and collapsible formats held 67.09% of the tube packaging market share in 2024, while the twist formats are expected to post a 5.61% CAGR to 2030.
- By end-use industry, cosmetics and personal care accounted for 62.31% of the tube packaging market size in 2024; food applications are projected to advance at an 6.59% CAGR between 2025 and 2030.
- By distribution channel, direct sales captured 67.70% share of the tube packaging market size in 2024, while indirect sales are projected to rise at a 5.82% CAGR.
- By geography, Asia-Pacific commanded 35.61% of 2024 volumes, and the region is forecast to grow at a 5.95% CAGR to 2030.
Global Tube Packaging Market Trends and Insights
Drivers Impact Analysis
| Driver | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rising Demand in Personal Care and Cosmetics | +1.2% | Global, with concentration in APAC and North America | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Growing Consumer Preferences for Sustainable Packaging | +1.8% | EU and North America core, expanding to APAC | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| Recyclability Mandates Boosting Mono-material Tubes | +0.9% | EU primary, North America secondary | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
| Rising Demand for Convenience and Versatility | +0.7% | Global, particularly developed markets | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Global FMCG CAPEX Push into Hybrid-barrier Technologies | +0.6% | Global, led by multinational FMCG companies | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Source: Mordor Intelligence | |||
| Source: Drivers Impact Analysis | |||
Rising Demand in Personal Care and Cosmetics
Beauty brands continue to premiumize product lines, which favors tubes that protect sensitive formulations and allow controlled dispensing. Albéa has trimmed concept-to-launch cycles while integrating recycled content, pursuing a 46% carbon-reduction target for 2030. [1]Source: Formes de Luxe, “Albéa's François Tassart: 'Increasing our agility in the highly volatile beauty market is key',” formesdeluxe.com Colgate’s clear PET Elixir tube with EveryDrop coating improves product evacuation, underscoring user experience gains that strengthen brand loyalty. Visibility into material provenance and carbon footprint is also improving, supporting marketing narratives that resonate with eco-conscious shoppers.
Growing Consumer Preferences for Sustainable Packaging
Household-name oral care brands have shifted from composite laminates toward fully recyclable high-density polyethylene formats that can enter mainstream kerbside streams in the United Kingdom. Neopac became the first European tube maker to earn RecyClass EN 15343 certification, validating traceable recycled content and strengthening its competitive edge. [2]Source: Hoffmann Neopac AG, “Neopac The Tube – News & Events,” neopac.com Such milestones convert sustainability compliance into market differentiation, pushing the tube packaging market toward higher-value innovations.
Recyclability Mandates Boosting Mono-material Tubes
The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation obliges all consumer packs to be recyclable by 2030 and sets a 30% recycled-plastic threshold by the same year. [3]Source: NSF, “New EU Regulation 2025/40 on Packaging and Packaging Waste,” nsf.org Suppliers including DNP Group and ExxonMobil have commercialized polyethylene-rich structures that sustain oxygen-barrier performance, proving that mono-material tubes can replace multi-layer laminates without compromising shelf life. Investment allocation is therefore shifting toward polymers engineered for circularity.
Rising Demand for Convenience and Versatility
Heat and ultrasonic sealing options enable custom barrier performance across plastics, laminates, and metals, supporting product safety and ease of use. Adjustable tube diameters and cap assemblies help brands tailor dosing to viscosity, making tubes attractive for pharmaceuticals, condiments, and industrial pastes. These functional upgrades encourage repeat purchase, maintaining momentum in the tube packaging market.
Restraints Impact Analysis
| Restraint | (~ )% Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Availability of Substitutes | -0.8% | Global, particularly in mature markets | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Raw Material Shortages and Fluctuating Costs | -1.1% | Global, with acute impact in manufacturing hubs | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
| Limited Product Compatibility Restricting Market Penetration | -0.5% | Global, particularly in specialized applications | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| Source: Mordor Intelligence | |||
Availability of Substitutes
Stand-up pouches, which combine light weight, easy opening, and reduced material use, are projected to hit USD 47 billion by 2029, drawing sauce and condiment brands away from tubes. MasterFoods’ recyclable paper single-dose pack further illustrates how alternate formats can satisfy sustainability and portion-control priorities. These innovations pressure tube producers to highlight functional strengths, such as precise dosing and high oxygen barrier, to prevent volume erosion.
Raw Material Shortages and Fluctuating Costs
Feedstock volatility complicates budget planning for plastics, aluminum, and coatings. Global PET supply has tightened because of geopolitical unrest and producer run-rate cuts, even as commodity resin prices trend flat to down in early 2025. Europe’s aluminum smelters are grappling with elevated power costs, pushing converters to re-engineer tubes with thinner walls or integrate recycled metal to offset price swings.
Segment Analysis
By Product Type: Plastic Dominance Faces Sustainable Disruption
Plastic formats accounted for 63.13% of tube packaging market share in 2024, supported by cost-efficient extrusion lines and universal brand familiarity. Within plastics, high-density polyethylene and polypropylene accommodate diverse viscosities, from creams to gels, ensuring cross-industry versatility. Laminates that stack polymer and aluminum layers continue to protect oral-care formulas where flavor retention is essential. Aluminum tubes, though niche, preserve volatile pharmaceutical actives and oxygen-sensitive foods, reinforcing a premium-priced foothold.
Paperboard and bio-based solutions, however, outpace the broader tube packaging market at an 8.81% CAGR as the PPWR accelerates the shift toward renewable substrates. Huhtamaki’s OmniLock Ultra barrier paper delivers aluminum-like protection while remaining curbside-recyclable. Amcor’s patented AmFiber Performance Paper similarly targets food and healthcare segments, proving that fiber-based structures can satisfy strict moisture limits. As adoption widens, plastic’s volume lead is expected to narrow in absolute terms, even if it retains scale advantages.
Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
By Packaging Type: Squeeze Technology Drives Market Leadership
Squeeze and collapsible tubes represented 67.09% of 2024 shipments and are projected to rise at a 5.05% CAGR, reflecting strong consumer affinity for one-handed dispensing. Impact-extruded aluminum versions ensure zero air ingress for dermatological creams, whereas co-extruded plastic variants lower weight and enhance graphic appeal. Laminated squeeze tubes remain the oral-care standard because of flavor-barrier proficiency.
Twist and precision-applicator designs fill specialized roles in prescription dermatology and luxury cosmetics where dosage accuracy is paramount. Innovations such as in-mold-label polypropylene tubes merge decoration and structure in a single step, improving line efficiency and recyclability. The breadth of sealing and decoration options keeps squeeze formats adaptable, cementing their lead in the tube packaging market.
By End-Use Industry: Cosmetics Leadership Challenged by Food Growth
Cosmetics and personal care captured 62.31% of 2024 volumes, exploiting tubes’ ability to deliver controlled, hygienic dosing of serums, scrubs, and sunscreens. Transparent PET structures underscore formula aesthetics, while soft-touch closures elevate perceived value. Pharmaceuticals follow closely, driven by topical antibiotic creams that require tamper evidence and barrier integrity.
Food applications, although starting from a smaller base, are forecast to grow at 6.59% CAGR, the fastest within the tube packaging market. Aseptic filling of pesto, honey, and tomato paste reduces preservatives, extends shelf life, and supports gourmet positioning. Paper-based single-dose packs and recyclable laminates appeal to on-the-go consumers and quick-service operators seeking portion control with minimal waste.
Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
By Distribution Channel: Direct Sales Dominance Faces Indirect Growth
Direct agreements with multinationals such as Unilever and Colgate yielded 67.70% of 2024 shipments, ensuring predictable order volumes and joint innovation roadmaps. Large converters like EPL International run dedicated lines for flagship customers, supplying roughly 1 billion laminated tubes yearly from four global plants.
Indirect channels, projected to grow at 5.82% CAGR, are capturing emerging brands that prioritize agility over volume discounts. Specialized distributors stock smaller production runs and offer design services for start-ups entering natural cosmetics or functional foods. The dual-track structure allows the tube packaging market to accommodate divergent customer scales without compromising service levels.
Geography Analysis
Asia-Pacific led the tube packaging market in 2024 with a 35.61% volume share and is expected to advance at 5.95% CAGR through 2030. Robust FMCG expansion in China and India, higher disposable income, and urban lifestyles underpin demand for travel-friendly personal care items and single-serve condiments. Vietnam’s paper segment, on course for USD 3.5 billion revenue by 2026, illustrates regional momentum toward fiber-based packaging.
North America and Europe, while mature, are navigating stricter recycling targets that reshape sourcing strategies and capital allocation. The EU PPWR compels converters to retrofit lines for mono-material output, favoring integrated giants able to fund multi-year overhauls. In the United States and Canada, brand commitments to carbon reduction drive pilot programs that test high-recycled-content tubes at regional retailers.
Latin America and the Middle East are emerging opportunity zones as rising middle-class populations fuel packaged food growth. Brazil’s packaged-food market could reach USD 168.6 billion by 2028, spurring demand for portion-controlled sauces and flavored pastes. Concurrently, ALPLA’s facility roll-outs in Thailand, Africa, and the Gulf Cooperation Council underline the strategic importance of local supply in markets where import duties and logistics add cost layers.
Competitive Landscape
Moderate fragmentation characterizes the tube packaging market as leaders pursue scale to fund sustainability investments. The Amcor–Berry Global merger created an entity with more than USD 3 billion in projected annual free cash flow by 2028, while targeting USD 650 million in synergy savings. Novolex and Pactiv Evergreen’s USD 6.7 billion tie-up follows a similar logic, building critical mass in food-service and specialty packs.
Innovation leadership is another battleground. Neopac’s certified recycled-content traceability positions it as a preferred supplier for European brands seeking credible environmental claims. Aptar’s N-Sorb technology, accepted into the US FDA Emerging Technology Program, demonstrates how packaging can mitigate nitrosamine formation in pharmaceuticals, strengthening the company’s value proposition in regulated segments.
Regional expansion is accelerating as well. Amcor’s purchase of Phoenix Flexibles in Gujarat adds a scalable flexible-packaging platform in the high-growth Indian market, enhancing proximity to pharmaceutical and medical customers. These moves suggest that supply-chain resilience and local production capabilities will remain pivotal differentiators.
Tube Packaging Industry Leaders
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Amcor plc
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EPL Limited
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Albea Group
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Hoffmann Neopac AG
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CCL Industries Corp.
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Recent Industry Developments
- April 2025: Amcor completed its all-stock combination with Berry Global, creating a global leader in consumer and healthcare packaging solutions
- February 2025: The European Union implemented the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation mandating recyclability by 2030 and minimum recycled-plastic thresholds
- January 2025: Huhtamaki appointed Ralf K. Wunderlich as President and CEO, signaling renewed strategic focus on sustainable fiber-based solutions
- December 2024: Novolex and Pactiv Evergreen announced a USD 6.7 billion merger to enhance food and specialty packaging innovation
- March 2025: Albea announced the integration of artificial-intelligence-driven vision systems across its European plants, reducing defect rates by 22 % and improving on-time delivery metrics.
- November 2024: MasterFoods introduced Australia’s first recyclable paper single-dose tomato sauce pack, advancing sustainable condiment packaging
- October 2024: Neopac achieved RecyClass EN 15343 certification for its Hungary facility and launched Polyfoil Mono-Material tubes
- August 2024: Constantia Flexibles showcased new tube solutions at FACHPACK 2024
- July 2024: Smurfit Kappa and WestRock completed an USD 11.2 billion merger, reinforcing paper-based packaging capabilities
- June 2024: Colgate launched its clear recyclable PET Elixir toothpaste tube in North America
Global Tube Packaging Market Report Scope
Tube packaging refers to a type of packaging that uses a cylindrical or tube-like container to hold and protect products. This form of packaging is commonly used for products like cosmetics, personal care items, pharmaceuticals, and food. Tubes are often made from materials such as plastic, aluminum, or paper, and they can feature various closures, such as screw caps, flip-top lids, or nozzle dispensers. The market has been tracked from the consumption aspect, which packaging companies integrate with clients for revenue. This report analyzes the factors such as the impact of raw materials, drivers, and challenges on the studied market based on the prevalent base scenarios, key themes, and application-related demand cycles.
The tube packaging market is segmented by type of package (squeeze, twist, and other type of package), material (plastic, paperboard, and aluminum), application (cosmetics & toiletries, healthcare & pharmaceutical, food, homecare, and other application), and geography (North America (United States and Canada), Europe (United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, and Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, and Rest of Asia Pacific), Latin America (Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, and Rest of Latin America), and Middle East and Africa (United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Rest of Middle East and Africa)). The report offers market forecasts and size in value (USD) for all the above segments.
| Plastics Tubes | Polyethylene (PE) Tubes |
| Polypropylene (PP) Tubes | |
| Other Plastic Tubes | |
| Aluminum Tubes | |
| Laminated tubes | |
| Paperboard/Bio- Based tubes |
| Squeeze and Collapsible |
| Twist |
| Cosmetics and Personal Care |
| Pharmaceutical |
| Food |
| Other End-use Industry |
| Direct Sales |
| Indirect Sales |
| North America | United States | |
| Canada | ||
| Mexico | ||
| Europe | Germany | |
| United Kingdom | ||
| France | ||
| Italy | ||
| Spain | ||
| Russia | ||
| Rest of Europe | ||
| Asia-Pacific | China | |
| India | ||
| Japan | ||
| South Korea | ||
| Australia and New Zealand | ||
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | ||
| Middle East and Africa | Middle East | United Arab Emirates |
| Saudi Arabia | ||
| Turkey | ||
| Rest of Middle East | ||
| Africa | South Africa | |
| Nigeria | ||
| Egypt | ||
| Rest of Africa | ||
| South America | Brazil | |
| Argentina | ||
| Rest of South America | ||
| By Product Type | Plastics Tubes | Polyethylene (PE) Tubes | |
| Polypropylene (PP) Tubes | |||
| Other Plastic Tubes | |||
| Aluminum Tubes | |||
| Laminated tubes | |||
| Paperboard/Bio- Based tubes | |||
| By Packaging Type | Squeeze and Collapsible | ||
| Twist | |||
| By End-Use Industry | Cosmetics and Personal Care | ||
| Pharmaceutical | |||
| Food | |||
| Other End-use Industry | |||
| By Distribution Channel | Direct Sales | ||
| Indirect Sales | |||
| By Geography | North America | United States | |
| Canada | |||
| Mexico | |||
| Europe | Germany | ||
| United Kingdom | |||
| France | |||
| Italy | |||
| Spain | |||
| Russia | |||
| Rest of Europe | |||
| Asia-Pacific | China | ||
| India | |||
| Japan | |||
| South Korea | |||
| Australia and New Zealand | |||
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | |||
| Middle East and Africa | Middle East | United Arab Emirates | |
| Saudi Arabia | |||
| Turkey | |||
| Rest of Middle East | |||
| Africa | South Africa | ||
| Nigeria | |||
| Egypt | |||
| Rest of Africa | |||
| South America | Brazil | ||
| Argentina | |||
| Rest of South America | |||
Key Questions Answered in the Report
What is the current size of the tube packaging market?
The tube packaging market size is 26.03 billion units in 2025 and is projected to reach 33.96 billion units by 2030.
Which material leads the tube packaging market?
Plastic tubes hold 68.14% of 2024 volumes, although paperboard and bio-based formats are rising fastest at 8.53% CAGR.
Which end-use segment is growing the quickest?
Food applications show the highest growth, advancing at an 8.21% CAGR on the back of demand for condiment and ready-to-eat product formats.
Why are mono-material tubes gaining traction?
EU regulations require all packaging to be recyclable by 2030, and mono-material constructions simplify recycling while maintaining barrier performance.
How is Asia-Pacific positioned in the tube packaging market?
Asia-Pacific commands 38.43% of global volumes and is expected to grow at 9.21% CAGR, driven by FMCG expansion and rising consumer spending.
What impact do mergers have on market dynamics?
Large mergers, such as Amcor with Berry Global, provide scale to fund sustainable innovation and consolidate market power, reinforcing moderate concentration.
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