Application and Development of Tube Cartoning Machines in the Cosmetics Industry

Tube Cartoning machines are core equipment in the back-end packaging of cosmetics, specifically designed to automatically load filled tubes (such as facial cleanser and hand cream) into cartons and complete folding, flap insertion, or sealing.

I. Current Industry Applications

Tube Cartoning machine primarily serve skincare products, toothpaste, ointments, and other cream-based products, acting as a "bridge" connecting the filling line and the palletizing process.

1. Applicable Products: Aluminum-plastic or all-plastic tubes such as facial cleansers, sunscreens, facial masks, and conditioners.

2. Workflow: Machine suction of cartons → paper boxes opening → Tube insertion into paper boxes → Folding/sealing → Removal of defective products.

3. Value Proposition:

1) Efficiency: Fully automatic models can reach speeds of 50–150 cartons/minute, more than 6 times faster than manual labor, and a single machine can replace 6–8 workers.

2) Quality Control: Automatic rejection of products with missing tubes, incomplete instructions, or damaged boxes via visual inspection (CCD) reduces customer complaints by approximately 75%.

II. Technological Upgrade Trends

Current equipment is evolving from "simple mechanical transmission" to "flexible intelligence" to adapt to the demands of small-batch, multi-batch FMCG production.

1. Flexible Production: Supports "one-click production changeover." By storing multiple sets of parameters through PLC, changing tube specifications (e.g., from 30ml to 100ml) requires only a few mechanical fixture changes, significantly reducing downtime.

2. Intelligent Monitoring: Integrates an IoT module for real-time monitoring of OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) and fault self-diagnosis, reducing unplanned downtime.

3. Compatibility with Environmentally Friendly Materials: Optimized for biodegradable cardboard boxes and thin-walled lightweight tubes to reduce material jamming risks in response to environmental trends.

III. Market Development Prospects

The global tube filling and cartoning equipment market is projected to continue expanding at a CAGR of approximately 6%, reaching a potential size of US$2.12 billion by 2030.

Driven by: Growth in the beauty and personal care market + rising labor costs + stringent requirements for packaging hygiene standards (such as GMP).

IV. Selection and Implementation Recommendations

If you are considering introducing or upgrading equipment, we recommend focusing on the following points:

1. Speed ​​Matching: Select a model based on the speed of the upstream filling line to avoid waste caused by overkill.

2. Tube Adaptability: Thoroughly test the equipment's stability in handling flat and irregularly shaped tubes, and whether it supports complex cartoning logic without instructions or with free samples.

3. Maintenance Ease: Prioritize modular designs for easier maintenance and spare parts procurement.

Are you planning a new production line, or are you addressing specific pain points in upgrading existing equipment? Please tell me your hose specifications (such as size, whether it includes a bag inside a box), and Liner Machinery can provide you with a more specific solution.