The winners of the esteemed 'Tube of the Year 2024 Award' by the European Tube Manufacturers Association (ETMA) have been revealed. The selection occurred on May 23, 2024, during ETMA’s annual conference in Warsaw. A panel of seven jurors from member companies identified the top tubes across five categories: aluminium, plastic, laminate, prototypes, and sustainability.
ETMA’s Secretary General, Gregor Spengler, stated, ‘European tube manufacturers have once again demonstrated their strong innovative strength and creativity in this year’s competition. This is demonstrated not least by the large number of tubes submitted for the competition in the prototypes category. I am particularly pleased about this, as I see it as an indicator of the wealth of ideas of our member companies, which is a guarantee for the future viability of tubes as a packaging material.’
Winner in the aluminium tube category
This year's winner in the aluminium tube category was a Chanel tube produced by Tubex Aluminium Tubes. Capitalizing on the success of its popular Chance fragrances, Chanel has introduced a limited-edition set of three Chance hand creams. The innovative material, consisting of 95 per cent PCR content, is infinitely recyclable and significantly reduces carbon emissions.
In addition to their chic aesthetics, the tubes are highly sustainable: Chanel selected the manufacturer's Blue Tube Evo, the world's first tube made of 100 per cent recycled aluminium. These delicate, refreshing creams feature the familiar floral scents of Chance, Chance Eau Fraîche, and Chance Eau Tendre.
Choosing stylish, eco-friendly packaging designed to complete the packaging-to-packaging loop was a natural fit for a brand founded on timeless beauty. Each tube is adorned in a soft pastel shade matching its perfume counterpart, reflecting the brand's sophisticated style. The design is completed with a pearlescent finish and an elegant octagonal closure. The creams are presented in a sleek box containing all three scents.
Laminate tube winner
For the laminate tube category, the jury selected a tube from L'Occitane produced by Albéa as the winner. Founded in 1976, L'Occitane is known for crafting its cosmetic products using essential oils and natural ingredients. The company also walked towards the sustainability path by introducing products in aluminium tubes. Today, the company boasts more than 3,000 points of sale in over 90 countries. L'Occitane has partnered with Albéa to revamp the packaging of its iconic 30 ml hand cream collection, starting with the shea butter version.
Other winners
First place in the plastic tube category was awarded to the Decathlon Active Solaire Sun SPF50 sunscreen tube from Albéa. Decathlon, a sports brand dedicated to making sports accessible to as many people as possible, was founded in 1976 by seven friends near Lille.
Hoffmann Neopac, a Swiss manufacturer, won the prototype category with their groundbreaking concept that impressed the jury. The company introduced the world's smallest child-resistant tube, setting a new standard in compact and secure packaging.
Finally, the EcoLittle Top Tube won the Sustainability category. Produced by Albéa for Clarins, this tube reflects the values of the French company, recognized as the number one brand for premium skincare in Europe. Clarins is known for its commitment to responsible beauty, offering innovative and natural products in around 150 countries. Clarins and Albéa have collaborated on developing the EcoLittle Top system.
Conclusion
"The globally recognized 'Tube of the Year' competition consistently serves as an international benchmark and trend indicator for current and future developments in the tube industry," said ETMA Secretary General Gregor Spengler. "It's no surprise that sustainable and resource-efficient packaging solutions remain at the forefront of the competition." This annual competition consistently showcases the European tube industry's creativity, innovation, and excellence. Moreover, the award transcends European borders, establishing global benchmarks for pioneering and sustainable packaging solutions of superior quality.
Responses
