An apparatus comprises: - transferring means (50) for transferring a dose (D) of flowable material, said dose (D) being provided with an elongated body (39) having a transverse dimension (M) and an end zone (19; 119; 219); - receiving means (21) for receiving said dose (D) from said transferring means (50); said transferring means (50) comprising end-forming means (18) for forming said end zone (19; 119; 219) in such a way as to decrease said transverse dimension (M) in the vicinity of said end zone (19; 119; 219). A dose of plastics comprises an elongated body (39) provided with a transverse dimension (M), said elongated body (39) comprising an end zone (19; 119; 219) provided with a respective transverse dimension (N) that is less than said transverse dimension (M).
