Custom Plastic Tubes Supplier | Extruded, Laminate & Eco-Friendly Tubes
Top Tubes is a USA-based supplier of custom plastic tubes — extruded PE, ABL, and PBL — for personal care, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and food brands. Full customization, faster lead times, and lower MOQs than you'll find elsewhere.
Extruded Plastic Tubes
Top Tubes offers a wide range of highly decorated PE-based laminated tubes (extruded from pure polyethylene) plastic tubes. We create tubes for a variety of purposes and densities.
- PE-HD (high-density)
- PE-MD (medium-density)
- PE-LD (low-density)
- PE-LLD (linear-density)
We offer mono-layer, two-layer (asymmetric), and multi-layer tubes. Each type is created to allow the product to be stored, presented, and used in its best condition.
Laminate Tubes (ABL & PBL)
They have a multi-layer structure that makes them extremely effective at protecting contents from contamination or damage from the environment. That’s why several manufacturers use them to package their products. The barrier layer is essential to a laminate tube's effectiveness.
Co-extruded (COEX), also known as multi-layer laminated tubes, are plastic tubes with three to five layers. Due to the number of barriers, which are made of EVOH, they protect well against outside elements, such as oxygen, gases, and oils. Compared to plastic mono-layer tubes, COEX tubes are generally less permeable and more resistant to chemicals. Plastic tubing is the preferred container for cosmetic, personal, hair care, oral hygiene, food, and semi pharmaceutical products. Each type of laminated tubes are specifically made for the individual product to ensure the content inside is kept in peak condition.
They are tubes with no seams. Like a PBL tube. They will bounce back to their original shape after being squeezed. Co-extruded tubes provide a smooth finish and a variety of barrier options. For these reasons, they are frequently utilized for premium products that must go well on the shelves
- Attractive
- Smooth seamless exterior
- Available in a huge selection of colors
- Easy to use
- Protect well against outside elements
Aluminum Barrier Laminated Tubes (ABL)
ABL tubes are a five-layered laminated tubes which have an aluminum foil barrier in the center. This provides protection and strong rigidity for the tube's structure. In addition, it is a great barrier against light, air, and moisture. ABL is commonly used for pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic products.
ABL tubes are an economical collapsible tube solution that provides wide customizability. They can be decorated in a variety of ways to match different products and brands. The ability of ABL tubes to maintain their "squeeze form" is one of their important characteristics. When squeezed, they do not return to their former shape, making them suitable for products that need precise dispensing.
- Made for aggressive products.
- Tamper Evident Safety Seal (TESS)
- Great barrier performance (blocking light, air, moisture, and other substances)
- Exquisite outer appearance (metallic, iridescent, holographic)
- Can create a glossy or matte finish
- Polyethylene two layers, co-polymer, aluminum foil barrier
Plastic Barrier Laminated Tubes (PBL)
PBL structure is a common option for packaging that needs to maintain its form and shape. This is often the go-to choice for cosmetic products that require a custom finish and look. PBL's are also five-layered laminated tubes. EVOH (Ethylene-Vinyl Alcohol Polymer) is used in PBL tubes to provide a barrier for any air, oil, or chemical transfers through the layers of the tube.
PBL tubes are easily recyclable, which benefits both the environment and the customers. These tubes provide a stable packaging platform and are extremely versatile. PBL tubes provide unmatched clarity and artwork solutions with the option of 8 different printed colors.
- Polyethylene two layers, co-polymer, EVOH barrier
- Great barrier performance (blocking air, moisture, and other substances)
- Environmentally friendly and easy to recycle
- Can return to its exact shape after being squeezed
- Can create a glossy or matte finish
- TESS (Tamper Evident Safety Seal)
Material Comparison: Extruded vs. ABL vs. PBL
Choosing between extruded, ABL, and PBL tubes comes down to barrier needs, budget, and how the tube should look and feel in hand. Here's how the three construction types compare at a glance.
| Construction | Barrier Level | Recyclability | Typical Cost Tier | Best-Fit Formulas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extruded PE | Low to moderate | Widely recyclable (mono-material PE) | Lowest | Everyday, low-sensitivity formulas |
| ABL (Aluminum Barrier) | Highest (blocks light, air, moisture) | Limited (mixed materials) | Mid | Sensitive, aggressive, or actives-heavy formulas |
| PBL (Plastic Barrier) | High (EVOH barrier) | Fully recyclable | Mid | Cosmetics and personal care needing clarity and recyclability |
For a deeper side-by-side on ABL vs. PBL specifically, see our Laminated Tube Packaging guide.
Tube Applications by Industry
The right construction depends heavily on what's going inside the tube. Top Tubes supplies custom plastic tubes across:
- Cosmetics — ABL and PBL for creams, serums, and treatments needing barrier protection and premium finish
- Personal Care — extruded and PBL tubes for lotions, sunscreens, and daily-use products
- Hair Care — extruded and laminate tubes for masks, treatments, and styling products
- Pharmaceutical — ABL tubes for maximum barrier protection on sensitive formulas
- Oral Hygiene — laminate tubes for toothpaste and oral care gels
- Food — food-safe extruded and laminate tubes for condiments and spreads
Decoration Options
Every tube type can be decorated to match your brand: offset printing, hot stamping, silkscreen, and matte or gloss finishes are all available. See the full range on our Decorations page.
Sustainability Options
Brands looking to reduce environmental impact can choose PCR (post-consumer resin) and Bio-PE extruded tubes, or PBL laminate tubes, which are fully recyclable. Details on all eco-friendly options are on our Sustainable Packaging page.
Manufacturing Capabilities
- MOQ: 5,000 units per SKU
- Lead time: 10–12 weeks from art approval
- Certification: ISO 9001:2015 (manufacturing partner)
- Material: BPA free
- Shipping: FOB Los Angeles
Explore Tube Types
Extruded Plastic Tubes | ABL Tubes | PBL Tubes | Laminated Tubes | Packaging Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for custom plastic tubes?
Our minimum order quantities start at 5,000 units per SKU, though the exact number can vary by tube type, material, and decoration. Contact us with your product details and we’ll confirm the right MOQ for your project.
What’s the difference between ABL and PBL tubes?
ABL (Aluminum Barrier Laminate) tubes use an aluminum foil layer for maximum protection against light, air, and moisture, ideal for pharmaceutical and highly sensitive formulas. PBL (Plastic Barrier Laminate) tubes use an EVOH barrier instead, making them fully recyclable and a common choice for cosmetics and personal care. See our full ABL vs PBL comparison for details.
What tube materials does Top Tubes offer?
Extruded PE tubes in single- and multi-layer construction, laminate tubes (ABL and PBL), and eco-friendly options like PCR (post-consumer resin) and Bio-PE for brands prioritizing sustainability.
Can I get samples before placing a full order?
Yes. Top Tubes provides samples so you can evaluate material, feel, and decoration before committing to a production run.
What industries use Top Tubes packaging?
Cosmetics, personal care, hair care, pharmaceutical, oral hygiene, food, and other industrial applications.