The Bitube or Bag-in-tube is a packaging system in which a plastic bag is inserted into a cardboard or plastic tube. The tube serves as an additional protection for the bag and also as a way to transport and store the product. This packaging system is commonly used for liquid or semi-liquid products such as food, cleaning products, cosmetics and medicines.
What are the advantages of the Bitube?
There are several advantages to using the Bag-in-tube or bitube packaging system. Some of the main advantages are:
Additional protection: The tube provides an extra layer of protection for the bag and helps prevent damage during transport and storage.
Visually appealing: It is a packaging with which to differentiate, cylindrical in shape and being able to print on the entire surface, it is a very good option for those who want a unique and differential packaging.
Easy to transport: The tube is easy to transport and store due to its compact shape.
Easy to dispense: The design allows for easy dispensing of the product.
Space saving: The packaging takes up less space compared to traditional packaging.
Easy to customise: The design is easy to customise with full colour printing, allowing for good product presentation at the point of sale.
What types of products can be packaged with Bitube?
The Bitube or Bag-in-tube packaging system is suitable for a wide variety of liquid or semi-liquid products, including:
Food: commonly used for food products such as sauces, honey, syrups, jams, etc.
Cleaning products: used for cleaning products such as detergents, bleaches, etc.
Cosmetics: used for cosmetic products such as lotions, creams, shampoos, etc.
Medicines: used for liquid medicines such as syrups, eye drops, etc.
How is a Bitube manufactured?
The manufacturing process of a Bag-in-tube varies depending on the product and the manufacturer, but in general the following process is followed:
The tube is manufactured: The tube is manufactured from cardboard or plastic, depending on the product and the manufacturer’s preference. The tube is cut and rolled into the desired shape.
The bag is manufactured: The bag is made from plastic, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. It is cut and sealed to the desired shape.
The bag is filled: The product is poured into the bag and sealed to prevent leakage.
Inserting the bag into the tube: The bag is inserted into the tube and sealed to prevent leakage.
Design is printed: The design is printed on the tube, using printing techniques such as offset, flexo or digital.
Tube is cut: The tube is cut into the desired sizes, depending on the product and manufacturer.
Final inspection: A final inspection is carried out to ensure that the product is in good condition and that the design is correct.
How is a Bag-in-tube recycled?
Bag-in-tube recycling can be challenging due to the combination of different materials. However, there are several ways to recycle this type of packaging:
The different materials can be separated and recycled separately. The cardboard or plastic tube can be recycled together with other cardboard or plastic materials, while the plastic bag can be recycled together with other plastic materials.
Multi-packaging recycling programmes can be used that collect and recycle different types of packaging, including the Bag-in-tube.
In conclusion, the Bag-in-tube or Bitube is a practical and versatile packaging system that offers very good protection for liquid or semi-liquid products. It is easy to transport, dispense and customise, and can be recycled if the different materials are separated and recycled separately.