According to the company, well designed packaging can be what tempts a consumer to select one product over another on store shelves, and its In Mould Labelling technique (IML) is claimed to achieve photographic print quality on full body length.
Tectubes claims to be the first manufacturer producing tubes using the IML technique, which in addition to higher print quality, offers shorter lead times thus allowing customers to benefit from lower costs while being more eco-friendly.
IML Technology
“It is easier to print a label than to print a tube, as the latter involves more colours, more cost, and the process is longer,” Bruno Duvillier, head of sales and marketing for Tectubes told CosmeticsDesign-Europe.com. “The PP label is printed and then inserted into the mould during the injection moulding process,” he explained.
IML offers higher flexibility as different artworks can be mixed, according to Duvillier, and a range of decorating and customisation options are offered to customers.
Some eight different colours are available, and the tubes can include holograms and metallised transfers and come in a matt or glossy finish. The tubes are available in four different diameters; 35mm, 40mm, 50mm and 60mm and volumes range from 75-500ml.
Customers in Sweden and France
Companies currently opting for the IML technique for packaging their products include a company in Sweden, and in France Sarbec has used the technique for the Diaper Rash Ointment from its Corine de Farme brand.
In addition to IML tubes, Tectubes offers several other manufacturing options, including HYPE plastic tubes that are based on a patented production method where the tube sleeve is connected directly to the cap, leading to more cost-efficient packaging with a lower environmental impact.