Below are answers to the questions we hear most often from brands and contract manufacturers sourcing custom tube packaging from Top Tubes.
What is the minimum order quantity?
Top Tubes’ minimum order quantity (MOQ) starts at 5,000 units per SKU. This applies across our ABL, PBL, and extruded tube packaging.
How long does production take?
Standard production takes 10 to 12 weeks from art approval to completed production. Shipping time is separate and depends on your delivery location.
What tube materials do you offer?
We offer ABL (aluminum barrier laminate) tubes, PBL (plastic barrier laminate) tubes, and extruded tubes in LDPE, MDPE, HDPE, and LLDPE. We can help you choose the right material based on your formula and budget.
What is the difference between ABL and PBL?
ABL tubes use an aluminum foil layer for maximum barrier protection against oxygen, light, and moisture. PBL tubes use an EVOH plastic barrier layer instead, offering strong protection while remaining 100% recyclable since they contain no metal.
Can I get samples before placing an order?
Yes. We provide pre-production samples so you can confirm color, decoration, and tube feel before committing to a full production run. Ask your account contact about sample timelines and costs.
What decoration methods are available?
We offer offset printing, silk screen printing, hot stamping, digital printing, and flexographic printing, along with matte, glossy, metallic, pearlized, and soft touch finishes.
Do you offer sustainable tube options?
Yes. We offer PBL tubes, which are 100% recyclable, along with PCR (post-consumer recycled) content and Bio-PE material options for brands that want to reduce their packaging’s environmental footprint.
What industries do you serve?
We serve pharmaceutical, oral hygiene, cosmetics, personal care, hair care, and food brands, as well as contract manufacturers producing on behalf of other companies.
What is your shipping terms?
All orders ship FOB Los Angeles, meaning ownership and shipping responsibility transfer to you once the order leaves our facility.
Are your tubes BPA free?
Yes. All tubes produced by Top Tubes, across ABL, PBL, and extruded constructions, are BPA free.
Are your tubes ISO 9001 certified?
Yes. Top Tubes manufactures under ISO 9001 quality standards, with quality control checks throughout raw material sourcing, production, and final inspection.
Can I get a custom color?
Yes. We can match custom colors for both the tube material and printed decoration. Share your Pantone reference or color target and our team will work to match it.
What file format do you need for artwork?
We typically require vector artwork files, such as AI or EPS, with fonts outlined and colors specified as Pantone references. Our team can guide you through file requirements once you are ready to submit your design.
What is EVOH?
EVOH (Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol) is a plastic resin with strong oxygen barrier properties. It is used as the core barrier layer in PBL tubes, offering protection similar to aluminum foil while remaining fully recyclable.
What is coextrusion?
Coextrusion is a manufacturing process that combines multiple layers of resin into a single tube wall during one continuous extrusion step. It allows extruded tubes to include up to 5 layers for added barrier protection or color effects.
Do you supply caps and closures?
Yes. We supply caps and closures to pair with your custom tube, and can help you select an option that matches your tube diameter and brand look.
Do you supply bottles?
Yes. In addition to tube packaging, Top Tubes supplies custom plastic bottles for brands that need multiple packaging formats from a single supplier.
What is PCR plastic?
PCR stands for post-consumer recycled plastic. It is material recovered from consumer waste, cleaned, and reprocessed into new resin, which can be blended into tube walls to reduce virgin plastic use.
What is Bio-PE?
Bio-PE is polyethylene made from renewable, plant-based feedstock such as sugarcane instead of petroleum. It performs the same as standard polyethylene but with a lower carbon footprint.
Can I order multiple SKUs?
Yes. Many of our customers order multiple SKUs across different sizes, colors, or formulas. Consolidating SKUs onto a shared tube size and decoration setup can also help reduce tooling costs.
Do you work with startups and small brands?
Yes. Our MOQ of 5,000 units per SKU is designed to be accessible for growing brands as well as established manufacturers.
Do you work with contract manufacturers?
Yes. We regularly supply tube packaging to contract manufacturers producing on behalf of brand owners, and can coordinate directly with your CM on specs and delivery.
How do I request a quote?
Visit our request a quote page and share your tube type, size, quantity, and decoration needs. Our team will follow up with pricing and next steps.
Where are you located?
Top Tubes is based in Diamond Bar, California, at 1370 Valley Vista Dr #200, Diamond Bar, CA 91765.
What is FOB Los Angeles?
FOB Los Angeles means the buyer takes ownership and shipping responsibility for the order once it leaves our Los Angeles area facility. This is the shipping term used on all Top Tubes orders.
Looking for term definitions? See our tube packaging glossary. For pricing and timeline detail, see our cost guide and lead time breakdown.
Still have questions? Request a quote and our team will help with anything not covered here.
Part of our Packaging Resources hub — your guide to planning a custom tube packaging order.