The Enterprise Technology Management Association (ETMA) hosted the annual European Tube Manufacturers Association and Amsterdam's third World Tube Congress.

A jury of seven representatives of ETMA member companies selected the winners in the categories of aluminium tubes, plastic tubes, laminate tubes, sustainability and prototypes.

This year's winner in the aluminium tube category was The POREfessional tube by Benefit Cosmetics, which belongs to the luxury group LVMH. Alltub France produces these tubes from more than 95% post-consumer recycled (PCR) aluminium.

In the plastic tubes category, a tube from Payot for its new Essential hair care range was awarded the top prize. The tubes come from the French manufacturer Albéa using its Thin Wall PCR MAX technology.

The winner in the laminate tube category was the Silky Comfort Argan and Jojoba tube from Magdis Cosmetics. The tube's low-profile cap and shoulder minimise plastic use by 60% and its material is recognised by the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) as a recyclable material.

First place in the sustainability category went to an aluminium tube from Japanese consumer goods company Kao’s Goldwell TOPCHIC Permanent Hair Colour product. Both packaging components are now produced with PCR material: the tube is made of 100% PCR aluminium and the closure is 100% PCR plastic.

Finally, in the prototype category, the jury chose a range of aluminium tubes from Alltub Italia as the winner. With the in-line over-varnishing application technique, aluminium tubes can be equipped and designed with a wide variety of external coating finishes.

ETMA secretary general Gregor Spengler commented: “Our industry is obviously well positioned for the further development of the flexible tube as a packaging material of the future.”

In March, ETMA reported that the European tube market grew by 2% in 2022, suggesting the trend for European sourcing will benefit European tube suppliers moving forward.