When packaging plays a direct role in product performance, the material you choose matters. For businesses that rely on tube filling services, selecting the right tube material—LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) or Polypropylene (PP)—can affect everything from user experience to product stability and regulatory compliance.
At Custom Pak Illinois (CPI), we offer deep experience in contract tube filling services, helping brands across industries select the best-fit materials for their specific formulations. In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between LDPE and polypropylene to help you make the right decision for your product and your market.
LDPE: Flexibility and Affordability
LDPE is a widely used material in contract tube filling for its combination of flexibility, low cost, and ease of use. At CPI, we frequently recommend LDPE for clients needing a co packing solution that offers reliable dispensing and a soft touch feel.
Advantages of LDPE tubes:
- Flexible and squeezable– Ideal for consumer-friendly applications like creams, gels, and ointments
- Cost-effective– An economical choice for large-scale co packing services
- Chemical resistance– Suitable for many non-aggressive chemical formulations
- Widely recyclable– Aligns with sustainable packaging goals in certain programs
Best used for:
- OTC pharmaceuticals
- Pet care products
- Adhesives and lightweight industrial pastes
When brands approach us for contract packaging services involving thick, consumer-applied formulas, LDPE is often the go-to material for both performance and price.
Polypropylene: Clarity and Chemical Durability
Polypropylene (PP) offers higher stiffness and better chemical resistance than LDPE, making it ideal for products that need firmer packaging or have more reactive ingredients. CPI’s contract packaging service clients in industrial and specialty chemical markets often prefer PP for its structure and compatibility.
Advantages of PP tubes:
- High clarity– Great for products where visual inspection of the fill is important
- Superior chemical resistance– Holds up well with aggressive or sensitive chemical contents
- Firm structure– Better for applications needing shape retention or precise dosing
- Heat resistance– Performs well in environments with temperature variation
Best used for:
- Industrial lubricants and adhesives
- Automotive chemical applications (like CPI’s pipettes for anaerobics or muffler cement)
- High-end health and beauty products with aggressive actives
- Niche chemical blends requiring packaging stability
PP is the top choice for many of our contract filling services involving complex formulations or specialty markets.
Get Material Expertise from Custom Pak Illinois
Don’t risk packaging failure with the wrong tube material. As one of the top contract packaging services companies, Custom Pak Illinois offers complete guidance on material selection, filling methods, and regulatory best practices. Our contract packing companies team is ready to help you make smart decisions that support product integrity and brand value.
Reach out to the Custom Pak Illinois team to discuss your product and packaging goals. We’ll help you determine whether LDPE or polypropylene is the right fit—and provide full contract packaging service, from design to distribution. Let us simplify the process with our end-to-end co packing solutions tailored to your industry.
