soft touch to make the tube more appealing during use or at the point of sale. Plastic tubes are produced by extrusion. A sleeve is first produced on a specialised extrusion machine. It must be produced to a very high standard (for decoration purposes) and also to tight tolerances, compatible with automated processes after extrusion. Once the sleeve is produced, the tube head is fitted using an automated heading machine. Tube printing using specialised printing machines such as silk screen printing applies the desired decoration. The open tubes are typically filled and sealed at a separate facility. Multi-layer plastic tubes have become increasingly popular; they isolate the contents better from the air, allowing them to be used for a wider range of products, such as food. Applications Many commodities are commonly sold in collapsible tubes: Toothpaste, formerly metal, now of plastic Viscous artists' paint, including oil paint, acrylic paint, and concentrated watercolor paints (which must be diluted with water); typically metal Pastes used in food, such as anchovy paste, tomato paste, mustard, mayonnaise Pharmaceutical ointments Adhesives, caulk, glue, and sealants (larger quantities may use rigid caulk cartridges) Other cosmetics and gels See also Chub (container) Shipping tube Notes References Yam, K. L., "Encyclopedia of Packaging Technology", John Wiley & Sons, 2009, Soroka, W, "Fundamentals of Packaging Technology", IoPP, 2002, Museum of Modern Art (New York), "The Package", September 9-November 1, 1959 exhibit catalog External links European Tube Manufacturers Association (etma) The Tube Council of North America How Its Made - Aluminum tubes Containers