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Paper Tube
Paper tube packaging is a cylindrical box made from wound layers of cardboard, printed with your branding and fitted with a push-up base or…
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Paper tube packaging is a cylindrical box made from wound layers of cardboard, printed with your branding and fitted with a push-up base or a lid. All Custom Packaging makes custom tubes in the UK from 100 units, from kraft paper tubes to tubes with metal lids, with free design support, a free 3D mockup and free UK delivery. Browse the range below or request a quote for your product's dimensions.
What is paper tube packaging?
A paper tube is made by winding layers of cardboard around a mandrel and gluing them into a rigid cylinder, which is then cut to length, capped and wrapped in printed paper. The result is strong for its weight, plastic-free, and opens with either a lift-off lid or a push-up base like a deodorant stick. Candles, teas, coffee, cosmetics, gift sets and posters all ship in paper tubes.
Tubes have replaced plastic jars and tins for many UK brands because they are recyclable, lightweight, and print beautifully across a full 360 degrees.
Why brands order paper tubes from All Custom Packaging
All Custom Packaging manufactures custom cardboard tubes in the UK from 100 units per design, with no setup fees, free design support, a free 3D mockup, and production in 6-8 business days after design approval. UK delivery is free, and you approve a video of your physical sample before the full run is made.
Tubes are precision items: a push-up cosmetic tube that sticks, or a lid that rattles, kills the product experience. The video sample approval exists exactly for this. You see the lid fit and the push-up action on a real tube before we make hundreds of them.
The 100-unit minimum also suits how tube buyers actually work. Candle and cosmetics brands typically run several scents or shades, and each variant can have its own printed tube at 100 units instead of committing to a thousand of each.
Types of paper tube we manufacture
Push-up tubes. A cardboard base pushes the product up, the standard format for lip balms, solid deodorants, and solid lotions. See 30ml Tube Packaging.
Tubes with lids. A lift-off cap in cardboard or metal. Cardboard Tubes With Metal Lids give an airtight-feeling close for coffee and tea.
Candle tubes. Sized to standard candle jars and tins, with inserts to stop movement in transit. See Candle Tube Packaging.
Food and drink tubes. Food-safe liners for loose tea, coffee beans, sweets and dry goods. See Coffee Tube Packaging, Paper Tube Tea Packaging and Paper Tube Food Packaging.
Mailing tubes. Long tubes with end caps for posters, prints and rolled textiles. See Mailing Tube Packaging.
Gift and luxury tubes. Heavier walls, foil print and textured wraps for spirits, gifting and premium sets. See Gift Tube Packaging and Luxury Tube Packaging.
Windowed and specialist tubes. Die-cut windows, incense-length formats and bath salt tubes: Paper Tube Packaging With Window, Incense Tube Packaging, Bath Salt Tube Packaging.
Materials and finishes
| Component | Options |
|---|---|
| Wall | Wound cardboard, 1mm to 3mm thick depending on diameter and use |
| Outer wrap | Printed art paper, natural kraft, black or white base papers, textured wraps |
| Liner | Food-safe liner for edibles, greaseproof for balms and salves |
| Closure | Push-up base, cardboard lid, metal lid, plug ends for mailing tubes |
Print runs in full CMYK or Pantone colours around the full circumference, with foil stamping, embossing, and matt or gloss lamination available. Kraft tubes printed in one or two colours are the most economical option; see Kraft Paper Tube Packaging and Black Paper Tube Packaging for the two most popular base looks.
Common sizes
Diameters from 25mm (lip balm) up to 120mm (candles and gift sets), and lengths from 60mm to 950mm for mailing formats. Every tube is cut to your product, so between-size dimensions are never a problem. Small-diameter formats like Small Cardboard Tube Packaging and white-wrapped options like White Cardboard Tube Packaging cover the most requested combinations.
Are paper tubes eco-friendly?
Yes, and this is the main reason brands switch to them. Tubes are made from recycled and recyclable cardboard, contain no plastic unless you request a liner, and flatten or recycle kerbside in the UK. A kraft push-up tube replaces a plastic jar, lid and label with a single recyclable piece. If your brand leads on sustainability, an unlaminated kraft tube with soy-based inks is the cleanest spec we offer.
How ordering works
- Send your product dimensions (or the product itself), quantity and closure type.
- Our designers set up the 360-degree artwork and send a free 3D mockup.
- You approve a video of the physical sample, including the lid fit or push-up action.
- Production runs 6-8 business days after approval.
- Free delivery anywhere in the UK.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum order for custom paper tubes?
100 units per design at All Custom Packaging. Each product variant can have its own printed tube at 100 units, which suits candle and cosmetics ranges with multiple scents or shades.
Are paper tubes food safe?
Yes, when fitted with a food-safe liner. We line tubes for tea, coffee, sweets and dry goods as standard, and greaseproof liners are available for balms and salves.
How much do custom paper tubes cost? Price depends on diameter, length, wall thickness, closure and print. Kraft tubes with one or two-colour print cost the least; metal lids and foil finishes add a premium. Quotes are free and there are no setup fees.
Can you print my logo around the whole tube?
Yes. Artwork prints across the full 360 degrees of the tube in CMYK or Pantone colours, with foil stamping and embossing available for logos.
How long does production take?
6-8 business days after design approval. You approve a video of the physical sample first, including the push-up action or lid fit, then the full run is made and shipped free anywhere in the UK.
Are cardboard tubes recyclable?
Yes. Unlaminated tubes recycle kerbside in the UK, and even laminated tubes have a recyclable cardboard core. Plastic-free push-up formats are our most popular eco option.
What products suit tube packaging?
Candles, lip balms, deodorants, teas, coffee, spirits, gift sets, incense, bath salts, posters and prints. If it is cylindrical, tall or rolls, a tube usually packages it better than a box.
Do you make plain kraft tubes?
Yes. Unprinted kraft tubes are available on the same 100-unit minimum, ready for your own labels.
✦ Finishing Options
Finishing & Material Options
Choose from premium coating, board, printing and finishing options for your insert boxes.
Varnish
A transparent finishing layer available in gloss, satin, or matte effects. It enhances the printed surface and adds an extra layer of visual appeal and light protection.
Spot UV
A UV-cured coating applied to specific areas of the design to create gloss or matte contrast and draw attention to important details.
Soft Touch Coating
A smooth, velvety coating that creates a soft tactile feel and gives packaging a refined luxury look. It improves the unboxing experience and supports a high-end product presentation.
Silk Lamination
A soft, smooth lamination with a refined satin-like finish. It gives packaging a premium feel while keeping the surface elegant, subtle, and easy to handle.
Spot Gloss UV
A high-gloss UV coating applied only to selected design areas to create sharp contrast, highlight logos, and add a premium visual effect without coating the whole surface.
Aqueous Coating
A clear, fast-drying water-based coating that adds a smooth protective layer while maintaining a clean and professional surface finish. It is a practical choice for everyday printed packaging.
Anti-Scratch
A durable protective film that helps reduce visible scratches, scuffs, fingerprints, and daily handling marks. It keeps packaging looking clean, polished, and premium for longer.
White Kraft Paper
A bleached kraft paperboard made from a mix of virgin and recycled pulp, offering a clean white surface for crisp and polished packaging designs.
Uncoated Unbleached Kraft
A natural kraft paperboard without coating, made from virgin and recycled pulp. It provides a raw, organic appearance with sturdy packaging strength.
SBS C2S Paper
A premium bleached paperboard coated on both sides, designed for excellent print quality, die-cutting, and professional packaging results.
SBS C1S Paper
A high-quality bleached paperboard coated on one side. It provides a clean printable face with a premium packaging feel.
Printing Paper
A smooth printable paper stock that supports high-resolution graphics, clean text, and rich color output for refined packaging presentation.
Natural Brown Kraft Paper
A natural kraft paperboard made from strong virgin and recycled pulp. It provides an organic, earthy look for sustainable and simple packaging.
Metallic Paper
A specialty paperboard with a laminated metallic surface available in gold, silver, and other premium finishes for luxury visual impact.
Holographic Paper
A specialty paperboard with a laminated holographic surface that creates a reflective, rainbow-like appearance for eye-catching product packaging.
Fully Recycled CCNB Paper
A recycled duplex paperboard with a white printable surface. It is ideal for economical packaging that still requires clean graphics and brand presentation.
Clay-Coated Kraft Back
A kraft board with a smooth clay-coated white face for quality printing and a natural kraft reverse side for a strong, authentic appearance.
Clay Natural Kraft
A kraft paperboard with a clay-coated printable top surface and a natural unbleached kraft back. It balances clean branding with a rustic natural look.
CCNB Paper
A duplex paperboard made with recycled pulp and a coated white printable surface. It delivers smooth print results for affordable carton packaging.
Black Kraft Paper
A black-dyed kraft board with a natural paper texture and excellent strength. It creates a bold, premium look for luxury and specialty packaging.
Window Patching
A packaging technique where a die-cut opening is covered with a transparent film, allowing the product inside to remain visible while staying protected.
Registered Embossing
An embossing technique where the raised design is precisely aligned with printed artwork to improve detail, texture, and overall presentation.
Hot Foil Stamping
A finishing process in which heat and pressure transfer metallic foil to the surface, creating a premium, shiny, and luxurious effect.
Combination Embossing
A premium finishing method that combines embossing with foil stamping to create a raised design with metallic color and strong visual impact.
Cold Foil Stamping
A decorative process that transfers foil onto selected areas of the surface using UV-curable adhesive, creating a bright metallic effect with sharp detail.
Blind Embossing
A technique that raises a design from the surface without ink or foil, giving packaging a clean, elegant, and textured appearance.
Blind Debossing
A finishing technique that presses a design into the material to create a recessed impression without using ink or foil. It adds subtle depth and a refined tactile effect.
UV Printing
A fast-curing printing process that uses ultraviolet light to dry ink instantly, delivering sharp detail, vibrant colors, and a premium finish.
Screen Printing
A durable printing method that uses a mesh screen and stencil to apply ink to surfaces. It is ideal for bold colors and high-impact packaging designs.
Offset Printing
A traditional high-quality printing process that transfers designs from plates to a rubber blanket before printing, making it ideal for large-volume production.
Digital Printing
A modern printing method that does not require printing plates, making it cost-effective and efficient for short runs, sample production, and small-batch quantities.
Triple Wall Flute
Built with three corrugated layers between four linerboard sheets, providing heavy-duty strength for large or industrial packaging needs.
Single Wall Flute
A standard corrugated structure with one fluted medium and two linerboards, providing dependable strength for everyday packaging.
Single Flute
A corrugated sheet with one flute layer between two liners, offering lightweight strength for protective packaging.
F-Flute
An ultra-thin flute grade designed for lightweight packaging, small retail boxes, and high-quality printed presentation.
E-Flute
A slim flute grade with a flatter surface, ideal for detailed printing, display packaging, and premium retail boxes.
Double Wall Flute
Made with two layers of corrugated medium between linerboard sheets, offering added strength and durability for heavier products.
C-Flute
A versatile corrugated flute that offers balanced compression strength, cushioning, and printability for many packaging applications.
B-Flute
A thinner flute grade with a smooth surface, making it suitable for high-quality printing, precise die-cutting, and neat retail packaging.
A-Flute
A thick corrugated flute profile that provides excellent cushioning, compression strength, and stacking support for protective packaging.
Oyster White Board
A coated linerboard with an off-white surface, suitable for high-quality printing and a refined packaging appearance.
Natural Kraft Board
An unbleached kraft linerboard made from recycled paper pulp, offering a natural look with strong durability for eco-conscious packaging.
Kemi White Board
A coated semi-gloss linerboard with a smooth white surface, ideal for sharp printing, premium presentation, and retail-ready packaging.
Bleached White Board
A fully bleached corrugated board with a bright white surface, designed to produce clean, vibrant, and high-quality printed packaging.
UV Ink
A UV-cured ink that dries instantly under ultraviolet light and creates crisp, high-quality print results on a wide range of packaging materials.
Soy Ink
A plant-based ink made with soybean oil, offering rich color output and a more sustainable printing option for carton packaging.
Pantone
A standardized color-matching system used to achieve consistent, accurate brand colors across packaging, labels, and printed materials.
CMYK
A full-color printing process using cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks to create vibrant images, gradients, and detailed packaging artwork.