Lip Balm Tube, plastic, white type 2

Lip balm container, plastic, white type 2

The lip balm container is a plastic tube with a twist-up mechanism for solid balms that are cast while hot and pushed up after setting by rotating the base. It suits small-scale production and home workshops wherever you need hygienic application without finger contact and packaging that fits comfortably in a pocket or handbag. The volume corresponds to a standard lip balm size.

The tube is made of polypropylene (PP) and is opaque. It does not allow light through to the contents, which is appreciated for balms with a higher proportion of vegetable oils and butters that oxidise more quickly in light. The container is suitable for direct contact with cosmetic products and meets the applicable requirements. The declaration of conformity is available on the product page.

What it is suitable for

• Lip balms and lip sticks – wax-and-oil-based mass holds its shape and pushes up cleanly.
• Solid perfumes – a wax base with a fragrance composition is applied in the same way as a balm; the opaque tube protects the scent from light.
• Treatment sticks for dry areas – elbows, heels, cuticles; the solid consistency allows targeted application.
• Tinted balms – the opaque container protects the pigmented mass from light.

The container is not intended for liquid or cream products. The mass must be firm enough at room temperature to be pushed up without running down the walls of the tube.

Nominal and total volume

Nominal volume is the volume the container is designed for under standard filling. Total brim volume is the physical volume of the tube up to the top rim. The difference between them provides clearance for the mechanism, the cap, and the expansion of the mass with temperature changes. Balms are filled so that after setting the mass sits just below the top edge and the cap can be placed on without difficulty. How many grams of balm fit in the tube depends on the density of your formula. Weigh the first batch and note the value for the label.

Hot filling

The balm is poured into the tube melted, immediately after combining the oil phase with waxes and butters. Polypropylene withstands the temperatures at which balms are typically cast. Before filling, twist the mechanism all the way down so the piston is in the lowest position and the full volume is used.

After pouring, let the tubes cool freely at room temperature, standing upright on a flat surface. Place the cap only after the mass has set completely; otherwise moisture condenses on the inside of the cap and the mass may stick to it.

Good to know

• Preparation before first filling – tubes are supplied clean. For production intended for sale, however, we recommend blowing out any dust, wiping or spraying the inside with isopropyl alcohol or ethanol and allowing to dry completely. Alcohol does not damage polypropylene.
• Essential oils and fragrances – at concentrations typical for lip balms, PP is stable and will not soften. At higher levels of citrus oils, check the behaviour of the container using a single test tube.
• Reuse – the tube can be used again, though wax residue is difficult to wash out of the mechanism. For products intended for sale, we recommend always using a new tube. For personal use, scrape out the residue, wash with hot water and detergent, and leave to dry.
• Labelling – the white tube accepts both printing and adhesive labels well. We recommend a wrap-around label with a small overlap. Label dimensions are listed in the product parameters.
• Recycling – the container is made from a single type of plastic (PP) and belongs in sorted plastic waste.

Frequently asked questions