When choosing laminate tube packaging, one of the most common questions we hear from brand owners and contract manufacturers is: what’s the difference between ABL and PBL tubes — and which one is right for my product?
Both ABL (Aluminum Barrier Laminate) and PBL (Plastic Barrier Laminate) tubes are widely used across cosmetics, personal care, pharmaceutical, and food industries. But they have distinct properties that make each better suited for different applications.
What is ABL (Aluminum Barrier Laminate)?
ABL tubes are made from multiple layers of material with an aluminum foil core sandwiched between layers of plastic. This aluminum layer acts as a superior barrier against oxygen, light, and moisture, making it ideal for products that require maximum protection.
ABL is ideal for:
- Products sensitive to oxygen or light (pharmaceutical creams, medicated ointments)
- Products with strong active ingredients that degrade when exposed to air
- Oral hygiene products like toothpaste
- Products requiring a long shelf life
What is PBL (Plastic Barrier Laminate)?
PBL tubes replace the aluminum foil layer with an EVOH (Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol) plastic barrier layer, making the tube fully plastic-based. PBL tubes are lighter, more flexible, and increasingly popular as brands look for more sustainable packaging options.
PBL is ideal for:
- Cosmetics and personal care products (lotions, creams, gels)
- Hair care products
- Products where a softer, more flexible tube is preferred
- Brands seeking recyclable or more eco-friendly packaging
Which Should You Choose?
Choose ABL if your product contains active ingredients sensitive to oxygen or light, requires a long shelf life, or falls in the pharmaceutical or oral hygiene category.
Choose PBL if your product is a cosmetic or personal care formula, you want a more sustainable packaging option, or you prefer a tube that returns to its shape after squeezing.
Not sure which is right for your product? The team at Top Tubes can help you evaluate your formulation requirements and recommend the best tube type for your needs.
About Top Tubes
Top Tubes is a USA-based B2B supplier of custom ABL, PBL, and extruded plastic tube packaging serving the cosmetics, personal care, hair care, pharmaceutical, oral hygiene, and food industries. We offer low minimum order quantities, fast lead times, and a full range of decoration options. Contact us today to request samples or a quote.