Custom Rigid Tube Boxes and Round Rigid Boxes

What are rigid tube boxes?

A tube box starts as layers of board rolled around a former into a firm cylinder. A board disc closes the base. A second, slightly wider tube forms the lid, with its own disc on top.

The whole thing is wrapped in paper, just like a square rigid box. The result is a round box that feels solid in the hand and stands upright on a shelf.

Because there are no corners, a tube has no weak point where a wall meets a wall. It resists crushing from the side better than you might expect from its size.

Who uses round rigid boxes?

Tea and candle makers use short, wide tubes. Florists use wide drums for arranged flowers. Artists and print shops use long, slim tubes for rolled prints. Fashion labels use them for rolled scarves and, in larger sizes, for hats.

They also suit gifts where a round shape stands out. A tube on a desk among square parcels gets opened first.

Beauty brands use slim tubes for a single lipstick-sized item or a rolled face mask. Coffee roasters use them for ground coffee in a bag.

For hats in particular, our round hat boxes with deep lids page covers the larger sizes.

How does the lid come off?

The lid slides over the top of the tube and holds by friction. When you pull it, air has to get in, so it comes away with a slow, gentle draw. That small pause is the part people remember.

Lid depth changes the look. A short cap covers only the top 20 to 30 mm. A deep lid, like the tallest anthurium tube in our photos, covers most of the body and slides down slowly.

If the lid is too loose it rattles, and if it is too tight people squeeze the tube to grip it. We set the fit for the board and size you choose.

What size tube box do I need?

Measure the widest point of the item for diameter, and its full height. Add 2 to 4 mm to the diameter and a little to the height so the item slides in without scraping.

For rolled prints, roll the paper first and measure the roll, not the flat sheet. Our guide to sizing rigid boxes around a product has more on clearance.

Can a tube box hold an insert?

Yes. A card or foam disc at the base raises a short item so it is easy to lift out. A foam ring holds a bottle or jar in the centre. For candles in glass, a card collar stops the glass knocking against the wall.

Rolled prints and scarves usually need no insert. A little tissue at each end keeps the roll from sliding.

A tall bottle tube benefits from a base insert and a top collar. Together they stop the bottle tipping inside when the tube is laid down.

Which finishes work on a round box?

The lid top is a natural spot for a foil or embossed logo. Spot UV and debossing also work there as options. Soft touch, matt or gloss lamination can go on the whole wrap.

On the sides, a print that runs across the lid join looks best when it lines up closed. We set that alignment on the free proof.

Metallic foil on a round lid catches the light as the tube turns in the hand. Debossing reads better on a plain, uncoated wrap.

Do people keep tube boxes?

Very often. A sturdy round box with a lid becomes a pot for pens, brushes, hair ties or cotton buds. A nicely printed one ends up on a bathroom shelf or a desk.

The set of three tubes in our photos shares one flower print across three heights. Side by side, a range of sizes like that works as a small display.

How do I post a rigid tube box?

Tubes are strong along their length but can roll and dent at the rim. Hold the lid with a paper band or sticker. Then pack the tube in a square shipper with fill around it so it cannot roll.

For long tubes, choose a shipper only a little longer than the tube. A tube that can slide end to end takes knocks at both ends.