Albéa, the world leader in cosmetic tube manufacturing, has launched its latest innovation: Reflexion™ tubes. These Plastic Barrier Laminate (PBL) tubes have a web structure with multiple metallic effects and bounce back properties similar to conventional plastic tubes.

This innovational structure lets the tube return to its original shape once any pressure has been let up, while benefiting from a metallic effect, which is not the case with the conventional laminate tubes used for a metallic appearance until now.

Thanks to a specific process developed by Albéa, an expert in tube manufacturing processes for 50 years, the Reflexion tube offers a vast range of metallic effects. Brands can now choose an ultra-gloss, mirror effect, metallic decoration or satin metallic gloss, brushed aluminium effect or a hot-stamped effect by reverse printing. The tubes can be printed in 8 colours by flexography, silk screening and hot stamping. Metallic effects can also be combined with photo-realistic, gradated, matt & gloss and other effects for even greater standout.

In addition, thanks to a new seaming process and 360° printing, the side seam is virtually invisible and almost imperceptible to the touch.

The Reflexion tube can also help to lower environmental impact. Its carbon footprint is reduced by:

• 11%* compared with a conventional aluminum laminate tube
• 33%* compared with a plastic tube covered with a me tallized label

Reflexion tubes are now available with a 50mm diameter for 100-300ml volumes. Tubes can be fitted with screw caps or flip tops including Cebal Cap™, Slender™ and AccessDenied™, in matt or gloss, coloured or uncoloured versions. The Reflexion tubes are manufactured at Albéa's different laminate tube production sites in Europe, Asia and the Americas.

*LCA study conducted by SimaPro (for a 50mm diameter, 185mm tube). Comparison with an aluminium laminate tube (total thickness 350μm/’aluminum layer thickness 12μm), and a 500μm plastic tube with an 85μm label.