Segment Analysis of Plastic Tube Packaging Market: Products, Applications, and End-Users

In Business Insights
September 24, 2025

The global Plastic Tube Packaging market was valued at US$ 6691.9 million in 2022 and is projected to reach US$ 8373.3 million by 2029, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.3% during the forecast period. The influence of COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine War were considered while estimating market sizes.

Plastic tube packaging offers a versatile and efficient solution for containing and dispensing semi-liquid and viscous products. These tubes are primarily made from flexible plastics and are widely used in industries requiring portable, user-friendly containers that maintain product integrity. Unlike rigid packaging, plastic tubes allow for easy squeezing and precise application, making them ideal for everything from skincare products to food condiments. Their ability to be customized with vibrant prints, special finishes like soft-touch coatings, and various cap designs enhances brand visibility at the point of sale.

The plastic tube packaging market is expanding steadily due to rising consumer demand for convenient, on-the-go personal care and food items, coupled with advancements in manufacturing processes that improve sustainability and functionality. Factors such as e-commerce growth, eco-friendly material innovations, and the need for lightweight packaging to reduce shipping costs are driving this sector forward. However, challenges like plastic waste regulations and fluctuating raw material prices influence market dynamics.

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Segmentation by Product Type

The plastic tube packaging market can be segmented into three primary material-based categories, each offering distinct properties suited to specific product needs and regulatory requirements.

1. Polyethylene (PE) Tubes

Polyethylene tubes are known for their flexibility, chemical resistance, and lightweight nature, making them a staple in everyday consumer products. PE tubes are produced through extrusion processes that ensure seamless construction and compatibility with automated filling lines. They are often used for products requiring barrier properties against moisture and oxygen.

  • Market Insight: PE tubes dominate the market due to their cost-effectiveness and versatility. They are particularly favored in personal care applications where squeezability and durability are key. However, as sustainability concerns grow, manufacturers are increasingly blending PE with recycled content to meet eco-labeling standards without compromising performance.

  • Trend: In regions like North America and Europe, PE tubes are seeing a shift toward mono-material designs to facilitate easier recycling, aligning with circular economy initiatives pushed by governments and brands alike.

2. Polypropylene (PP) Tubes

Polypropylene tubes provide superior rigidity and heat resistance compared to PE, allowing for higher-temperature processing and better structural integrity. These tubes are extrusion-blown or injection-molded, enabling intricate designs and multilayer constructions for enhanced product protection.

  • Market Insight: PP tubes hold a significant share in pharmaceutical and food sectors because of their inertness and ability to preserve product freshness. Demand is rising as brands seek tubes that can withstand sterilization processes while offering aesthetic appeal through high-definition printing.

  • Trend: The adoption of multilayer PP tubes is accelerating in Asia-Pacific markets, where food safety regulations are tightening, and consumers prefer packaging that extends shelf life for perishable goods.

3. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Tubes

PVC tubes offer excellent clarity and toughness, ideal for applications where visual product inspection is important. However, due to environmental concerns, their use is more niche, focusing on specialized formulations that reduce phthalate content for safer consumer interaction.

  • Market Insight: PVC tubes are the smallest segment but remain relevant in certain industrial and medical uses where transparency and flexibility are paramount. Market growth is tempered by bans in some regions, prompting innovation in PVC alternatives.

  • Trend: Emerging bio-based PVC variants are gaining traction in Europe, helping manufacturers comply with REACH regulations while maintaining the material’s core benefits for niche applications.

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Segmentation by Application

Applications highlight the practical versatility of plastic tube packaging across diverse sectors. Each area leverages the tubes’ ability to dispense controlled amounts, protect contents, and enhance user experience through ergonomic design.

1. Cosmetic & Personal Care

The cosmetic and personal care industry represents the largest application segment for plastic tube packaging. Tubes are essential for creams, lotions, gels, and shampoos, providing an airtight seal that prevents drying out and contamination.

  • Insight: With the boom in skincare routines and natural formulations, tubes offer a hygienic, travel-friendly option that appeals to millennials and Gen Z consumers who prioritize convenience and aesthetics.

  • Trend: Customization trends, such as matte finishes and embossed logos, are surging in this segment, driven by premium branding in e-commerce platforms across Asia and North America.

2. Pharmaceuticals

In pharmaceuticals, plastic tubes are used for ointments, topical medications, and oral gels, ensuring precise dosing and protection from light and air degradation. Their compatibility with regulatory standards like FDA approvals makes them indispensable.

  • Insight: The rise in over-the-counter (OTC) drugs has boosted demand for child-resistant and tamper-evident tube designs, particularly in aging populations in Europe and the US.

  • Trend: Sustainable pharma packaging initiatives are pushing for recyclable tubes, with companies investing in PP-based mono-materials to reduce environmental impact without sacrificing safety.

3. Food

Food applications include condiments, honey, and purees, where plastic tubes enable portion control and easy dispensing. Multilayer tubes here provide oxygen barriers to maintain flavor and nutritional value.

  • Insight: Urbanization and fast-paced lifestyles are increasing the need for portable food tubes, especially in Asia-Pacific where street food culture thrives.

  • Trend: Clean-label trends are favoring BPA-free, food-grade tubes with vibrant, informative labeling to attract health-conscious consumers in emerging markets.

4. Others

Other applications encompass industrial adhesives, lubricants, and paints, where tubes offer mess-free application in professional settings. These uses benefit from the durability and sealability of plastic materials.

  • Insight: Industrial sectors value tubes for their cost-efficiency in small-batch dispensing, though growth is slower compared to consumer-driven segments.

  • Trend: Digital printing advancements are enabling on-demand customization for B2B applications, particularly in construction and automotive aftermarkets.

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Segmentation by End-User

1. Cosmetics & Personal Care Companies

Cosmetics and personal care firms, including global giants and indie brands, are the primary end-users of plastic tube packaging, relying on it for product launch innovation and shelf appeal.

  • Insight: As beauty trends evolve toward multi-functional products, tubes provide the flexibility to package hybrid formulas like serum-moisturizers, supporting premium pricing.

  • Trend: E-commerce dominance in this sector is driving demand for lightweight, shatterproof tubes that withstand shipping rigors, with Asia-Pacific leading in volume.

2. Pharmaceutical Manufacturers

Pharma companies use plastic tubes for sterile and non-sterile topical products, emphasizing compliance and patient safety in their packaging choices.

  • Insight: Post-pandemic health awareness has heightened focus on hygienic packaging, boosting tube adoption for dermatological treatments and generics.

  • Trend: Regulatory pressures for sustainable materials are encouraging shifts to recyclable options, with Europe setting the pace through extended producer responsibility laws.

3. Food and Beverage Producers

Food producers leverage tubes for specialty items like sauces and baby foods, prioritizing food safety and consumer convenience in fast-moving markets.

  • Insight: Rising demand for single-serve portions in quick-service restaurants is creating new opportunities for squeezable tube formats.

  • Trend: In developing regions like Southeast Asia, tubes are gaining ground over jars for their portability, fueled by urbanization and tourism.

4. Industrial and Other Companies

Industrial end-users, including chemical and automotive firms, employ tubes for precise application of adhesives and sealants, valuing durability and leak-proof designs.

  • Insight: While a smaller segment, these users appreciate tubes’ ability to reduce waste in professional applications, supporting efficiency goals.

  • Trend: Automation in filling lines is pushing for standardized tube specs, with North American manufacturers leading in tech-integrated solutions.

The Plastic Tube Packaging market is best understood through its segmentation landscape. By product type, polyethylene remains dominant, but polypropylene is gaining share due to enhanced properties in demanding applications. By application, cosmetics lead, yet pharmaceuticals and food offer robust growth amid health and convenience trends. By end-user, personal care companies drive volume, while industrial users provide steady, specialized demand.

Read Full Report Here: Plastic Tube Packaging Market – View in Detailed Research Report

Download FREE Sample Report: Plastic Tube Packaging Market – View in Detailed Research Report