Paper Tube Packaging: Sizes, Constructions and Custom Printing

Paper tubes (also called cardboard tubes or cylinder packaging) have become popular across cosmetics, food, whisky, tea and candle categories. They are sustainable, rigid and highly printable. BestPackFactory manufactures custom paper tubes in Shenzhen with worldwide shipping.

Construction Types

• Spiral-wound tube: Paper strips wound at an angle. Cost-efficient, available in diameter 30–200 mm, wall thickness 2–8 mm. Suitable for most products.
• Convolute-wound tube: Paper wound in flat layers. Higher precision, better for press-fit caps. Used in cosmetics and spirits.

End Cap Options

Metal push-fit cap (tin plate), kraft paper disc cap, PET transparent cap, EVA foam inner liner. Choose based on product type: food products typically use metal or kraft caps for airtight closure; cosmetics often use PET so the product is visible.

Printing Methods

• Offset-printed outer wrap: Full-colour art paper (115–157 gsm) laminated to the tube exterior. Best image quality.
• Direct flexo print: 1–6 colour; more economical for single colours and text-heavy designs.
• Hot foil stamping on wrap: Gold or silver metallic logo on the outer wrap.

Typical Applications

• Cosmetics: foundation, lip balm, mascara wand tubes
• Food: tea, coffee, snack, chocolate, salt tubes
• Spirits: premium whisky and rum cylinder gift boxes
• Candles: cylinder candle containers (with metal cap closure)
• Stationery: pencil, pen and crayon sets

Minimum Order and Lead Time

MOQ 1,000 pcs for standard paper tubes. Custom-diameter tubes: MOQ 2,000 pcs. Lead time 15–20 days. Contact BestPackFactory for a quote — include diameter, height, wall thickness preference and quantity.