Self-adhesive labels are putting squeeze on tube rivals

Self-adhesive labels are putting the squeeze on a traditional rival in such markets as toothpaste, cosmetics and drugs, according to FINAT’s managing director Jules Lejeune.

Historically, squeezable tubes had their labels pre-printed or on-line printed onto the container, but several subtle pressures being brought from all quarters on manufacturers have had them changing to the adaptable self-adhesive label.

The old-fashioned metal alloy tube which users had to roll up to extract the contents is giving way to flexible plastic containers that rely more on gravity to give up their lotions and potions – every bathroom, dressing table and medical cabinet now has its collection of tubes standing on their caps ready for instant use.

‘With the change to plastic tubes has come increased pressure for these containers to be recyclable – and the self-adhesive label printed on a suitable plastic substrate presents no problems in this direction,’ said Lejeune. ‘And our ability to produce eye-catching, colorful labels, often with special effects, is adding to their appeal.

‘There is also the cost factor. Manufacturers of tubed products can change the label as often as they like to cope with the packing of different sizes of content without the need to make cumbersome changes to accommodate the pre-printed or on-line printed labels – a big factor in a busy factory.  Indeed when a manufacturer has a collection of products using the same brand image container, the self-adhesive label is the ideal medium. 

‘This all-round versatility is winning – the manufacturers like it and the consumers love it because it gives a cleaner, more attractive looking tube whose label is identifiable to the last squeeze – unlike the older fashioned tubes that scrunched up into an anonymous mess which could be dangerous, especially when the contents were medicinal.’