A biodegradable tube (100) comprises a non-rigid paper tubular body (110) defining a lumen for containing a semi-solid composition (150); a paper tubular cap (120) that slidably mates with the body (110); and wherein interior surfaces of the each of the body (110) and the cap (120) have a coating that is substantially impermeable to the semi-solid composition (150) In preferred embodiments the tube body and cap have tapered sealed ends (132, 134), the coating comprises an adhesive, and the walls of the tube/cap comprise a rolled paper material upon which the coating has been applied. Contemplated semi-solid product materials (150) include for example lip balm, facial cream, lotion, deodorant, sunscreen, caulk, grease sticks, mosquito repellant, and shoe polish.