6 Creative Ways to Use Paper Tube Packaging

Tube-y or not tube-y, that is the question. 🤔

While we can wax poetry all day, we’d rather talk about the newest packaging trend rolling into the scene: paper tubes!

Paper tube packaging is on the rise among consumers for a few great reasons. Plastic is so 2000-and-late, and customers are ramping up the pressure on brands to become more conscious of their environmental impact. And brands that communicate a clear commitment to sustainability are more likely to receive repeat purchases and a positive reputation from shoppers, so it makes perfect sense that their packaging walks the walk.

Creativity knows no bounds when it comes to cylindrical container packaging! For a retail experience that’ll circle back into customers’ minds long after the unboxing, consider paper tubes for your beauty and skincare products, candles, accessories, and more. Curious about how to creatively use kraft tubes for your best branded packaging yet? Let’s roll into this totally tubular packaging (all puns intended!)

What is paper tube packaging?

If you’re looking for a vessel that isn’t a box or flat envelope, paper tube packaging is the way! This type of packaging is typically created out of kraft cardboard materials to form an empty cylinder, best used for containing like-shaped products or holding rolled paper goods, like posters and prints. Paper tube packaging usually features end caps or lid closures for smooth and easy access to the items inside.

What can paper tubes be used for?

Paper tube packaging can be used for shipping, though it’s ideal to check with your chosen mail carrier to make sure it’s possible in your location. If you’re all set to ship your paper tubes, just slap on a shipping label and tape up the center of your paper tubes with branded tape for more security. Or, place your paper tubes inside a shipping box or container – but don’t skip out on padding any space with lightweight fillers like tissue paper, which can also show off your branding.

The shape is a sturdy support for protecting and packaging products like perfume, candles, skincare and makeup, and ceramic creations. Paper tube packaging makes the unboxing experience ultra-luxurious, especially when branded on the exterior with a logo or sticker! And when customers see product tubes inside their custom subscription boxes or online retail orders, they’ll know that they’re getting the VIP treatment from your brand.

Cosmetic packaging can sometimes be tricky due to makeup and skincare products' various shapes and sizes. Kraft product tubes are a solid solution for containing more fragile products that might not fit as snugly in boxes. Paper tubes also make for marvelous minimalist skincare packaging, not-so-subtly signaling your beauty brand’s vision for sophistication and sustainability!

Candles are notoriously challenging to package and ship, hence why cardboard tubes help with safe shipment and delivery. There’s no need for excessive bubble wrap or Styrofoam peanuts when you can pack a candle into a lightweight yet reliable paper tube – though it doesn’t help to be extra careful by padding the product with tissue paper wrapping.

You can do so much with kraft tubes for shipping and packaging. Shall we slide on over to even more ways that you can use paper tubes? Here are several ideas to think about your brand’s paper tube packaging.

Creative ways to use paper tube packaging

Check out this terrifically tube-y list of packaging ideas to inspire your brand! And paper tube packaging design doesn’t have to dismiss your branding. Consider using paper tubes with other custom packaging products as:

1. Packaging for candles and cans

Candles and canned goods can be a confusing duo to contain – which is why paper tube packaging will save you the headache! Kraft paper tubes do plenty of a job keeping your cylindrical products from rolling around unprotected in retail or shipping boxes.

👉 Pro tip: Wrap your canned items or candles in a few layers of eco-friendly tissue paper for added interior flair, and seal the tubes with a sticker, so everything’s secured. Have your sticker show off the name or scent of your product to excite customers and let them know exactly what’s inside!

2. Packaging for cosmetics and skincare

Eco-friendly cardboard cosmetic packaging is a welcome sight for those wanting to give their beauty and skincare routines a green makeover. Store your brand’s fragrances and oils, serums and creams, lip products, makeup brushes, and more inside a kraft paper tube!

👉 Pro tip: Customers can easily access the goods inside by simply removing the lid from one end, so keep the unboxing surprise consistent with custom tissue paper. Logo-patterned tissue paper inside your paper tube packaging wraps up a beautiful unboxing experience.

3. Packaging for sunglasses and accessories

Stay forever the chicest accessories brand by storing glasses and sunglasses, fashion jewelry, and hair scrunchies or claws in kraft tube packaging. Paper tubes go an extra mile in preserving the items inside without adding bulk, especially for odder-shaped bits and bobs.

👉 Pro tip: For an effortlessly cool detail and functional favor, include your goods inside branded cotton drawstring bags that fit your paper tube packaging snugly. The drawstring bags can display your logo or artwork and are repurposable at the end of the day! Customers can’t help but become further infatuated with the thoughtfulness you’ve put into your tubular packaging pair.

4. Packaging for ceramics and figurines

Ceramic cups, sleek drinkware, small vases, and fragile figurines deserve to go to a loving home – and be prevented from arriving in pieces. Paper tube packaging will keep your cautious creations from bumps and shifts during shipment.

👉 Pro tip: For peace of mind, wrap your ceramics or figurines well in eco-friendly void fill within your paper tubes. Signal to customers that your paper tube packaging is sustainable with a branded soy ink-based stamp, and they’ll be sure to keep your brand top of mind as one that’s creative and conscious!

5. Packaging for bagged coffee and loose tea

Subscription coffee and tea sends never look more sustainable in paper tube packaging! It’ll give your bagged coffee beans and ground or loose-leaf products another buffer during shipment and help prevent smashes from occurring during delivery. Plus, paper tubes can be recycled curbside upon unboxing, so customers can enjoy their cuppas sans delay or guilt.

👉 Pro tip: Logo-fied packaging tape can will the paper tube lids stay tightly sealed, keeping your product fresh longer! Educate your customers on how to properly recycle their paper packaging with sustainability instructions printed right on, or direct them to information on your website or microsite with a QR code that runs along your tape.

6. Packaging for small art prints and posters

An artist’s worst nightmare is if their one-of-a-kind print or poster arrives at a supportive customer’s doorstep bent or torn. That’s why it’s ideal for paper art to be rolled up for smoother shipping. Insert smaller prints and stationery inside paper tube packaging to properly safeguard your art! Customers will appreciate your considerate packaging that keeps these pieces of inspiration completely pristine.

👉 Pro tip: Sending more than one print or paper art piece? Use non-abrasive washi tape to keep all of your artworks rolled! Tape the ends of your paper art together with stationery washi tape, so nothing unfurls during the unboxing. Branded washi tape with a decorative design or luxe logo will leave customers starry-eyed and pleasantly surprised!

🎁 That’s a Wrap!

Ready to hop onto the paper tube packaging train? All aboard an earth-friendly product that does double-time in perfect presentation and protection! And paper tubes do more than please customers – they’re kinder to the environment by being 100% recyclable, leaving no trace of excess waste behind! Pat yourself on the back for turning to trusty packaging tubes that’ll thoughtfully build up your brand.

Customizing your paper tubes is easier with complementary packaging products that proudly display your branding! Eco-friendly stickers and paper packaging tape with a QR code will extend your product experience beyond the unboxing experience. Pad your packaging or shipping tubes and gift boxes with beautiful, custom-printed tissue paper made from better materials. These are just a few examples of how you can uplevel your brand with premium packaging that scores style and sustainability points! Get started shopping noissue’s bestselling packaging and shipping products by your industry here.

Are you a budding business needing kraft paper tubes or other packaging products in wholesale quantities? Our noissue Plus team’s got you covered! Work with a dedicated Account Manager with noissue Plus to help create your brand’s dream tissue paper, tape, mailers, and more packaging made from better materials in large quantities.