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Market Dynamics

Driver: Growing cosmetics industry demands user-friendly plastic tube packaging solutions

The growth of the cosmetics and personal care market is remarkable indeed. It is more pronounced in developing countries where consumers’ wallets are opening wider for beauty and personal care products. As a result, the market enrolls more clients. In addition, the beauty industry has hundreds of products that come in the form of plastic tubes. Tubes have become increasingly favored in this segment of plastic tubes market due to their convenience and effective space management. The user has the ability to squeeze a plastic tube, which makes it easier to dispense creams, gels, and lotions, thereby improving the experience.

Considering the usage of plastic tubes, the cosmetics sector is said to account for a major portion of the market. For example, it is projected that in 2023 upwards of 30 billion plastic tubes alone for cosmetic products are utilized annually. Its high usage is attributed to their continuous development of new products and companies are utilizing plastic tubes more widely due to their wide reach and economical costs. In addition, the plastic tubes market witness a significant gain as they can be altered in regards to their length, diameter and graphics which is essential due to the high market competitiveness.

The demand is further propelled by trends such as the increasing emphasis on natural and organic products, which often come in smaller, premium-sized plastic tubes. Moreover, the rise of e-commerce has globalized the availability of cosmetic products which need to be packed in durable and lightweight containers for shipping. There are also manufacturers who are working on producing products in tubes with better barrier properties so that the expectancy of the quality and sustainability needs of consumers is met at the same time extending the product shelf life.

Trend: Shift towards recyclable and biodegradable plastic tubes for sustainability

It is important to say that environmental sustainability has become one of the top of concerns among consumers and manufacturers in the plastic tubes market. There is a considerable transition in using recyclable and biodegradable materials in the manufacturing of plastic tubes to eliminate problems caused by plastic wastes and littering. There is growing demand for bio based plastics, which are produced from environment friendly materials such as corn starch and sugar cane. In the 2023, bio-based plastic production accounted for more than 2 million metric tons.

Tubes made out of eco-friendly plastic are gaining traction in the plastic tubes market. Companies are pouring resources into attempts to engineer tubes that can both pass the environmentally friendly tests as well as meet the functional and aesthetic demands from consumers and brands. Also, the cost of producing these biodegradable tubes has gone down, courtesy of economies of scale and technological advances. Therefore, putting them in the same league with conventional plastic. This evolution is catalyzed by the shift in consumer preferences and their increasing desire for environmentally appropriate goods. Companies that use green packaging are looked upon more favorably and thus have a leg up on the competition. There is also government interference as other governments start to frown on single-use plastics and advocate for the use of recyclable material. Because of this, manufacturers have had to adapt quickly to ensure that their products meet the current requirements and the needs of consumers.

Challenge: Environmental concerns over plastic waste impact market growth

While there are positive aspects of plastic tubes market, their usage nowadays is controversial as a result of the growing concern for the environment. People have started focusing on the plastic waste and the risks posed by it on ecosystems around the globe. In fact, by 2023, it is estimated that approximately 8 million metric tons of plastics waste enter the waters each year, putting NGOs and the society at large in panic mode. This has seen changes in consumer behavior as instead of opting for traditional packaged goods, some consumers have resorted to other forms of packaging. Governments have responded by introducing bans and taxes on plastic products which have a major impact on the income and the operations of plastic tubes manufacturing market. For example, EU's directive on on single-use plastic has raised concerns to the sector on what alternatives to use other than the conventional forms. 

The issue is made worse by the changing attitude of the consumer focusing on green issues. Those companies in the plastic tubes market that refuse to accept the trend towards tubes free of traditional plastics may get into trouble as customers divert to other companies using eco-friendly packages. The transition to green resources poses a problem for manufacturers as they are to balance between the expenses and competitiveness in the market.

Segmental Analysis 

By Type 

By its category, the laminated tubes take control of above 60.3% revenue share of the plastic tubes market and is expected to continue to expand at a CAGR of 7% in the years to come. The Laminated plastic tubes are the significant contributors to the global market since they are very effective in several functionalities especially in the application of packaging. They are widely used in industries such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food where the product requires protection and prolonged life span. The multilayer construction of laminated tubes such as plastics and aluminum tubes offers a great protection against light, air and moisture. As a result, the contents are preserved, safe and effective for the intended time period.  As per European Tube Manufacturers Association, over . This simply underlines the role being played by laminated tubes in the packaging  1 billion more tubes were produced than the previous year to mee the rapidly growing demand for laminated palstic tubes. 

Improved barrier characteristics, along with visual superiority, are the key factors why laminated plastic tubes are increasingly preferred to extruded plastic tubes in the plastic tubes market. Laminated tubes make it possible to print sophisticated graphics and detailed designs, which enables brands to stand out in the retail market. Their flexibility and strength are also better, lowering the chances of leakage or any damage to the product during transportation. In a survey done by Global Packaging Alliance, more than 500 global endorsement companies have started using laminated tubes in 2023 for better presentation and protection of their products. This increase in demand has certainly altered the market; it has prompted manufacturers to boost their laminated tube manufacturing potential. The factors affecting the dominance of laminated tubes on a macro-economic scale are a need for convenient and reliable packaging backed up for various economic factors, including urbanization and rise in disposable income. Additionally, the expansion of the e-commerce sector has increased the demand for effective packing products which can endure transportation cyclic processes.

By Capacity

Plastic tubes of 100-150 ml have been steadily gaining approval from end-users capturing around 46.6% of the total plastic tubes market due to their reasonably good maneuverability and practicality. This capacity range appears to be common in the cosmetic and personal care industry as it supports the use of lotions, gels and creams, which many people use daily but still want to be easy to carry around. As per the International Cosmetic Industry Association, the year 2023 was remarkable in regard to the number of new products launched with 120 ml tubes as a dominant preferred package size. This is in line with the perceptions as they are more economical than purchasing smaller packs. Apart from this, it adheres to the travel limits on liquids as there are numerous airlines that allow liquid not exceeding 100 ml in hand bags. The Global Travel Retail Association published a report in 2023 that says over 15 million purchases were made in duty free stores for personal care products having capacity of over 100 ml, which indicates its popularity customers.

In similar fashion, the 100-150 ml capacity in the plastic tubes market is also recording the highest growth and market share. Therefore, brands are targeting this size range to meet the demand. The Packaging Industry Growth Report of 2023 indicates that over 60% of new technology investment in packaging machines was aimed at tubes of the capacity ranging within 100-150 ml. 

By Closure Type

Plastic tubes with stand-up cap closures have become the preferred choice in global plastic tubes market and gaining over 35% market share on the account of their convenience and functional benefits across various applications. The advantage of stand-up cap closure is that the tube always stands in an upright position when it is placed on a surface which is beneficial for the consumers in using and storing shampoos, lotions and ointments among others. This particular arrangement ensures that the product is always in the position the user wants it ready to be dispensed which reduces waste and improves the user experience. Other research conducted in 2023 by the Consumer Packaging Association reported that adoption of stand-up cap closure designs for tubes resulted in sales of additional 25 million units for these consumers as opposed to those sold using conventional features.

Easier usability and ergonomic contour are the major advantages of stand up caps over its counterparts in the plastic tubes market. With their flip top or disc top parts they enable one handed use which is beneficial in situations like use of the product in a shower or when doing something else. Moreover the design make the chances of leakage low and oxidation of the product sky high. Sustainability of a brand is one aspect with which the usage of stand up caps can ensure the reduction of waste by allowing the consumer to utilize the entire product inside the tube. They most often are crafted with the ability to be recycled, which fits the vision to reduce the plastic waste across the globe. According to a report published by the World Wildlife Fund in 2023, the development of ecofriendly caps from the collaboration with packaging companies is directly resulting in reduction of 500 tons of plastic waste. This advancement goes on to show that a stand up cap not only increases the ease of the users life but also helps achieve environmental aims.

By Application

Plastic tubes are predominantly consumed in the cosmetic industry for packaging due to their versatility, functionality, and ability to enhance brand image. In 2023, the cosmetic industry control over 31.7% share of the plastic tubes market by application. Tubes manufactured out of plastic are widely used in packaging of a variety of products including light creams, gels, lotions and serums. The containers offer cushioning, thus preventing contamination of sensitive formulations that are susceptible to degradation. Furthermore, they allow extensive printing and decoration which increases product aesthetics and brand recognition. In 2021, more than 70% of cosmetic items that were sold worldwide were tubes which were reported by the beauty packaging journal.

There are many reasons why plastic tubes are used over other types of packaging, including cost, design flexibility and consumer needs. For instance, the fact that plastic tubes are lightweight and do not shatter, makes their dispensing easy and offers better use experience. Moreover, the tubes can be customized in different dimension, form, or texture as dictated by the nature of the product and the desired marketing strategy. According to a survey by the Sustainable Cosmetics Summit, there were 200 cosmetic brands in 2023 that used recyclable or bio-based plastic tubes which demonstrates a further inclination towards environmentally-friendly practices.

The cosmetic industry's constant advancement and desire globally has contributed to the high demand for plastic tubes market. Countries with burgeoning economies in Asia and Latin America have contributed greatly to the demand for beauty products owing to the increased standards of living in these areas. This advancement increased demand for efficient, durable, and aesthetically pleasing plastic tubes. According to the International Trade Centre, the amount of cosmetic exports that were sold in plastic tubes increased by 500 million units as compared to the previous year. This indicates that as the cosmetics sector grows, the use of plastic tubes is expected to do the same, on account of the need for-ever so durable, aesthetically pleasing and- practical and simple packaging.

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Regional Analysis 

Asia Pacific emerges as the leading manufacturer and consumer of plastic tubes market with revenue share of 33.5%  In 2023, the region was responsible for 32% of the global plastic production, which indicates their notable share in the industry. High production output is a result of access to resources, modern technology, and trained personnel located in China, Japan and South Korea. Also, the region has a large population which together with rapid urbanization has increased the uptake of plastic products including tubes used for diverse purposes.  The rising demand for plastic tubes can also be traced back to the growth of the cosmetics, pharmaceutical and personal care sectors within the Asia Pacific region. For example, China dominates the region’s cosmetic sector with sales of US$ 15.5 billion. Furthermore, significant regional players, such as Pocter & Gamble, Unilever, L'Oréal, Shiseido, Beiersdorf AG, and many others boost the need for the region for convenient and efficient packaging materials including plastic tubes. These industries use plastic tubes because they are cheap and flexible and maintain the quality of the packaged goods, which is particularly true for most care products such as creams, gels and ointments. 

Several factors distinguish Asia Pacific from other regions and give it a competitive advantage in the plastic tubes market. Rapid economic development coupled with growing purchasing power of the consumers in the region has seen an increase in consumption of packaged products. Also, government’s interventions policies to catalyze industrialization while augmenting investment in the manufacturing segments have enhanced the production facets. China and India are among the leaders, with China being a center of both production and market. The combined effect of large scale manufacturing capabilities and being the export leader in the world increases China’s impact in the plastic tubes marketplace. Also, the Asia Pacific region is clearly a major player in the cosmetic packaging market, as each year more and more women start using beauty products. In this context, the further strengthening of the region’s leading positions in the market is quite realistic.

Key Players in Plastic Tubes Market

• 3P Gulf Group
• AkplastPlastik
• Al ObeikanInvestment Group
• AlbeaS.A
• AntillaInc.
• ArapoushGostar
• Astrapak Ltd
• Berry Global Inc
• Bowler Packaging
• CCL Industries Inc
• CTL Group
• EsselPropackLtd
• Huhtamaki Oyi
• Lageentubes
• Laminate Tubes Industries
• Linhardt GmbH & Co KG
• MohebHolding Group
• Perfektup Ambalaj
• Pioneer Group
• Other Prominent Players

Market Segmentation Overview:

By Packaging Types

• Extruded Tubes
• Laminated Tubes

By Capacity

• < 50 ml
• 50-100 ml
• 100 -150 ml
• Above 150 ml

By Closure

• Stand Up Cap
• Nozzle Cap
• Fez Cap
• Flip Top Cap
• Other Caps

By Application

• Food & Beverage
• Cosmetics
• Pharmaceutical
• Personal Care products
• Stationery
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Western Europe
    • The UK
    • Germany
    • France
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Rest of Western Europe
  • Eastern Europe
    • Poland
    • Russia
    • Rest of Eastern Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia & New Zealand
  • South Korea
  • ASEAN
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE
  • Rest of MEA
• South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Rest of South America