Folding carton
Paper tube · Rigid board
Custom paper tubes
Custom paper tubes are round packaging tubes made from wound paperboard, with a lift-off lid and a printed paper wrap. They suit tea, candles, posters, lip balm and anything round. We make them from 50 units per design.
- Over 30 years in print and packaging
- Free structural design
- From 50 units
- Plastic-free options
- Style
- Tube with lift-off lid
- Board
- Wound paperboard
- Best for
- Round products
- Minimum order
- 50 units
- Typical production window
- 10–12 days
- Paper-first materials
- 100% recyclable
- For structural design
- $0
Overview
What is a paper tube?
Round packaging stands out on a shelf full of boxes. It also rolls, wastes space in a shipping carton, and can't be printed on a flat panel. Worth it when the shape is the point.
A paper tube is a cylinder of paperboard, wound in layers and wrapped in printed paper. It has a base and a lid that lifts off, sometimes with an inner neck so the lid sits flush.
Because it's round and rigid, it protects whatever's inside from crushing, and it feels more substantial than a carton of the same size.
- Body. The tube itself, wound paperboard.
- Lid. Lifts off. Full depth or shallow.
- Neck (optional). An inner sleeve the lid slides over, for a flush finish.
- Wrap. Printed paper around the outside.
Specifications
Custom paper tubes: specifications
Every box is drawn to your product, so these are the options, not a fixed catalogue. Your specialist confirms the exact spec on the proof.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Style | Two-piece or three-piece (with neck) tube, lift-off lid |
| Board | Wound paperboard, wrapped in printed paper |
| Ends | Paperboard base and lid |
| Full wrap around the body and lid | |
| Inserts | Paperboard collar or base pad |
| Size | Diameter and height drawn to your product |
| Recyclability | Paper builds recycle. Avoid metal ends and plastic lids to keep it that way |
| Minimum order | 50 units per design |
| Structural design | $0. We draw the dieline around your product |
| Proof | Digital proof on your dieline, checked for bleed, folds and barcodes |
| Production | 10–12 days on most orders, from proof approval. Shipping time is on top |
| Default finish | Aqueous coating on every box. Water-based, and it recycles with the box |
| Point of contact | One packaging specialist, from first sketch to delivery |
Board and build
Two-piece or three-piece tube?
The difference is the neck, and how the lid feels.
| Build | Lid | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Two-piece | Slides over the body | Tea, lip balm, simpler ranges |
| Three-piece | Slides over an inner neck, sits flush | Candles, spirits, gift sets |
Most tubes need one finish, not three. Foil or a deboss on the logo is usually enough.
Compare
Paper tube or carton?
Same products, different shapes.
| Paper tube | Folding carton | |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Round | Square or rectangular |
| Feel | Rigid | Light |
| Ships to you | Assembled | Flat |
| Shelf space | Less efficient | Stacks tightly |
If you're packing a lot of units and shelf space matters, a custom folding carton is cheaper to ship and store.
Sizing
Diameter, height, and what goes inside
Measure your product's widest diameter and full height. If it sits in a collar or comes with a leaflet, include that.
Send those numbers or a photo on a ruler, and we draw the tube with the right clearance.
Products in paper tubes
- Loose leaf tea. See custom tea boxes for a carton alternative.
- Candles. See custom candle boxes.
- Posters and prints. Long, narrow tubes.
- Lip balm and cosmetics. Small push-up or lift-off tubes.
Finishes
One finish around the tube.
Curved surfaces take some finishes better than others. Aqueous coating goes on by default.
Foil stamping
Works well on a band around the tube.
Embossing
A raised logo on the lid.
Aqueous coating
Default on every tube.
Quote
Get a quote for custom paper tubes
One measurement and a quantity is enough to start. Your specialist replies with a structure, so you can see the box before you commit to anything.
How it works
Four steps, one person.
The specialist who picks up your first email stays with the project until the boxes arrive.
Step 01
Tell us what you're packing
Send the product dimensions, how it ships and how many you need. A photo on a ruler is enough to start.
Step 02
We draw the structure
Your packaging specialist builds the dieline around your product. Structural design is free.
Step 03
You approve the proof
Drop your artwork onto the dieline. We check bleed, folds and barcodes, and send a digital proof.
Step 04
We make and ship
Production takes 10–12 days on most orders. Boxes ship flat, packed in cartons, to your door.
FAQ
Custom paper tubes: questions.
What is the minimum order for custom paper tubes?
50 units per design.
Are paper tubes food safe?
They can be, with a food-contact liner or inner bag. Tell your specialist if the product touches the tube directly.
Do paper tubes ship flat?
No. They arrive assembled, so plan storage space for them.
Are paper tubes recyclable?
Paper tubes with paperboard ends recycle as paper. Metal ends or plastic lids need separating first.
How long do custom paper tubes take?
10–12 days on most orders, counted from proof approval. Shipping time is on top.
Honest fit
When not to hire us.
You need to ship thousands cheaply
Tubes arrive assembled and pack less tightly than boxes. If cost per unit is the priority, use a carton.
You need fewer than 50 boxes
Our minimum is 50 units. For 10 or 20, a stock box with a printed sticker will cost you less.
You need boxes next week
Production runs 10–12 days before shipping. If your launch is sooner, buy stock boxes now and switch to custom for the next run.
You want plain brown boxes
If nothing gets printed, a stock box supplier is cheaper and faster. We're worth it once the box carries your brand.
What's the diameter?
Send the diameter and height of your product and how many you need. We'll draw the tube.
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