Despite the global economic crisis, the European tube industry was uncompromisingly pursuing its commitment to innovation and further development, also in the year marking the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of etma – european tube manufacturers association. New ideas and production technologies should open up additional sales opportunities for tube manufacturers and secure and expand existing markets. Manufacturers have demonstrated their creativity by using communicative high-tech features and by developing new product lines and contents. Optimised printing processes and new methods of decoration to individualise the tube also provide support for its marketing.
Exclusive and high-quality printing of aluminium tubes is aimed at opening up new premium markets, especially in the cosmetics sector. For example, the Igora Royal Intense tube has a silver pigment finish. The appealing glitter effect and the unusual printing inks make this tube unique.
Every year at its annual congress, etma presents a large number of successful examples of imaginative tube solutions and novel applications. Gregor Spengler, etma Secretary General: “Our annual etma ‘Tube of the Year’ competition is an outstanding forum for presenting the innovative capability, future orientation and creativity of the European tube industry. The focus here is on new materials and technologies, innovative processes and applications. It is simply a real showcase of the sector’s capabilities.”
The prototype of the Endless Summer aluminium tube also has that special something that impresses at first sight. It results from the combination of the elegant motif, which was printed using computer-to-plate technology, and the use of white gloss paint and glittering silver print.
The Egnite laminate prototype has an EVOH barrier layer with an integrated shiny silver-coloured foil. This gives the tube its attractive metal look. In addition, the tube maintains its original shape during use. This technology is a successful alternative to hot foil embossing. A twin-colour flip-top closure, in the same colours as the tube, contributes to the unusual appearance of the prototype.
The Vandini Sauna tube, which is made of highly transparent plastic, creates an interesting effect: there is a clear view of the inner surface of the tube through the text block ‘Sauna’. This special effect is produced by means of a combination of screen printing and foil blocking.
The glittering contents of the Silky Dirt tube are also visible thanks to the use of highly transparent plastic. The real highlights here, however, are the Swarowski rhinestones added for decoration. The manufacturer of the Waterdrop plastic tube prototype offers a similar but no less impressive solution. Here, sequins are attached in the form of water reflections. The manufacturer offers decorative solutions in different sequin sizes and shapes. This thus creates a broad field of creative design solutions for the premium segment.
Water also plays an important role with the Tinti Malseife painting soap, but in a completely different way. This tube was already available on the market before it was upgraded optically in an exceptional manner using thermo chromatic inks. With this prototype tube, the squid changes its colour: at room temperature it is violet but it becomes pink-coloured in hot water.
The limited edition Tribute to Bambi tube is an impressive demonstration of the possibilities available for designing tubes individually for give-aways at special events. The plastic tube, including the shoulder, is decorated completely with a gold-coloured hot foil embossing. The gold metallic closure emphasises the extremely exclusive look and the Bambi affixed to the tube is a real eye-catcher.
A so-called radio frequency identification (RFID) tag may not be so striking but is all the more exceptional for the technical opportunities it offers. It accompanies the tube along the whole of the logistics chain and provides valuable information on availability, stocks, commercial activities etc. Above all, however, the RFID tag makes a significant contribution to product safety thanks to the complete traceability of the tube.
Two aluminium tubes from the food sector impress with their seven-colour photorealistic printing and provide particularly good protection against product manipulation by means of their flip-top closures. A brand logo is engraved on the upper side of the cap and thus documents the authenticity and quality of the contents. And the fact that cream cheese and Indian curry are now also available in tubes is a real product innovation and could open up new markets.
Two aluminium tubes from the food sector impress with their seven-colour photorealistic printing and provide particularly good protection against product manipulation by means of their flip-top closures. A brand logo is engraved on the upper side of the cap and thus documents the authenticity and quality of the contents. And the fact that cream cheese and Indian curry are now also available in tubes is a real product innovation and could open up new markets.
Every year at its annual congress, etma presents a large number of successful examples of imaginative tube solutions and novel applications. Gregor Spengler, etma Secretary General: “Our annual etma ‘Tube of the Year’ competition is an outstanding forum for presenting the innovative capability, future orientation and creativity of the European tube industry. The focus here is on new materials and technologies, innovative processes and applications. It is simply a real showcase of the sector’s capabilities.”