Application of ABL and PBL Squeeze Tube Packaging: Industry Use Cases & Benefits

In today’s packaging landscape, ABL (Aluminum Barrier Laminate) and PBL (Plastic Barrier Laminate) squeeze tubes have emerged as industry standards across a wide array of sectors. These flexible, efficient, and protective packaging formats are used extensively in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, personal care, food, and even industrial applications.

This article contributed by world's top 10 cosmetic tube manufactuer explores the functional and commercial advantages of ABL and PBL tubes and examines their applications across key industries.

                 

pbl cosmetic tube

                 

abl collapsible tube

Understanding ABL and PBL Tubes

Before diving into their applications, it's important to understand the composition and properties of these laminate tubes:

• ABL (Aluminum Barrier Laminate):
  Contains a layer of aluminum foil sandwiched between plastic layers. Offers excellent barrier properties against light, oxygen, and moisture — ideal for highly sensitive formulations.

• PBL (Plastic Barrier Laminate):
  Made entirely of plastic layers, often with an EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol) barrier. More eco-friendly than ABL, with better recyclability and visual aesthetics due to better print fidelity.

Key Applications by Industry

1. Cosmetics & Skincare

• ABL Tubes are widely used for:

  • Whitening creams

  • Anti-aging serums

  • Products with volatile active ingredients (e.g., retinoids, vitamin C)

• PBL Tubes are ideal for:

  • Moisturizers, BB creams, hand creams

  • Natural or organic skincare lines (where “green packaging” is a priority)

  • Products requiring high-quality printing and aesthetics

Why?: Cosmetics require protection from oxidation and UV degradation, making ABL's foil core invaluable. However, eco-conscious brands lean toward PBL due to its fully plastic and recyclable structure.

2. Oral Care

• Toothpastes are traditionally packaged in ABL tubes due to the need for:

  • Oxygen barrier to prevent fluoride degradation

  • Resistance to strong flavors and ingredients (e.g., baking soda, charcoal)

Trend Alert: Many toothpaste brands are transitioning to high-barrier PBL to align with sustainability initiatives without compromising product integrity.

3. Pharmaceuticals & OTC Products

• ABL Tubes are extensively used for:

  • Topical medications (ointments, gels)

  • Pain relief creams

  • Antiseptic formulations

• PBL Tubes are gaining traction in:

  • Vitamin-enriched creams

  • Herbal treatments

  • Non-prescription skin treatments

Why?: The pharmaceutical sector values ABL for its near-impermeable nature, which helps maintain drug efficacy. PBL is considered when formulations are less reactive or regulations prioritize recyclable content.

4. Food & Nutraceuticals

• PBL Tubes are often used for:

  • Honey sticks

  • Condiment samples (mustard, ketchup, salad dressing)

  • Nutritional gels and supplements

• ABL Tubes, though less common, can be used for:

  • Flavor-sensitive pastes

  • Functional food supplements with botanical extracts

Why?: PBL tubes are food-safe, squeezable, and allow clean dispensing — crucial for consumer satisfaction.

5. Industrial Applications

• Greases, adhesives, and sealants are increasingly packaged in both PBL and ABL tubes:

  • ABL for highly reactive or volatile compounds

  • PBL for non-reactive, mass-market materials like silicone

Why?: The ability to precisely dispense thick pastes while maintaining product stability makes laminate tubes a smart choice in industrial supply chains.

Choosing Between ABL and PBL: Decision Factors:

The Bottom Line

The versatility of ABL and PBL squeeze tubes makes them indispensable in modern packaging. Choosing between them depends on barrier needs, sustainability goals, branding priorities, and regulatory considerations.

As laminate technology continues to advance — especially in areas like mono-material PBL and foil-alternative barriers — these tubes are poised to meet even more demanding applications with minimal environmental footprint.