The winners of this year's Etma Tube of the Year Award have been announced. The jury selected the winners in five categories: Aluminium, Plastic and Laminate Tubes as well as Prototypes and Sustainability.
The Etma Tube of the Year Award 2025 was presented at the annual conference of the European Tube Manufacturers Association (etma) in Nice. A seven-member jury made up of representatives from member companies selected the winners in five categories: Aluminium, plastic and laminate tubes as well as prototypes and sustainability. With this award, the association wants to emphasise the efficiency, creativity and innovative strength of the European tube industry.
The winner in the aluminium tube category is the Austrian manufacturer Tubex Aluminium Tubes with a refill tube developed for Caudalie. The French natural cosmetics brand recently introduced refill solutions for its entire product range to further strengthen its commitment to sustainability. Together with the tube manufacturer, Caudalie developed an innovative refill system for the „Resveratrol-Lift Serum“ that combines user-friendliness with environmental responsibility. The core of the concept is the development of a Refill tube for high-quality, multi-part packaging. The tube is made from 100 percent recycled aluminium (95 percent of which is post-consumer material) and has no plastic cap, which makes the product a Monomaterial with high recyclability and minimal ecological footprint makes. In addition to its sustainable properties, the tube also impresses with its ease of use and high-quality appearance. The refill process is very simple: break off the aluminium nozzle, refill the original packaging, close it again and recycle the empty tube. The matt soft-touch lacquer emphasises Caudalie's luxurious aesthetics and fits in perfectly with the sustainability-oriented brand image.
The winning tubes in the plastic category were awarded by the French manufacturer Albéa Tubes for the Etat Pur brand, which chose the EcoFusion Top 50ml tube for the relaunch of its „Pure Skincare“ range. As part of its packaging strategy, Etat Pur is revising its product range in line with eco-design principles - with the aim of improving recyclability and reducing the proportion of plastic. The solution used combines the EcoFusion Top with a thin-wall sleeve of 350 µm, This results in plastic savings of 54 per cent compared to the previous 50 ml tube and as much as 82 per cent compared to the previous 40 ml airless dispenser. The tube is made entirely of HDPE monomaterial and is recyclable in the HDPE stream. The design also impresses with its simplicity and elegance: fine lines, subtle colours and a discreetly placed, yet striking brand label.
First place in the laminate tubes category went to EPL Europe with its high-quality laminate tubes for the Molecular Repair Shampoo and Conditioner from Pomélo+Co. The tubes consist of the proprietary, fully RecyClass-certified Platina laminate (300 µm), a fully recyclable mono-material specially developed for modern premium hair care brands. With a diameter of 50 mm, the tubes offer Generous design areas. Highlights include large silver embossing for a high-quality appearance and a gloss varnish applied on top to create a brilliant metallic effect. A matt lacquer finish on the coloured surfaces provides depth, a pleasant feel and an elegant appearance. The white translucent flip-top closure blends seamlessly into the design and is intended to emphasise the visual impact of the product line.
The prototypes were won by the Italian manufacturer Global Tube the first place. The winning prototype is a PBL tube with a Tamper-proof flip-top closure (diameter 50 mm) and matt surface. Outstanding is the refined Combination of several printing techniques and effects. The tube was printed in a single pass on a flexographic serigraphy press (10+1 colours). Finely tuned pre-press and high-resolution photopolymer plates enable excellent colour reproduction and a broad four-colour spectrum. The use of Cast&Cure technology creates a three-dimensional register coating. In this process, a UV coating is moulded using a reusable film so that intricate 3D engravings are transferred to the surface. A special highlight: the „Rose-Infused“ screen printing process a varnish with scented microcapsules is used - a pleasant rose fragrance is released when rubbed. The result: a multi-sensory experience that appeals to the sense of sight and smell - a powerful marketing and design innovation.
In the sustainability category, the German manufacturer Linhardt for tubes of the Cien sun protection brand. Their approach: sun protection should not be a minor matter - and neither should sustainable packaging. With the NextGen PCR tube, Linhardt is taking a further step towards sustainable plastic packaging. The new tubes are characterised by a tube body made from 100 percent post-consumer recyclate (PCR), a TopTube closure with reduced material, a reduced EVOH layer, a wall thickness of 350 µm and high recyclability thanks to the tube and closure being one material. For the Cien sunscreens sold in Lidl shops in the UK and Spain, the TopTube closure as a particularly resource-saving solution proven. Compared to a standard flip-top closure, the TopTube closure is 62 per cent lighter for 40 mm tubes and 73 per cent lighter for 50 mm tubes. As a further step towards sustainability, Linhardt has developed the first PE-HD/LLD PCR tube on the market with 100 per cent PCR content in both plastic components (HDPE and LLDPE) - combined with the TopTube fastener.
„Our competition once again demonstrates the key role played by the European tube industry - and our members in particular - in the development of sustainable and resource-saving packaging solutions. I am particularly pleased that, in addition to recycling-friendly design, other developments such as new product ideas, creative design concepts and exciting technical innovations are not neglected. The Etma Award is a testament to the outstanding performance level of the European tube industry and the innovative spirit of our members. Even beyond Europe, the Etma competition continues to set standards for forward-looking and high-quality packaging solutions. And this is exactly what we want to continue in the future.”
Seifeldin Raslan Mohamed, Etma Secretary General
Source: Etma
