Tube of the Year 2012

Here are the results of the Tube of the Year 2012 competition organized by the European tube producers' association, Etma. There are four winners for four categories: aluminium, plastic, laminate and prototype tubes. Synthesis of the judgments

Alltub Italia (I) The açai color tube is produced by Alltub Italia for Diffitalia and is used for hair colourant. Small, very realistic looking water droplets over the whole tube as well as the closure produce a fresh wet look that is tailor-made for this cosmetic product. The spectacular relief effect on the tube and closure is achieved using a special lacquer that adds even more to the product’s attractiveness. This refinement does not adversely affect the subsequent filling process.
Tubex (D) The Be Sensual tube from Tubex of Germany only uses two colours and thus creates a strikingly puristic yet elegant look. The white tube body and shoulder are printed in black, with the word “Sensual” appearing white as a negative relief. The hot foil embossing of the word “Be” adds an even more elegant touch. By contrast, the four quadrants of the logo are applied in a high-gloss finish using a screen-printing process and add the finishing touch to a successful overall impression.
Essel Deutschland (D) EverPure shampoo and conditioner are marketed in Europe in a laminate tube with an aluminium barrier layer. The particular challenge faced by Essel Deutschland here is the number of colours used and applying them precisely and in a reproducible manner when printing the tube, shoulder and cap. Aluminium’s sheen creates the high-grade look of metal. The hologram effect in a decorative strip on the tube is achieved by cold foil embossing and this also emphasises the premium nature of the product and the packaging. In the tubes used for conditioner, there is a continuously smooth colour gradation. The client’s requirement that the side seam be eliminated optically by means of overprinting in the area around the seam has also been solved in an impressive manner.
Hoffmann Neopac AG (CH) The winner in the Prototype Tube category came up with a real innovation. With its Fleximed Easymix, Hoffmann Neopac AG from Switzerland presented an intelligent alternative to conventional packaging for vaccines and similar products packaging in glass. The Fleximed tube range offers an abundance of benefits for simple and safe use and transport of parenteral medicines. The transparent tubes are made from a specially developed material that complies with the stringent demands of the pharma industry.  They therefore offer an excellent barrier against oxygen and water vapour. Fleximed Easymix opens up a unique opportunity for bringing two or more components together prior to injection or use. The tubes can be produced with two or more chambers; these can be filled with different liquid components or even with combinations of liquid and non-liquid products.