Demand for tube and stick packaging in the US is projected to rise by 4 percent per year, with the market forecasted to reach $2.1 billion by 2018, according to industry intelligence specialists ReportBuyer.

Growth will be fuelled by recoveries in the manufacturing and construction sectors, which are now strengthening following post-recession troughs.

The cosmetics, toiletries and pharmaceuticals industries are predicted to drive growth as the markets accounted for more than 75 percent of tube and stick packaging demand from 2008-2013.

Improved output of cosmetics and toiletries, and pharmaceuticals, relative to the 2008-2013 period will support gains as these markets comprise more than 75 percent of tube and stick packaging demand.

Squeeze tubes, which represented three-fifths of demand in 2013, are the most popular tube and stick packaging product type. Demand for squeeze tubes is expected to increase 3.8 percent annually to $1.3 billion in 2018.

Beyond improved output in key markets, gains will be also be driven by new decorative processes and advanced delivery systems that can protect and extend the shelf life of oxygen-sensitive contents.

Unit-of-use tubes, which offer accurate dosing of pharmaceuticals and serve as sample or promotional packaging for cosmetics and toiletries, are also predicted to experience above average growth.

Laminate tubes are expected to maintain dominance in toothpaste packaging and will gain ground in other cosmetic and toiletry applications and at the expense of plastic and collapsible metal tubes.