A biodegradable tube comprises a mom-rigid paper tubular body defining a lumen for containing a semi-solid composition; a paper tubular cap that slidably mates with the body; and wherein interior surfaces of the each of the body and the cap have a coating that is substantially impermeable to the semi-solid composition. In preferred embodiments the tube body and cap have tapered sealed ends, 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 include for example lip balm, facial cream, lotion, deodorant, sunscreen, caulk, grease sticks, mosquito repellant, and shoe polish.