Custom Paper Tube Lip Balm Packaging

What it is & where it’s used

Paper tube lip balm packaging (also known as cardboard lip balm tubes or kraft paper lip balm tubes) is a rigid, spiral-wound paperboard cylinder with a push-up base disc. It’s specified by internal diameter (ID) × height × core thickness × liner type and used for lip balms, salves, solid perfumes, and sampler kits. The matte paper aesthetic elevates small SKUs while keeping them curbside-recyclable in most markets.

Structures & ergonomics

Choose the unboxing feel first, then set the mechanics. The push-up motion and cap friction define user experience and leak control.

Structure & feel matrix

Structure	Unboxing feel	Best for	Cost/Lead	Notes
Push-up + slip cap (classic)	Familiar, one-handed	Mainline balms	Low / Fast	Cost-effective, easy to label
Push-up + rolled rim	Softer mouthfeel	Premium SKUs	Med / Med	Rim protects wrap edges
Push-up + flush rim	Minimalist look	Sets & gifts	Med / Med	Clean silhouette, tight tolerances
Shoulder-neck cap	Premium snap	Limited editions	Med-High / Med	Snug cap, higher perceived value

Ergonomics & fit

• Base disc / plunger: friction tuned during sampling; smooth travel without backflow.
• Cap retention: slip-fit or snug-fit depending on display vs. pocket carry.
• Tamper evidence: paper tear-band, paper seal label, or recyclable collar.

Sizing & engineering tolerances

Start from stick diameter and pour temperature, then add headspace. Balms shrink while cooling; leave clearance for clean capping.

Standard size guide (customs on request)

Fill volume	Typical ID (mm)	Typical height (mm)	Core thickness	Headspace	Notes
0.15 oz / 4.5 g	16–18	60–70	1.0–1.5 mm	2–3 mm	Travel/kit sizes
0.3 oz / 8.5 g	18–20	70–85	1.2–1.6 mm	2–4 mm	Standard retail
0.5 oz / 15 g	20–22	85–105	1.4–1.8 mm	3–4 mm	Large/premium sticks

General rules

• ID clearance: product Ø + 0.3–0.6 mm
• Tube tolerance: ±1.0–1.5 mm on height; lid fit tuned to wrap thickness
• Push force: defined in your sample brief; balanced against liner and formula viscosity

Materials & sustainability

Mono-material paper first; add barriers only when required by the formula.

• Wraps: natural kraft, dyed black/white, or textured papers (128–200 gsm)
• Cores: spiral-wound paperboard (FSC options)
• Liners (as needed):
  • Greaseproof aqueous for standard wax/oil balms
  • Glassine for food-contact friendliness
  • Foil for aroma/oxidation/moisture control in challenging formulas
• Labels: recyclable papers with oil-resistant adhesives; plastic-free windows/die-cuts
• Claims: phrases like “biodegradable lip balm tubes” or “compostable paper lip balm containers” depend on local standards—validate before marketing.

Formula compatibility & filling

Match liner and friction to your wax/oil ratio and pour temperature.

• Pour temperature window: share your melt and pour temps to set liner spec and push-up friction.
• Cooling & shrink: stage cooling to avoid voids; confirm headspace after full cure.
• Wicking control: choose liners that resist oil migration; avoid over-lubricating discs.
• Line setup: de-nesting trays, paper-only tamper seals, and label application on matte zones.

Printing & finishes on small cylinders

Lock color strategy and scuff resistance before press.

• Direct print (white ink on black/dyed papers) or wrap labels (microcopy, regulatory blocks)
• Minimums: line ≥ 0.4–0.5 mm; reversed type ≥ 7–8 pt on dark stocks
• Finishes: soft-touch + anti-scuff for dark wraps; foil/emboss/deboss for premium cues
• Barcodes & lot codes: matte panels; maintain quiet zones ≥ 2.5 mm; batch stamps or micro-QR supported

Compliance & labeling (cosmetics)

We implement your legal text and artwork; you approve claims and testing.

• Label grid: net weight (g/oz), INCI list, warnings, PAO symbol, batch/lot, country of origin
• Space planning: wrap labels consolidate microcopy on small diameters
• Claims caution: SPF/therapeutic language requires appropriate substantiation
• Documentation: material declarations, spec sheet, and pack photos per lot

Protection & shipping (retail + DTC)

Paper-only inners and right-sized mailers keep sets clean in transit.

Pack method	Use case	Protection level	Notes
Paper de-nesting trays	Line fill & retail	Medium	Fast picking; reduces scuff
Corrugated grid/nest	DTC parcels	High	Crush absorption; tear-strip mailer
Paper seal bands	Tamper evidence	—	Plastic-free; brandable
Master cartons	All channels	—	Matte label zones; pallet maps supplied

Quality & testing

We validate against your brief, then lock tolerances.

Test	Purpose	Typical approach
Oil migration/leak	Liner compatibility	Ambient + elevated temp dwell tests
Push-up friction	Smooth actuation	Cycle test of base disc/plunger travel
Drop & rub	Transit and shelf wear	Parcel-style drops; wrap abrasion checks
Cap retention	Pocket safety & display	Pull/fit checks over cycles
Dimensional audit	Fit & interchangeability	ID/height/roundness; AQL sampling

Technical specifications (summary)

Category	Spec (typical; tunable)
Formats	Push-up cylinder with slip cap; rolled-rim or flush-rim
Standard fills	0.15 / 0.3 / 0.5 oz (4.5 / 8.5 / 15 g)
ID ranges	Ø 16–22 mm (customs on brief)
Heights	60–105 mm typical
Core thickness	1.0–1.8 mm spiral-wound
Liners	Greaseproof aqueous / Glassine / Foil
Tolerances	Height ±1.0–1.5 mm; lid fit tuned
Printing	Direct print or wrap labels; white ink on dark wraps
Finishes	Soft-touch, anti-scuff, foil, emboss/deboss
Barcodes	Quiet zone ≥ 2.5 mm; matte area
Packing	Paper trays or corrugated grids; pallet maps

MOQ, sampling & lead time

• MOQ: typically 3,000–5,000 per size
• Samples: 5–7 days (white dummy + wrapped/printed sample as needed)
• Production: 12–20 days after approvals (finish stack dependent)
• Trade terms: FOB/CIF/DDP; mixed-SKU pallets with photos and carton lists

Why POZI

• Oil-resistant liner know-how for real-world formulas
• Tuned push-up ergonomics and cap fit for leak control
• Anti-scuff black/white wraps; barcode-friendly layouts
• Documented QC with AQL sampling and pack photos
• FSC paper options; plastic-free seals and recyclable labels

FAQ

1) Can the tubes be 100% plastic-free?
Yes—most programs run all-paper structures with greaseproof or glassine liners and paper seals. Foil liners are used only when the formula demands higher barriers.

2) Will soft-touch wraps scratch in handbags?
We use anti-scuff blends and inner interleaves; for dark palettes, we recommend matte label zones where codes apply.

3) Which liner works with citrus or essential-oil-rich balms?
Share your formula basics (wax/oil %, pour temp). We’ll recommend greaseproof, glassine, or foil based on compatibility testing.

4) Can we add tamper evidence without plastic?
Yes—paper tear-bands or seal labels integrate cleanly with slip caps.

5) How small can barcodes and microcopy go?
We advise quiet zones ≥ 2.5 mm, reversed text ≥ 7–8 pt, and matte panels for reliable scans.

6) Do you supply matched ship-ready mailers?
Yes—paper-only corrugated mailers with tear-strip and matte label panels.

Buyer’s checklist

• Product Ø / height / weight and pour temperature
• Target fill volume (g/oz) and liner preference
• Structure (rolled-rim / flush-rim; cap fit) and core thickness
• Wrap & finish (kraft/black/white; soft-touch, anti-scuff, foil, emboss)
• Label vs direct print, barcode/lot coding format
• Quantity tiers, delivery window, and Incoterms

Request Dielines & a 24-Hour Quote.
Send your product dimensions and fill temperature today—you’ll receive dielines, liner recommendations, pricing tiers, and a dated sampling plan within one business day.