Qtubes
About us
About Us
QTubes is a Polish manufacturer of extruded cosmetic tubes. Our priority is fast, repeatable production of premium-quality packaging while respecting the environment (3R philosophy: REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE). With our proprietary QFlex® technology, we combine print precision with the flexibility of extruded PE tubes, offering broad decorative and structural options—including full or partial metallisation as well as QProtect® matte and gloss finishes.
Safety
In response to market needs, we introduced QProtect®—a bacteriostatic lacquer coating with active silver particles that inhibits the growth of unwanted bacteria on the packaging surface. Antibacterial effectiveness is measured in accordance with ISO 22196:2011 (evaluation of antibacterial activity on plastics and other non-porous surfaces).
Speed
Qexpress is our fast-track production path: PE tubes ready within 10 working days from artwork approval. Standard options include diameters Ø35/40/50 mm, flip-top closures in white, black, and transparent, printing up to 9 colourswith varnishes and Cold Foil (Cold Stamping), plus an optional EVOH barrier. Minimum order from 5,000 pcs.Qexpress shortens the design-to-shelf cycle, combining speed with premium decoration powered by QFlex®.
Sustainability
Our environmental responsibility goes beyond material choice. In daily operations we reduce energy and water use (photovoltaics, heat pumps with heat recovery, process heat recovery, rainwater harvesting), minimise waste (e.g., decorating laminates as thin as 60 microns) and expand the use of recycled feedstocks (PCR/PIR) and bioplastics.
Strategic location
Location: QTubes is based in Balice near Kraków, enabling efficient logistics and customer service across Poland and Europe.
Products & services
QTubes Academy
Qtubes Academy: hands-on training for clients to explore QFlex technology, packaging options and share know-how.
Qtubes produces extruded PE cosmetic tubes in Ø35/40/50 mm with optional EVOH barrier, based on PE (incl. green PE) and versions with up to 20% or 50% PCR; in selected structures the share of PCR/BIO materials can reach 83% of the tube volume.
Portfolio & materials - Extruded PE tubes — stable quality, compatible with cosmetic contact. - PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) — versions with 20% or 50% PCR content to lower carbon footprint and reduce virgin material; in selected constructions the combined share of PCR/BIO materials can reach up to 83%of the tube volume. - Bioplastics (e.g., from sugarcane/plant-based sources) — equivalent performance with reduced fossil inputs. Diameters & constructions - Available tube diameters: Ø35, Ø40, Ø50 mm. - Optional EVOH barrier — excellent protection against gas transmission, helping reduce the need for preservatives and potentially extend product shelf life.
Production of cosmetic tubes in line with the 3R philosophy – REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE. Adapting daily to a changing world, we care for our planet, ourselves, and future generations.
REDUCE We reduce the amount of waste generated to a minimum thanks to the innovative technology of tube production, we reduce the amount of waste 7 times thanks to decorating laminates with a thickness of up to 60 microns, we reduce energy consumption and avoid wasting materials thanks to in-line production. REUSE We reuse the materials necessary to prepare the production and start-up of machines, reducing the scale of waste thanks to innovative technology and in-line production. We can produce tubes consisting of PCR/PIR materials up to 83% of their volume. RECYCLE Moving towards the Circular Economy - we collect, segregate and use all waste by reprocessing it.
QFlex® technology - an innovative combination of the perfect quality of flexographic printing with a flexible extruded PE tube /Polyethylene/.
QFlex® - Excellent quality and precision of flexographic printing on the print substrate - 11 printing stations - Cold Stamping - printing on a metallized print substrate - glossy or matte varnish using QProtect® technology - full visual control of print quality - 360-degree print QFlex® New materials, new possibilities - metallized – 100% of the surface - transparent or white - tubes with diameters of 35, 40 and 50 mm QFlex® Tube structure - extruded PE tube (option: PCR, green PE) - PE layer - EVOH barrier (optional) - printing layer (optional: PET, PP, PE or 100% metallized) - decorative layer (UV paints, cold stamping) - varnish layer (optional: QProtect® bacteriostatic varnish) QFlex® Care for the environment - production of cosmetic tubes according to the 3R philosophy – REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE - the possibility of producing a tube consisting of PCR or BIO materials up to 83% of its volume - minimal amount of waste QFlex® EVOH barrier - an excellent barrier against oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and helium - reduces the need for preservatives and extends the possible shelf life of the product - the smell, color and freshness of the products remain intact - recyclable and environmentally safe Screen printing - special colors - selective and effect varnishes - additional decorations
QProtect® — antibacterial lacquer coating with active silver nanoparticles that inhibit bacterial growth and help prevent infections. Integrated into the varnish layer for lasting surface protection.
The QProtect® coating in the form of a varnish applied to the entire surface of the tube as the last layer, prevents the transmission of bacteria and thus infections. QFlex® tube with QProtect® coating has better bacteriostacic properties than laminate tubes with bacteriostatic properties, the biostatic surface of which is printed. In addition, UV-cured varnishes are 100% compositions that do not contain volatile organic compounds - therefore they are safe for the environment. The presence of active silver particles aims to inhibit the growth of microorganisms in the surface layers of the coating. The quantitative determination of bacteriostatic properties of coating samples was carried out in accordance with ISO 22196:2011 Measurement of antibacterial activity on plastic and other non-porous surfaces.
QExpress — from concept to shelf in 10 days: PE tubes printed up to 9 colours, optional EVOH barrier. Samples on stand: MOQs, diameters, and cap colours.
Polyethylene tubes produced within 10 daysfrom the date of file approval. INNOVATIVE QFLEX® TECHNOLOGY The only technology for the production of extruded cosmetic tubes that combines the advantages of extruded and laminate tubes. Qexpress production standard - Tube diameters: 35, 40, 50 mm - Base colors of closures as standard: white, black, transparent - Closure standards: flip-top - Protection of the contents: sleeve - Printing up to 9 colours, varnishes and CS foil - Quantity: from 5000 pieces - Protective barrier EVOH The time for project approval and transportation is not included in the order fulfillment time.