The CTL Packaging Group has launched a revolutionary approach to plastic tubes, The ESTube, an injection in mold labeled tube. We spoke with Manuel Diez, the CEO of CTL Packaging USA in order to get his take on what ESTube technology means to CTL's business.

Where is CTL currently active in the packaging sector?
We have a wide array of products, but the CTL Packaging group currently designs, manufactures, and commercializes plastic packaging items, specifically all sorts of collapsible plastic squeeze tubes and closures.

Why the decision to join Webpackaging? What do you hope to accomplish?
Webpackaging is improving our digital presence and is helping us to gain awareness in the US market.

What do you believe makes your company unique?
There are a lot of qualities I could mention, but among them, the ones that come to mind most are innovation, high quality, reliability, and 53 years of experience within the cosmetic plastic packaging market. The CTL Group is placed at the very top of plastic tube suppliers in the world. Our team is the key, I have to say we have the best. Dedication to excellence and placing the customer first make the difference and motivate us every day to be better.

What is your position and what does it entail?
I am the CEO of the Americas for CTL Packaging USA. The organization began in Spain then opened up space in France, and today there are a number of companies all working in concert under the same banner. I head up operations for the Americas, but the CTL name is known and respected throughout Europe and Asia and has been for quite some time.

Do you primarily distribute or manufacture?
We're definitely more of a manufacturer. We're very proud of our products, we produce them to work properly and provide consumers with an excellent product usage experience. We want to make sure to provide companies with packaging concepts that are dependable and easy to use, like our new ESTube concept, which is garnering a lot of interest among companies. Companies are wild about the ESTube. Our system is easier to use, less expensive, requires less storage space - I could go on and on about it.

What is the new ESTube? How does it differ from standard tubes?
Well, it's a project we've been on for a long time. The ESTube is the result of 10 years of research on existing technologies, and combines recent breakthroughs in flexographic printing, injection moulding, and tube heading. The thing is, the ESTube isn't just a new way to create plastic tubes, it's a total innovation when it comes to the supply chain. Our goal is to take the way companies order and purchase tubes today and totally transform the process, make it more efficient, more cost effective, and easier to run. The ESTube concept really revolutionizes the way customers are served today. We offer the highest degree of service, along with superlative decoration services and customized supply chain assistance. Altogether, it gives our customers the lowest TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) possible.

What sort of companies are you approaching with ESTube and other packaging products?
Generally we're poised to be of use to cosmetic and high-end personal care brands. Our products, however, can be used in a number of sectors outside those, we just already happen to have relationships there. The beauty and personal care markets are where we focus a lot of our attention, and we always make sure to offer clients genuine value thanks to our level of service, the high quality of our products, constant innovation, and reliability.

What brands are currently using your products?
We have many different brands, ranging from international powerhouses all the way through to amazing start-ups and local companies. We have brands like Micro Broo, a small shampoo company out of North Carolina, or Jason, a line of completely natural personal care products that is part of the Hain Celestial group. On the other side of the spectrum we have Carol’s Daughter by the L'Oréal Group, Australian Gold, one of the world's most popular sun care brands, Dior, Clarins, Yves Rocher, Interparfums, and many more. It is interesting to see how different brands with different positioning and product categories find the solutions they need in our catalog.

What other new items or services can you discuss? When will they be released?
We have recently begun metallizing our closures in house, providing tremendous flexibility and securing the service to our customers. it also ensures that we are in control of the product's quality and lead times. Digital offset is also a new addition to our decoration capabilities on EStubes, allowing us to extend the offering with personalized decoration (names, numbers and designs) and heptachromic colour printing arrangements. Both techniques are only available using IML ESTube technology made by our company.

Will you be at any shows this year?
We're exhibiting at Luxe Pack NY and Luxe Pack Monaco, then Cosmoprofs in Las Vegas and Bologna, and Make-Up in NY. We hope to see your readers there!