Paper Tube 101: Everything You Need to Know

This article provides comprehensive information about paper tubes. You will learn how these paper and board products are manufactured, their materials of construction as well as paper tube applications, advantages, and disadvantages.

1. What a paper tubes and cardboard push-up tubes?

Paper tubes consist of layers of paper or cardboard twisted together to form a strong, hollow, and usually cylindrical shape. Adhesives are used to laminate or bond the paper layers together. The wall thickness of the tube can vary depending on the number of layers wrapped during fabrication.

Paper tubes are also called paper cores, cardboard tubes, paper cans, fiber drums, fiber tubes, paper tubes, winding tubes, composite tanks, cardboard tubes, and cardboard tubes. While widely used everywhere, the term “cardboard tube” is a misnomer. The cardboard consists of three layers of kraft paper, and the middle layer is corrugated.

cardboard push-up tubes have a suitable lid on top and a freely moving cardboard disc at the bottom. Apply to lip balm and some cosmetics.

Shapes of paper tube

You will find that most paper tubes are cylindrical or round in cross-section, but by using square, oval, and custom-shaped winding mandrels, paper tubes can be made into square, oval, hexagonal, triangular, and other custom shapes. Custom shapes can be used to specifically fit tubes to part or product shapes while eliminating wasted space and additional spacers or packaging material.

With a conical mandrel, paper tubes or cones are wound. Paper tubes are used as yarn guides in the textile industry.

For some applications, you may wish to have your paper tube slit or cut along its length to make half-shells, for example, to facilitate covering large rolls for protection. They can be reattached with tape or h-profiles. You may find it easier to cover a paper or steel roll with a half shell than to slide the roll into a large protective paper tube.

2. Types of paper tubes and cardboard tubes

Paper tubes and related products are wound from paper or cardboard. The paper tube or core can consist of one, two, or more layers of brown kraft paper or cardboard.

The innermost layer or layer, lining and outermost layer, and wrapper can consist of different materials (foils, films, etc.) or special papers. Specialized papers and materials can provide water resistance, graphics or labels, or specific colors.

1) Classification by winding process

The two main types of paper tubes include spiral-wound paper tubes and convoluted or parallel-wound paper tubes.

• Convolutedly wound tubing is used in applications requiring high flexural strength, compressive resistance, and dynamic strength.
• The paper layers or plies of the helically wound tube are wound at an angle to the tube axis. In a convoluted tube, the outside two edges of the tape are either parallel or at a 90-degree angle to the axis of the tube.

Tubes with thinner walls are widely used as containers or packaging.

Paper cores are essentially tubes of thick wallpaper. Thicker core walls make it possible to wind rolls or sheets of flexible material into rolls during converting operations.

Paper machines produce very large paper rolls (also known as machine rolls, jumbo rolls, reels, or parent rolls) that are rotary cut or converted into many more paper rolls on a winder with a cardboard core. Narrow smaller rolls. Similar large rolls are converted into plastic film, foil, textile, and coated abrasive plants.

You’d be surprised to know that not all paper tubes are suitable for packaging applications. The paper core can be a machine element. Paper cores used in paper mills or plastic film production plants for winding large rolls are mechanical elements that require extremely strong cores that often curl up.

Paper core or small diameter width rolls of tape, labels, foil, paper, tissue, or plastic film for retail packaging and dispensing of products which may consist of thinner spiral wound cores.

The paper tube material is rotated or sawn into paper or composite cans, shipping tubes, push tubes, pyrotechnic tubes, display poles, conversion cores, concrete pile forms, and other paper tube products.

Large fiber or composite tubs and even paper straws are made in a similar winding process. Convoluted winders are often used to make composite drums, a more environmentally friendly alternative to steel drums. Paper straws are wound spirally at a very high speed.

2) Classification by application type

One of the biggest reasons behind the great commercial success of cardboard tubes is the varieties that they come with and the variety of uses that they allow their users. Following are some of the major types of packaging tubes that are used widely in various walks of everyday life:

• Paper cans

By paper cans, we mean the everyday paper cardboard tubes that are used for packaging merchandise, including, but not limited to, food, cosmetics, gifts, etc. In heavy-duty business packaging solutions, cardboard paper cans have traditionally supported steel bottoms, but a lot has changed, and they have become the face of heavy-duty cardboard tubes.

In today’s world of technological advances, these cans are equipped with paper bottoms. This has provided the business with not only commercial advantages but also to be on the right side of history by opting for sustainable packaging solutions for their products.

• Paper cores

Paper cores are a type of cardboard tube that has a unique packaging use. They are used for packaging inside something else, where the primary purpose is to provide structure and strength. In our everyday lives, items that use paper cores include shipping tubes, electrical wires, paper towels, toilet paper, and all sorts of mechanical grease cartridges for vehicles and machines.

• Caulking tubes

Caulking tubes are the evidence of hybridization of modern technology with cardboard packaging. Caulk is a flexible material that is used to seal all sorts of air leaks through gaps, cracks, and joints less which are less than 1-quarter-inch wide between stationary building components and materials. Caulking tubes are spirally wounded, and they are used in construction to help dispense caulk.

• Shipping tubes

It is probably one of the most common uses of cardboard tubes. These shipping tubes, as the name suggests, are used to protect items from tearing and denting during their transit. Common materials that can be helped in shipping with shipping tubes are art, documents, and all sorts of papers.

• Sonotubes

nanotubes are industrial cardboard tubes that are used in construction and other heavy-duty tasks. These heavy-duty tubes are used to form columns, concrete pillars, and other construction blocks like light poles and stub piers to be used in elevated ramps.

• Kraft tubes

Kraft tubes are also known as postal packing tubes, as they are used for everyday postal services. Furthermore, apart from being mailing tubes, they can also be used for storing purposes of your documents, and before you store diplomas, marriage certificates, and all other important documents in your cedar chest, you can just roll them tightly and insert them in these tubes for safety, and they also keep the documents dry.

3. The advantages of paper tube

Paper tubes and wicks have several advantages over plastic or metal tubes:

1) Low cost 

Paper is much less expensive than plastic, glass, and metal.

2) Lightweight

Paper tubes are made from a lightweight material that is less dense than most other packaging materials. Unbleached kraft paper has a density of 36 to 43 lb/ft3 (0.58 to 0.69 g/cm3), while aluminum, the lightest metal used for packaging, has a density of 168 lb/ft3 (2.7 g/cm3), soda lime glass Bottled at a density of 157 lb/ft3 (2.5 g/cm3), common packaging plastics (PE, PP, and PET) range in density from 56 to 87 lb/ft3 (0.9 to 1.4 g/cm3).

3) Tough and impact resistant

Compared to packaging materials such as glass and some plastics, paper tubes are tough and impact-resistant. Wine and other bottles are protected from knocks with paper tube containers. I have a client who is a smart lock supplier. He told me that in order to protect the lock core from damage during transportation, paper tube packaging is a good way.

4) Easier to print

Paper is easier to print graphics and labels on than glass, plastic, or metal which may require special coatings, treatments, or paper labels.

5) Shading 

Paper tube containers are opaque or opaque, which can block sunlight and protect photosensitive food, wine, beverages, medicines, and other photosensitive items.

6) Sustainable environmental protection

Industries are increasingly turning to environmentally friendly and sustainable packaging and component products, such as paper tubes, to reduce their carbon footprint and create a better image for customers. Many consumers prefer eco-friendly packaging, which influences their purchasing choices.

Paper tube and core manufacturing is a very environmentally friendly and sustainable process for the following reasons:

• Sustainable and renewable raw materials

Paper and cardboard are derived from wood, cellulose, and plant-based materials that can be sustainably harvested and replanted.

• Recycling of waste and customer waste

Manufacturing waste and discarded cores, tubes, paper, and board are sent back to the mill and recycled, reducing the consumption of virgin pulp.

• Collection and reuse plan 

Many paper tube manufacturers have tube and core collection and recycling programs to facilitate the collection of used cores from their customers and waste paper and cardboard from their communities.

• 100% recycled

Many manufacturers of paper tubes and cores use 100% recycled materials made from discarded cores, tubes, paper, and cardboard.

• Reduce greenhouse gases 

When paper tube packaging replaces plastic and metal packaging, fewer greenhouse gases should be emitted into the atmosphere. While paper processing produces some greenhouse gases, metal and plastic production produces far more. In addition, tree growth and forestry management help capture greenhouse gases.

• Biodegradability

The paper tubes and cores are biodegradable, so any waste or used tubes that bypass recycling and end up in landfills will break down without harming the environment.

• Natural/ecologically safe materials

The paper tubes and cores are made from natural plant material and are ecologically safe as they do not contain any toxic chemicals or heavy metals. Paper tubes buried in the ground will compost within 1 to 2 months and add nutrients back to the soil.

7) Mature and evolving technology

Well-established manufacturing processes, standards, and practices are used to control paper tubes and core manufacturing techniques. The paper and converting industry is constantly evolving, developing new technologies and more efficient ways to reduce energy consumption and waste.

4. Disadvantages of paper tubes

Compared to similar products made of metal, plastic, or glass, paper tubes, and cores have the following disadvantages:

• Not waterproof 

Unlike plastic, glass, and metal paper tubes can absorb water and moisture in wet environments.

• Dimensional stability

Moisture absorption or release can lead to dimensional changes and warping.

• lower strength

Paper tubes and cores are not as strong as high-strength metals, fiberglass, or engineering plastics.

• Dust/Tear

Cutting edges generate dust. Paper can wear or tear over time.

• Chewing

After prolonged use and high loads, there may be “chewing” on the core end.

• Opaque

Unless a window is added to the container, customers cannot see the product through the paper tube container.

5. The importance of using paper tubes

The postal tubes for mailing are an excellent choice for mailing important documents, with the security of plastic end caps. However, they can be used on many other slender objects such as golf clubs, glass items, bathtub drain kits, etc. There are many benefits of postal service. This is why many industries use it for packaging and shipping purposes.

1) Safety

Thicker cardboard tubes should be used to store or transport fragile items. The tube needs to be strong enough to prevent bumps, dents, and breakage during transport, and it’s also important to make sure you order the appropriate size tube so the contents don’t shift within the package. In most cases, both ends of the tube are sealed with plastic plugs, one of which is removable (although for mailing purposes, it is sealable, especially if confidential content is involved).

In some cases, each end of the tube is sealed by folding the edges over. Specified pipe sizes take into account wall thickness and enclosed space at both ends. Shipping and mailing tubes tend to be sturdier than boxes, making them ideal shipping containers for products that cannot be folded, such as posters, blueprints, large maps, and artwork.

Buy cardboard tubes are the safest packaging solution for delicate items. When it comes to safe and efficient packaging solutions, nothing beats cardboard. It is widely used for different industrial, household, domestic, and commercial purposes.

Paperboard is considered one of the most cost-effective solutions for safe and secure packaging materials. Paperboard is considered one of the most cost-effective solutions for safe and secure packaging materials.

There are many reasons why different industries use cardboard tubes. They are strong and durable, ensuring that items will not break under different levels of transportation, distribution, and use. If you are looking for eco-friendly packaging material, you should buy cardboard tubes. They can be reused and recycled.

Ease of use and recycling make it a favorite packaging choice for customers and business owners. We manufacture cardboard tubes according to customers’ requirements.

2) Protect files

There are many documents, such as graduation certificates or insurance policies that can easily bend in an envelope. Many times, an envelope or even a box won’t provide the level of protection you need for the item you’re shipping. It can mar the appearance of any important document with creases or folds.

Post Tube helps you send documents in a clean and tidy manner. All you need to do is fold the document and put it in the mailbox, so it is well protected. Postal cardboard tubes make it easier and safer to pack and ship documents, papers, maps, posters, and artwork, among others.

Investing in a quality cardboard mailing box is very important. Because it ensures the safe delivery of items. Fragile and lightweight items can be properly packed into postal channels for mailing to different places.

When purchasing postal tubing for mailing, make sure the tubing can withstand pressure, temperature, and stress. Make sure the tube is resilient to humidity. It may bend during shipping. That’s why it’s important to buy the right quality postal cardboard tubes.

The cardboard is cut into thin ribbons and wound into the desired size and shape. For extra durability, an adhesive is added to the cardboard tube. Multi-layer tubing for added strength. Some postal pipes are waterproof on the inside to protect items from moisture and water damage.

3) Save money

When you use box packaging, you will usually pay a higher shipping fee. But that’s not the case with postal pipelines. Many times, a document will not fit completely in the envelope because it is too tight or too narrow to fit in a box. In this case, cardboard tubes come in handy.

4) An attractive aesthetic

In addition to numerous advantages, cardboard tubes can also be used to embody brand identities.  Mailboxes are less common than envelopes and boxes for mailing. Shipping your company’s products in attractive packaging using tubes will make them more visually appealing. You can also opt for a triangle pillar box for a chic touch.

We can give your cardboard tubes any look and design you want. We’d love to work with you to enhance your branding with cardboard tubes.

6. How are different paper tubes made?

A paper tube consists of layers of paper or cardboard wound together to form a strong hollow shape, usually cylindrical. These paper layers are laminated or glued together with an adhesive. Tube wall thickness can vary depending on the number of layers wrapped during fabrication. Let me take a look at how different types of paper tubes are made.

1) Paper tube manufacturing

Tube making is a paper-converting process that combines the steps of web slitting, web winding, and lamination or adhesive bonding. A rigid, high-strength tube or fiber core is formed by laminating several layers or layers of paper or paperboard together around a steel mandrel by winding or spinning one or more paper webs or tapes multiple times around a steel mandrel.

In general, layers are usually about 2 to 10 inches (50 to 250 mm) wide, but in some layers, they can be as wide as 20 inches (500 mm). Laminate thickness is typically about 0.008 to 0.050 (0.2 to 1.3 mm). The number of layers varies from 1 to 50 layers, but paper cores with 3 to 30 layers are more common.

The strength of the paper core is a function of the board ply bond strength, ply thickness, bond area or overlap, and adhesive bond strength. I find it interesting that cardboard is made in a single thicker papermaking process, or by gluing or laminating several layers of paper together, so some paper tubes can be made from the laminate or laminate composition.

Depending on the specific shape desired for the finished product (round, square, conical, etc.), the paper tube manufacturing process can include winding, folding, and bending.

2) Manufacture of spiral paper tube

During spiral paper tube manufacturing, large rolls of paper, cardboard, and liner material are converted into narrower-width ribbons in a rotary slitting operation. The paper tape is rewound into narrow rolls on the rewind frame.

Rolls of narrow paper tape are piled up in what appear to be huge piles of “poker chips”. “Poker chips” stacks or rolls of paper tape are transported and loaded into the tube-making machine.

Narrow paper webs or webs from several different rolls pass through guide rails and are attached, glued, or taped to a steel mandrel in an overlapping fashion or with spaces between the leading edges of the web. Festoons or spacing allow the ribbon to be fed without interference between ribbons.

By connecting the leading edge or end of the ribbon to the axis of the mandrel obliquely or at an angle of fewer than 90 degrees, the result is the formation of a helix during winding.

The outer diameter of the steel mandrel determines the inner diameter of the finished paper tube. The wall thickness of the tube is a function of the paper or cardboard strip thickness, the adhesive thickness, and the number of strips used in the process.

Adhesive or glue is applied to each paper strip or layer before being wound onto a steel mandrel. In my experience coating paper webs, cloth, vulcanized fibers, and plastic films, various web coaters can apply adhesives to layers such as:

• Roller coater
• reverse roller coater
• Slot Die Coater
• extrusion coater
• Curtain Coater
• Brushing machine
• Sprayer
• Blade Coater
• Metering Rod Coater
• Dip coater

It is fascinating how the paper tube tape is wound in a helical shape to continuously form the paper tube layers and glue them together. The flexible tape wraps around and applies pressure to the paper layers, ensuring proper bond formation between the paper tapes. The fabric-reinforced rubber band also advances the tube along the mandrel.

The stress and performance requirements placed on paper tube forming belts are enormous. These belts are looped or seamless to prevent marking. Their high tensile strength, high friction, and ease of cleaning make them ideal for gripping and moving tubes.

Next, as additional layers of paper are added to one end of the tube-forming mandrel, the formed or laminated tube slides off the other end of the mandrel and is cut to length using a rotary blade slicing or off-line sawing operation. Depending on the end use, additional deburring of the pipe end edges may be performed.

Another interesting aspect of the tube manufacturing process is the ability to manufacture a large number of highly customized tube products or combinations of materials by using different material layers.

Use a lining or backing layer on the inner diameter (first band) or outer diameter (last band) of the pipe to improve water, moisture, or grease resistance. Linings can consist of sheet metal, foil, coated paper (wax, silicone, or plastic), plastic film, and other protective materials.

3) Manufacture of rotary paper tube

During parallel or convoluted paper tube or core manufacturing, large rolls of paper, cardboard, and liner material are converted in a slitting operation into the very narrow-width ribbons used in spiral tube manufacturing. During convoluted paper tube or core manufacturing, the leading edge of the belt is parallel to the axis of the paper tube mandrel, thus creating a single seam or flap along the length of the paper tube.

External metal rollers can apply pressure in place of the belt, squeezing out any voids or air pockets, providing better adhesive contact and thus enhancing the bond between the paper layers. Due to the wider paper web, higher pressure and tension can be applied during convoluted winding. The higher pressure and tension in the manufacture of convoluted paper tubes results in higher strength for the tubes compared to helically wound tubes.

The higher beam strength of wound paper cores compared to spiral wound cores makes wound paper cores ideal for use in web manufacturing and conversion. The convoluted tube process is used to form high-strength, heavy-duty cores for winding and unwinding large jumbo flexible rolls such as:

• paper and cardboard
• Coated Abrasives
• Plastic film and rubber sheet
• Woven and Nonwoven
• Sheet Metal and Foil
• Carpets and Floors

When thinking about a paper core, we need to think of it as other rotating parts such as bearings, gears, chucks, and shafts. In heavy converting operations, paper cores are considered machine parts. They are not packaging products as they affect the functionality and integrity of coil manufacturing and handling machinery. Spiral wound paper cores are adequate for lighter applications such as packaging and dispensing smaller width and diameter rolls of labels, tape, foil, tissue, paper, or plastic film.

4) Convoluted and spiral tube joint manufacturing

Some tubes are produced by combining the helical and convoluted tube manufacturing processes. For example, a spiral wound tube made of kraft paper can use a convoluted winding process to wrap an outer white paper or plastic layer with graphics and labels on the outside of the tube.

5) Related patented paper tube manufacturing process

You use paper cores and related products every day in your everyday life without ever realizing it. Paper towels, facial tissues, aluminum foil, and plastic wrap are wrapped around paper tubes for easy access. If you open up your kitchen cabinets, you’ll see a variety of paper cans, composite cans, and other paper tube containers. Fiber buckets, straw making, and paper cups are all made using similar techniques.

Fiber barrel machines, straw machines, paper cup machines, and composite can machines use similar technology to paper tube winding machines.

Furthermore, paper tube manufacturers and machinery OEMs have proprietary and patented processes for making paper tubes. These specialized processes are used to form tubes and cores with increased strength, reduced weight, or other unique properties and functions. 

6) Cardboard tube processing

Due to the thin ink layer for round cardboard tube offset printing, it is easy to cause insufficient ink saturation. Lamination or varnishing can improve the surface glossiness of the item, and enhance the brightness of the ink layer, at the same time, it provides effective protection for cardboard tube packaging.

The color of the packaging will not fall off after post-press processing or due to friction during storage and transportation. The plastic film used for lamination is transparent, high gloss, and inexpensive. The coated paper is difficult to recycle, which is non-degradable and easy to cause white pollution. Therefore, the regular instant coated film adhesive material will be replaced by high quality environmentally-friendly new adhesives.

• Varnishing

It can not only enhance the surface brightness of the cardboard cylinder tubes and protect the printed graphics but also does not affect the recycling of paper, which can save resources and protect the environment. Therefore, it is widely used in the surface technology of packing tubes.

Convex processing mainly uses pressure to transfer the pattern to the surface of the material. The embossing effect is produced by the embossing process, and the paper drum/cardboard tube is more beautiful, the theme is more vivid, and the touching is richer.

• Hot stamping

In order to enhance the value added to products, in the fierce market competition, more effective packaging anti-counterfeiting, and more and more hot stamping technology is applied to the cardboard cylinder packaging industry.

Heating and pressure are applied to anodized aluminum hot stamping foil to transfer patterns or text to the surface of the hot stamped material. The characteristics of hot stamping: the pattern is clear and beautiful, and the colors are diverse and dazzling.

Hot stamping on the paperboard tubes plays a role in beautifying the product and highlights the design theme. Recently, the rupture issue of paper milk powder tubes was much concern by many people. Europe pays much attention to environmental protection for milk powder, and aluminum foil would be winded in the packaging.

Long-distance transportation and high-temperature pressure changes make the paper milk powder tube prone to bursting. This is a common occurrence caused by external factors. Pay much attention to it and think about logistics complaints.

7) Our Hopak paper tube manufacturing process

We, at Hopak Packaging, have mastered the art of manufacturing paper tubes, and it is why we take pride in being one of the top paper tube manufacturers around the globe. With our years of experience, we have learned that the perfect materials for paper tubes are Japanese Kraft Paper and Swedish White Paper. They give more strength to the paper tube as compared to other manufacturing materials, and it is why our paper tubes are considered to be the toughest.

Furthermore, we have a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant for our paper tube manufacturing, and we ensure that all our experts follow the safety and hygiene measures when working in the plant. On top of that, we have also the most advanced winding tube machine, which ensures that the gap between the layers of tubes is kept between 0.1 and 0.2mm.

7. Application of paper tube

Common uses for cardboard tubes mainly depend on size, functionality, and industry application. Tubes may include an outer layer of colored, custom-printed foil or paper. When packaging food processing products, this outer layer may include information about the item and/or a logo. For gift packaging, colors and patterns are often printed on the outside of the cylinder.

Modern cardboard tubes are often manufactured using recycled paper, while those made from more durable materials are suitable for reuse, making them a cost-effective alternative to plastic, metal, wood, or glass packaging. Cardboard resources are easy for manufacturing companies to purchase, cut, and recycle, and cardboard tubes can even compete with plastic and metal tubes in terms of strength-to-weight ratio.

This makes them ideal for mailing, shipping, and storage of almost any material. Additionally, the wear-resistant cardboard tube is difficult to dent or break, ensuring adequate protection against heavy loads. That said, it’s worth noting that cardboard is porous and when used for food processing or electrical wiring, additional non-porous layers on the inside or outside may be required to protect against moisture.

Nonetheless, cardboard tubes are durable, versatile, and renewable, providing an excellent solution for many industrial and commercial tubing needs.  A variety of industries use paper tubes for several different end uses, including:

1) Containers and packaging

Containers and packaging are probably the largest application areas for paper tubes. Mailing or shipping tubes are used for packaging large documents with folds such as maps, posters, artwork prints, original paintings, blueprints or engineering drawings, and architectural plans.

The powder hose is designed to hold dry and granular materials. Powder tubes often have rotary shakers or sieve tops for easy dispensing, such as disposable salt and pepper shakers.

Frozen lemonade and cookie dough are packaged in food-grade paper tube jars that have liners and airtight ends to hold food safely. Telescopic tubes are often used to package wine bottles, perfumes, cosmetics, etc.

The push-up tube with oil-resistant lining can be used to dispense lipstick, grease, caulk, adhesives, deodorants, and repair compounds. Chemicals, raw materials, pesticides, fertilizers, etc. can be lined with plastic bags first and packed in paper tube cans and composite drums.

2) Molding and construction

Another interesting application is the use of paper tubes in architecture. Large-diameter helically wound paper tubes are used to form concrete piles. Pour concrete into pipes that may contain rebar. Paper spacer sleeves are small diameter paper tubes used to create voids or channels within poured concrete for laying communication cables, wires, and pipes. Some architects have experimented with using paper tubes as framing material for emergency or temporary shelters.

3) Insulation and damping

Due to the fibrous structure of cardboard, paper tubes have a natural ability to absorb shock. Compared with metal tubes, paper tubes have better thermal insulation properties.

Specialized dielectric crepe or kraft papers are available for the production of electrically insulating or dielectric paper tubes. Engineered papers and engineered-filled resins are saturated to provide thermal conductivity or insulation.

4) Protection and masking

Spindles, bolt threads, polished shafts, spindles, end mill teeth, plug gauges, drill bits, and other mechanical parts are protected with paper tubes. A protective tube on the spindle or bolt threads prevents impact with other metal parts from chipping or deforming the threads. Paper tube masks slide on threads or shafts to allow selective application of coatings or adhesives where masked areas are left uncoated.

5) Spacing and support

Stores and exhibits use paper tubes as display poles. Paper tube spacers are used inside other packaging to prevent movement and protect the product from damage. For example, paper tube spacers are used to properly position and protect car wheels during transport. Paper tube spacers are also used as reinforcement for corner posts and support within some packages.

6) Winding/Carrying

Paper cores, paper cones, and paper reels are widely used in winding, carrying, and dispensing coils or rolls of wires, cables, pipes, foils, yarns, ropes, etc. Paper spools consist of a paper core and two chipboard paper flanges. Agriculture even uses paper cores to roll turf.

Here are some other common uses for cardboard tubes:

• Paper cores for fabric rolls, toilet paper, kitchen towels, and electrical wires
• Coin bank for collecting donations
• Caulking cylinders used in the construction industry
• Automotive and mechanical grease inserts
• Paper cans used for packaging cosmetics, various foods, and other goods
• Heavy-duty cardboard tubes with high durability are used to form concrete columns in the construction industry.

8. What is the difference between a cardboard tube and a cardboard core?

Paper cores are sturdy cardboard cylinders used to package items. Most are made from pulp fibers; however, plastic and metal cores are also available on the market. They are used as a sturdy base around which material is wrapped for storage and distribution.

There are a variety of cores on the market, including industrial cores, textile cores, tape cores, flexible film cores, label cores, and more. The options available are almost endless. They vary widely in length, wall thickness, inner and outer diameters. Depending on the intended use, manufacturers can produce paper core tubes from heavy-duty thick cardboard or less durable paper or thinner cardboard.

Cardboard cores are a boon for entrepreneurs. Many business people are afraid of sending products to customers via mail. Because a product may be intact when packaged, but may be damaged by pushing, pulling, stacking, and rough handling during transportation and warehouse storage. The end consumer will receive a damaged product as a result. It can create the wrong impression about your brand, which can impact your business. Additionally, even in brick-and-mortar stores, storing items for extended periods of time is a nightmare for many because over time, items can become damaged or wear out, and wear and tear can cause collateral damage.

Thanks to the cardboard cores, they stopped all of this from happening. They provide the required stability and ensure your products are stored and transported safely. Suppose you want to know how? We’ve got you covered. In this article, you will learn the basics of cardboard cores, their manufacturing process, and their uses.

1) How are cardboard cores made?

You can broadly divide cardboard cores into two types: spiral cores and convoluted cores. The two cores have different manufacturing processes.

First, the raw materials are set up to be fed into the machine. The paper used is generally 4 inches wide. Depending on the number of layers, the thickness of the core will vary. The paper roll is set at an angle to ensure a seamless spiral. Then thread the strip of paper through the pan of glue. They are then wound around a mandrel at an angle. The inner diameter of the core depends on the size of the mandrel. Finally, as the core comes out of the mandrel, the blade moves at the same speed as the core, cutting it to the desired size.

Convolute tubes are made by rolling up square-sized paper with the edges of the paper parallel to the axis of the tube. Wound pipe is of higher quality than spiral wound pipe, but the price is also higher. They are used in a wide range of industrial applications including textiles, metal foils, and even high-pressure applications such as rockets, fountains, candles, etc.

2) What is the use of cardboard tube core?

• Since the cardboard tube and core are made from 100 parts recycled paper, they are environmentally friendly and reduce your carbon footprint.
• Tape, paper, aluminum foil, plastic foil, stretch film, wire, fabric, cellophane tape, disposable paper products, dental floss cores, foam, thermal transfer ribbons, stickers, and many other products require cardboard cores.
• In addition to general use, you can also use industrial cardboard cores for construction purposes. You can use it as a structural support for concrete columns and similar structures.
• After serving their purpose, they can also be used in DIY projects to decorate your space.
• Customize paper tubes to meet your needs and promote your business. Especially in supermarkets, beautifully packaged and beautifully printed products will attract attention and stimulate consumers to buy.
• You can print and color the inside and surface of the cardboard tube to suit your marketing needs.
• In addition to reducing scrap, it also minimizes waste in the final product.
• Carry out proper research before choosing a core and tube manufacturer you can trust so you can have peace of mind. Your delivery time can be reduced.
• You can get high-quality cardboard cores made from 100 recycled fiberboard in 100-diameter tubes from leading manufacturers like Tube Wrapping.
• Cardboard cores are recyclable. Moreover, they are odorless, non-toxic, safe, and hygienic.
• Considering its reusability, you won’t have to spend money on it again and again.
• Since the raw materials used are only paper and glue, the cost is lower, so you don’t have to spend a considerable portion of your money on packaging needs.
• Cardboard cores are lightweight and therefore inexpensive to ship. It reduces shipping costs.
• Although the core made of cardboard was durable, it was old and rusty.
• A magnetic core with a polished surface helps spin the disc inside it without damaging or damaging the material.

In a word, Cardboard/ Paper Tubes are used for packaging items where the product goes inside the tube and remains there to protect it from external damage, heat, and moisture. There are many ways to use it. Therefore, they are also called mail tubes or postal tubes. Industrial tubes, on the other hand, are heavy-duty cardboard tubes used for heavier jobs like construction.

Instead, cardboard cores are cylindrical components used to carefully wrap material around them to give an item internal strength and keep it intact.

9. What is the difference between a spiral tube and a gyrotron?

The production methods and machinery of spiral tubes and spiral tubes are very different.  We produce both types. Spiral cardboard tubes are made by applying an adhesive to the top side of a cardboard strip (also called a web or ply) and then using rubber wrap to continuously wrap the cardboard around a steel mandrel, pulling the cardboard to the mandrel. superior. The pipe is then cut to the desired length using a flying knife while continuously winding the pipe.

Convoluted cardboard tubes are made using a single sheet of cardboard. Typically, the sheet is unwound from a large spool and cut to the desired length on a machine. The width of the sheet is determined by the width of the large reel. The adhesive is then applied to one side of the sheet before the “edge” of the sheet is fed into the grooved mandrel. The mandrel is then rotated and the plate is wrapped around the mandrel to form a tube. The tube then falls off the mandrel and the machine is ready to start the next cycle.

The manufacturing processes of spiral cardboard tubes and convoluted cardboard tubes are completely different. They also differ greatly visually; spiral tubes often have an easily identifiable spiral mark on the outside, where the outer band spirals next to itself (“butt”), or an overlapping paper “cover” on the outside ( thin layer). Generally speaking, the manufacturing tolerances of spiral tubes are tighter and the finish is higher than that of spiral tubes.

Convoluted cardboard tubes are made from a single sheet of paper and have straight seams that run along the length of the tube. If this seam is ground into a feathered edge, it’s not always easy to spot. Because they are made from a single piece of material, the geometric range of gyrotrons is more restricted than that of spiral tubes.

However, the monolithic manufacture of spiral tubes gives them two distinct advantages: first, they can withstand higher internal pressures (important for pyrotechnic purposes), and second, they have higher beam strength (compared to equivalent Compared to spiral tubes), this means they can be a cheaper option for many textile and materials processing applications where beam intensity is an important part of the specification.

10. Import paper tubes from China

Let’s discuss the relevant knowledge about importing paper tubes from China.

1) Steps of importing cardboard push-up tubes from China

First, you can find a reliable Chinese paperboard packaging supplier on Ali or Google. Doing some research to see what types of push-up tubes are available. If there aren’t many options in one place, go to another search engine, like Ali or Google! Finally narrow down your options until you only have one left, check out their website for more information about where they ship to and reviews left by customers who have purchased from them before you – this can give you an idea of whether it’s worth buying.

Secondly, understand your budget for this project and the timeline you need, and contact the supplier to find out the cost of the project and the production lead time. You also need to know if they offer any customization or design options. This will help you decide what type of paper tube you want.

Thirdly, get a sample order to test the quality of and cardboard tube. Before placing a large order, order samples from your supplier. This will allow you to test the quality of your products, the biodegradable cardboard packaging, and shipping costs.

Some sellers only provide samples of a specific size, so if this is your first time importing cardboard tubes from China, please place a small order before committing to a larger order to reduce the loss of time and more money.

Fourthly, you should also be aware of the minimum order quantity required for the order. Many companies require a minimum quantity of 10,000 pieces before producing an order. Understandably, this is higher than most buyers want to order, but if you’re looking for a large selection of paper tubes, you can find them here.

Finally, determine the most cost-effective shipping method that suits your needs. If you import eco-friendly lip balm paper tubes from China, the best shipping method depends on the number of materials imported and the shipping time you need.

If your shipment is small or needs to arrive quickly, DHL is the best option. If your shipment is large or needs to be delivered slowly, sea freight is a better option.

2) What should I pay attention to when importing eco-friendly paper tubes from China?

The first thing is to find a reliable supplier to work with. This means checking reviews from different suppliers and getting sample orders to test quality and tubes before placing a big order.

You also need to know the budget and timeline for your project, as these affect what type of paper tubes you can buy. It’s also important to check with your suppliers to ensure you know the minimum quantity requirements and if they offer any customization or design options.

The main thing to remember is that if you are not sure about something, never buy it blindly. If you have any doubts, don’t buy them! If possible, you can also try contacting the supplier directly instead of through an agency to make it easier to talk to them.

In addition, prepare an accurate list of product specifications, including dimensions and weight. Create a schedule with deadlines for all steps in the import process – this will help you stay on track and avoid delays. Choosing the shipping company you want to use, which is based on rates, reliability, and customer reviews.

3) Why should you buy cardboard tubes from our company?

Cardboard tubes are made from recycled paper and are recyclable. They are environmentally friendly, making them the safest and best packaging option. It is made of high-grade cardboard, which is strong and easy to use many times. They are strong and durable – and can be used to replace wood or plastic packaging materials.

Our company is an industry-leading supplier of high-quality cardboard tubes, paper rolls, and other environmentally friendly packaging products. All products are made of high-quality materials and offered at the most competitive prices. We offer the widest range of cardboard tubes, strong and durable. We ensure the highest quality products to prevent any kind of damage.

Cardboard Tubes supplied by us are used by different industries. If you’re looking for a durable and versatile mailer box, ours can be the perfect solution.

Whether you need small or large-diameter cardboard tubes, we can manufacture them. Our team of experts understands that every business is different, and so are its requirements. Your cardboard tube can be customized exactly the way you need it to suit your purpose.

4) Choose the cardboard tubes that best fit your needs

Cardboard tubes are designed for a specific purpose. When purchasing cardboard tubes for your business, make sure to read the specifications carefully. Choosing a reliable cardboard tube supplier can help you make the right decision.

Eco-friendly cardboard or shipping tubes are the need of the moment. Plastic end caps work with cardboard postal tubes to protect shipping items at every stage of the shipping process. Whether you need the most secure packaging solution for mailing documents, chocolate, medical, or electronic applications, choosing a quality paperboard tube is important.

11. Why paper tubes are environmentally friendly?

Cardboard tube packaging is an inevitable part of every business. Packaging materials can have a huge impact on a business – it can make or break it. Today, sustainable packaging is becoming more common as companies choose to use environmentally friendly packaging. Businesses are making this big shift as millennials want to become more socially and environmentally friendly. They don’t want to contribute to the ever-growing amount of toxic packaging waste, so they prefer to buy from brands that sell and package eco-friendly goods. This means that when you use eco-friendly packaging, in addition to helping the environment, you also promote your business and create brand awareness.

Environmental protection has become more than just a buzzword. It went from being seen as a choice to now becoming a necessity. Think about the lessons you learned in school – reduce, reuse, and recycle. Try implementing it in your business. This will go a long way in increasing brand loyalty among eco-conscious consumers.

Cardboard tubes are a common packaging material. They are versatile and can be used in a variety of products. But if you’re someone who cares about the environment, there’s no doubt you’re worried about its nature. Are they really environmentally friendly? Cardboard tube packaging is one of the most popular low-cost and eco-friendly packaging options across most industries. We have good reason to say so. Consider the following reasons:

1) Cardboard comes from renewable resources

The environmental advantages of cardboard tubes can be seen from their origin. It is derived from wood pulp or recycled cardboard material that is processed into kraft paper. Both are renewable resources. Unlike other alternatives such as plastics from non-renewable resources, they do not harm the environment.

2) Cardboard tubes reduce your carbon footprint

When we consider plastic packaging, cardboard packaging is very eco-friendly as it reduces the carbon footprint. Plastics are primarily made from fossil fuels, and the extraction process of oil increases the carbon footprint. In addition, plastic production accounts for nearly 3.8% of total global greenhouse gas emissions. On the other hand, the production of cardboard mailers accounts for only 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions. For example, producing 1 kilogram of plastic has a carbon footprint of 6 kilograms, which is 12 times higher than the carbon footprint of cardboard or paper tubes. times.

Unlike plastic, cardboard tubes are fully recyclable and can be recycled at a higher rate. After recycling, they can be used as raw material for the production of new cardboard tubes and other cardboard products. This in turn reduces the carbon footprint as recycled paper tubes require less energy to manufacture. Cardboard tubes are lightweight and are much lighter compared to other packaging materials such as wood, plastic, and metal. Therefore, you can transport a large number of products packaged in paper tubes using the same amount of fuel. This will again reduce your carbon footprint.

3) Recycling cardboard tubes is easy

Worldwide, paper and cardboard are recycled more widely than plastic. Although plastics are recycled, recycling rates are low. In the EU, only 40% of plastics are collected for recycling, and mostly only PET and HDPE plastics are collected and recycled. And 31% are disposed of by other methods such as incineration. Cardboard, on the other hand, is highly recyclable. In the EU, paper and cardboard recycling rates exceed 80%. An additional 7% is recycled through incineration. Since cardboard is highly recycled, it doesn’t end up on the ocean floor and in landfills.

Moreover, since paper tubes do not contain toxins, they will not cause adverse effects on society. The EU paper and cardboard recycling rate exceeds 80%. Another 7% is recycled through incineration. As a result, paper tubes do not end up in landfills and seabeds in excess.

4) Disposal and waste management

Biodegradable cardboard tubes take less time to break down than plastic tubes. It only takes 2-3 months to decompose in the soil. Therefore, cardboard tubes without additional lining and printing are completely safe for the environment.

12. How to reuse cardboard tubes?

An item can be called an environmentally friendly item only if it can be reused. Well, there are many ways to reuse cardboard tubes. Cardboard tube crafts are one of the best ways to achieve this. Let’s consider some ideas.

1) wrapping paper

store wrapping paper challenge for many. However, you can easily do this by cutting the cardboard tube lengthwise and sliding the wrapping paper around. It holds the paper in place and prevents it from unraveling.

2) Gardening

You can use these tubes to seed your garden. Press part of the edge down and do the same with all edges until you have a flat surface. You can then fill the tube with potting mix and plant the seeds. Once they are large enough, you can plant them in the garden using tubes. You can grow a variety of plants in a large cardboard tube.

Considering all the above facts, we may conclude that they are completely environmentally friendly. Remember, however, that they are produced in paper mills. These factories are among the largest contributors to chemical pollution that contributes to air and water pollution. They are the fifth largest energy consumer. Going forward, although they are biodegradable elements, we cannot confirm that they are completely environmentally friendly. However, due to their ability to be recycled and reused, they have a smaller ecological impact than their alternatives.

13. FAQs

The following are common questions about imported cardboard tubes from China. Here are some frequently asked questions about cardboard tubes and cardboard cores.

1) What is the difference between paper push-pull tube packaging and other types of packaging

Push-up paper tubes are often used for packaging materials when the inner contents are paper, cardboard, or metal. Paper tubes can be made from a single paper sleeve, glued to a single cardboard tube, or made from two paper sleeves bonded to each other.

The most important difference between paper tubes and other types of packaging is the ability to provide the contents of the tube without opening it. The type of biodegradable packaging that is best for your product will depend on what type of product it is and what you want to do with that packaging. Examples: lip balm, lipstick, deodorant, etc.

2) How to compare the price of paperboard packaging in China?

Before making a final decision, you can request samples from multiple suppliers and compare prices.

Find a reliable paperboard packaging supplier with experience exporting to your country There are many different eco-friendly paper tube packaging suppliers on the internet, but not all of them can meet your needs. Looking for a reliable lip balm tube packaging supplier with experience in exporting products?

3) What are the differences and advantages of importing packaging from China and India?

The difference between importing from China and importing from India depends on your needs. If you need to get a lot of high-quality packaging at a low price, then it is better to import from China.

However, it is best to import from India if you need less or higher quality packaging with more colors and shapes.

4) What information or license do I need to obtain before ordering a product?

To import products, you must have the appropriate licenses. Different products have different licenses depending on what they are considered to be. The license can be a raw material or a finished product. The government controls the import and export of materials to maintain economic stability.

Some examples of items that require a license to import into the United States include gold, tobacco, diamonds, military equipment, or foods that may contain allergens or diseases, which may be prohibited from sale here. Have all the necessary permits so that they can go through customs smoothly.

5) How can I solve any problems during production or transportation?

Contact the supplier promptly, they can provide a reliable solution. For example, if a batch does not meet standards or has quality issues, the supplier should handle it by arranging for it to be removed from the production line and sent for a replacement batch.

6) What do you need to do once the item arrives at your warehouse?

Once the items arrive, you need to thoroughly inspect them for defects before selling. If any defect is found, you should notify the supplier and request a refund or replacement.

7) Are the cardboard core and tube waterproof?

No, because cardboard inherently absorbs water. However, there is a wax-dip process that provides some degree of water resistance. This is useful for pyrotechnic applications or where extended tube life is required.

8) Can cardboard tubes and cores be recycled?

Yes, that’s right. Cardboard tubes and cores are considered one of the most environmentally friendly types of packaging because they are made from renewable resources. Cardboard is one of the materials with the lowest environmental impact. It’s 100% recyclable and 100% biodegradable.

9) What happens to the cardboard core after recycling?

Cardboard is collected by waste merchants or original manufacturers and returned to cardboard mills, where it is graded for quality, screened for contaminants, and repulped (shredded and mixed with water). It is then fed back into the papermaking process.

10) How are cardboard cores used in different industries?

Many industries and processes use cardboard cores.  Nearly every type of tube or core is likely to be used in some industrial application, from textiles and carpets to tapes, labels, and films. And each one is different. For example, the core material of wrappers and packages does not need to be as durable or strong as the heavy-duty core materials used in the flooring industry.

Gyrotrons or spiral tubes used in pyrotechnics must be manufactured to be safe and reliable. When it comes to flexible films, we know it’s important to manufacture them with the right level of compressive strength. If you would like to find out more about how we can add value to the manufacturing and supply of cardboard tubes to your industry, please get in touch with Hopakpackaging!

11) How is the paper tube measured?

Inside diameter is often abbreviated as “ID”. It can be measured with a ruler, but for more accurate measurements, tools called calipers or micrometers should be used. A tube’s ID is measured from the inside of one side to the inside of the other side. Remember to only measure the inside of the hole.

14. Conclusion

While there are loads of packaging options available to businesses, and each one of them offers its own merits and demerits, small and large cardboard tubes are a perfect choice for businesses if they are looking for a packaging solution that is not just aesthetic but also carries the strength with it. It is where simplicity meets strength and where an ideal packaging solution comes into existence to be used absolutely anywhere.

We are proud to be the best cardboard tube supplier with customized service. No matter which industry your business belongs to, we provide the highest quality products to meet your business needs. If you have an idea for wholesale cardboard tubes, please contact Hopakpackaging.