CYLINDRICAL KRAFT FORMAT

Paper Tubes

A spiral- or convolute-wound paperboard tube that swaps the standard rectangular box for a plastic-free cylindrical reveal — popular for a premium, distinctive unboxing without committing to rigid board.

Plastic-freeDistinctive cylindrical revealFully custom wrapRecyclable & compostable

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30–150mm

Diameter range

100%

Plastic-free option

1.4×

Cost index (baseline)

12–16 days

Typical lead time

Overview Products Industries How it's made Pros & cons Eco level Cost Alternatives

OVERVIEW

What is Paper Tubes?

Paper tubes are formed by winding multiple plies of kraft or recycled paperboard — either spirally or in flat convolute layers — around a mandrel, then bonding them into a rigid cylindrical shell.

The outer ply can be printed directly or wrapped in decorative paper, and end caps (paper, metal, or plastic-free push-fit) finish the format, making tubes a popular swap-in wherever a brand wants shelf standout without the cost of rigid board.

SPECIFICATIONS

Technical at a glance

Diameter range

30–150mm

Wall thickness

1.5–4mm

End cap options

Push-fit paper, metal, recessed lid

Print methods

Direct flexo/litho, wrapped label

Recyclability

Curbside recyclable & compostable

Best for

Cosmetics, food, candles, specialty retail

IN PRODUCTION

Products made with Paper Tubes

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Wrapping Paper Tubes

Long, light and printed end to end — the format built around a roll of gift wrap.

Paper Tube Boxes

The cylinder in the shaped-box family — wound rather than folded, and priced differently.

Paper Tubes with Window

An aperture in a wound wall — showing contents without abandoning the cylinder.

Square Paper Tubes

A wound body with squared sides — shelf-facing geometry without a folding carton.

Small Paper Tubes

Sample and single-dose scale — the same winding, at an inch or two across.

Child Resistant Paper Tubes

A certified closure on a fibre body — the plastic-free answer for regulated products.

Kraft Paper Tubes

Unbleached plies wound into a cylinder — natural positioning with real structural strength.

WHO USES IT

Industries that rely on Paper Tubes

Cosmetics & Beauty

Premium cylindrical packaging

Food & Beverage

Fresh-seal food tubes

Candles & Home Fragrance

Distinctive cylindrical cartons

Spirits & Beverage

Protective bottle tubes

Specialty Retail

Premium shelf standout

Gifting

Premium presentation tubes

Stationery

Poster & document tubes

Wellness & Supplements

Health packaging tubes

THE PROCESS

How Paper Tubes is made

Mandrel winding

Paper plies are wound around a steel mandrel to form the tube body.

Bonding & curing

The plies are glued and pressed into a solid, rigid wall.

Cutting to length

The continuous tube is cut to the specified height.

End capping & finishing

Caps are fitted and the tube is labeled or directly printed.

Advantages

✓

Distinctive on-shelf shape — stands out from standard rectangular packaging.

✓

Fully plastic-free option — a paper-only alternative to plastic tins and bottles.

✓

Recyclable & compostable — uncoated tubes break down easily.

✓

Strong vertical compression — resists crushing under stacked loads.

✓

Stands out from box formats — a premium point of differentiation on shelf.

Considerations

–

Less efficient use of space — cylindrical shapes waste shelf and shipping volume.

–

Limited to cylindrical products — not suited to flat or irregular items.

–

Higher tooling cost — custom diameters require dedicated mandrels.

–

Fewer finishing options — than flat board formats.

SUSTAINABILITY

Eco-friendly level

Paper tubes offer a genuinely plastic-free alternative to tins and rigid plastic canisters, built from renewable kraft fiber that recycles or composts cleanly.

✓Curbside recyclable✓Home compostable (uncoated)✓Renewable kraft fiber✓Plastic-free alternative to tins

ECO RATINGExcellent · 5 / 5

LowModerateExcellent

COST COMPARISON

Relative cost per unit

Indexed against Paper Tubes = 1.4× — actual pricing depends on size, finish and volume.

Paper Tubes

1.4×

Kraft

1.0×

Cardboard

1.2×

Recycled White

1.2×

Corrugated

1.5×

Mylar

2.3×

Rigid

3.0×

IF NOT PAPER TUBES

Alternative materials

Kraft

-29%

A flat format at a lower cost.

Cardboard

-14%

If a rectangular shelf footprint is needed.

Corrugated

+7%

For added shipping protection.

Rigid

+114%

A flat premium box format instead of cylindrical.

Recycled White

-18%

A lower-cost recycled flat alternative.

GALLERY

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