US tube and stick packaging market to reach US$2.1 bn in 2018

Demand for tube and stick packaging in the US is forecast to reach US$2.1 billion in 2018 - a growth of 4% per year - a new report from The Freedonia Group reveals.

Stick packs are expected to show the fastest gains, with new applications and continued favourable prospects in several existing uses predicted, such as condiments and pharmaceuticals.

Growth of stick packs will also be aided by product differentiation, portability and material savings compared to conventional single-portion packaging configurations.

Representing around 60% of demand in 2013, squeeze tubes represent the largest tube and stick packaging product type. Demand for squeeze tubes is expected to increase 3.8% annually to a total value of US$1.3 billion in 2018.

A greater use of decorative processes and advanced delivery systems that can protect and/or extend the shelf life of oxygen-sensitive contents is expected to drive growth in this segment. Unit-of-use tubes, which offer accurate dosing of pharmaceuticals and serve as sample or promotional packaging, will also experience strong growth.

However, the value growth of the squeeze tube segment will be restrained by import competition in smaller-sized plastic tubes from China, India and other nations that offer low-cost production.

For more information about the Tube & Stick Packaging report, visit www.freedoniagroup.com.