Cartridges

A cartridge is a cylindrical tube used to package and dispense viscous products like sealants, adhesives, and greases through a nozzle. Also known as caulking or grease tubes, cartridges hold the product against a movable plunger, which is pushed by an applicator gun to dispense a controlled bead. This makes them a preferred packaging format for industrial chemical products that require precise, low-waste application.

Cartridges are used across the industrial chemicals industry to package products that need controlled dispensing and durable, leakproof storage. Common contents include adhesives, sealants, lubricants, greases, and latex and silicone applications. Their ability to withstand extreme working conditions makes them well-suited to construction, manufacturing, and repair environments where precise application matters.

The standard caulking cartridge size is around 300ml (roughly 10oz), which fits most standard caulking guns used in construction and industrial settings. Larger and custom sizes are available for specialized applications and higher-volume use. Evergreen offers caulking cartridges in 250ml, 280ml, 290ml, and 300ml, with custom capacities available to match specific product and gun requirements.

Caulking cartridges are commonly made from plastic, fiber (paperboard), or aluminum, with the choice driven by the product formulation and application. Plastic options include HDPE, PP, and PET, offering durability and chemical resistance, while fiber cartridges provide a more sustainable, paper-based alternative. Aluminum is used for products requiring a full barrier against air and moisture. Evergreen offers quality-certified cartridges in all three materials.

An integrated nozzle is molded as part of the cartridge body, while a separate nozzle is a distinct piece attached to the cartridge. Integrated nozzles, available on plastic cartridges, reduce assembly and offer a clean one-piece design. Separated nozzles allow the nozzle to be swapped or matched to different tip styles and applications. Evergreen offers both structures to suit different dispensing needs.

Yes, cartridge nozzle tips can be cut down to widen the opening and adjust the bead size for different applications. Cutting the tip at different points controls the width and flow rate of the dispensed product, letting a single cartridge serve multiple job requirements. Evergreen's needle-nose caulking tubes offer precise dispensing and work with a range of plungers, tops, nozzles, and spouts.

Cartridges can be decorated through several methods to build shelf impact and brand recognition. Options include offset printing, silkscreen printing, and in-mold labeling, with pressure-sensitive labeling available for fiber cartridges. The right method depends on the cartridge material and the level of graphic detail required. Evergreen's advanced graphic and printing capabilities help brands stand out in an often utilitarian product category.

Quality control for cartridges centers on verifying leakproof performance, plunger movement, and dimensional accuracy so each unit works reliably with standard applicator guns. Testing typically includes seal and leak checks, plunger travel and dispensing tests, and inspection of nozzle threads and fit. Evergreen applies strict quality control processes across its network of trusted global manufacturers to deliver consistent, reliable cartridges at scale.