Launching a product is overwhelming. But tube packaging follows a predictable process — and when you know the timeline, you can plan backwards from your launch date with confidence. Here’s the exact 12-week framework I use with every client.
Week 1-2: Brief & Material Selection
What happens:
- Finalise tube specifications: diameter, length, volume, material
- Select cap type and colour
- Define decoration requirements: colours, finishes, special effects
- Send packaging brief to 2-3 shortlisted manufacturers
Your deliverable: A completed packaging brief document with all specifications.
Week 3: Quotation & Supplier Selection
What happens:
- Receive and compare quotes from manufacturers
- Evaluate pricing, MOQ, timeline, and quality credentials
- Select manufacturer and confirm order
- Pay tooling advance (typically 50%)
Week 4-5: Artwork & Pre-Press
What happens:
- Submit print-ready artwork files
- Manufacturer’s pre-press team converts files for tube printing
- Receive digital proof for review
- Make revisions (budget for 2 rounds)
- Approve final artwork and colour targets
Critical: Delays here cascade into everything downstream. Have your artwork ready before Week 4.
Week 5-6: Tooling & Colour Proofing
What happens:
- Printing cylinders manufactured (7-10 days)
- Cap moulds prepared (if custom)
- First colour proof printed on actual tube material
- Colour matching — compare proof against Pantone targets
- Approve or request adjustments (allow 1 round)
Week 7-9: Production
What happens:
- Tube extrusion (if PE Coex) or laminate conversion (if ABL/PBL)
- Printing run — all colours in sequence
- Lamination (matte/glossy/soft-touch)
- Foil stamping (if applicable)
- Cap-capping and final assembly
- In-line quality checks throughout
Duration varies: 5,000 units = 3-5 days. 50,000 units = 10-15 days.
Week 10: Quality Inspection
What happens:
- Pre-shipment inspection (AQL sampling)
- Print registration check
- Cap torque and functionality test
- Drop test (1.2m drop, no cracking)
- Leak test (pressure applied, no seepage)
- Final approval or rejection with rework
Week 11: Dispatch & Delivery
What happens:
- Tubes packed in corrugated cartons with dividers
- Freight arranged (road transport for domestic)
- Delivery to your warehouse or contract filler
Week 12: Buffer
This week exists for one reason: things go wrong. Colour mismatches, cap defects, shipping delays — they’re rare but real. Having a buffer week prevents your launch from slipping.
The Golden Rule
Start your packaging process 14 weeks before your launch date, not 12. The extra two weeks absorb artwork delays, supplier holidays, and unexpected quality issues.
This complete timeline framework — with checklists, templates, and milestone trackers — is included in Module 6: Timelines & Process.