Ethan Clarke
Plastic squeeze tubes are a common packaging type for many items used daily, such as lotion, shampoo, toothpaste, food, and other household products. However, the question of whether these tubes are recyclable is complex. While some companies offer recyclable opaque pop-top plastic squeeze tubes, the reality is that the recyclability of plastic squeeze tubes depends on various factors, including the material composition and the recycling infrastructure in a specific region. Initiatives and collaborations are underway to enhance the recyclability of plastic squeeze tubes, but currently, the symbols on packages can be confusing, and the tubes themselves are often made of multiple materials, making recycling challenging.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recyclability | Plastic squeeze tubes are not easily recyclable due to the variety of materials used in their composition. However, some companies offer recyclable options. |
| Ongoing Initiatives | Organizations like Stina Inc., More Recycling, and Recycle BC are working to improve the recyclability of plastic squeeze tubes through collaboration, data analysis, and pilot projects. |
| Consumer Behavior | Consumers are increasingly conscious of environmental impact and prefer recyclable packaging options. |
| Product Compatibility | Plastic squeeze tubes are used for various products, including lotion, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, food, and household items. |
| Challenges | Symbols on packaging can be confusing, and the variety of materials used in tubes can make recycling challenging. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic squeeze tubes are used to package everyday products
Plastic squeeze tubes are a common packaging format for many everyday products, from lotion, shampoo, and conditioner to toothpaste, food, medication, and household items. They are also used for skincare, cosmetics, shaving cream, sunscreen, paint, and even hard candy. Their convenience and functionality make them a popular choice for consumers and brands alike.
However, the recyclability of plastic squeeze tubes has been a growing concern. While some companies offer recyclable opaque pop-top plastic squeeze tubes, the reality is that the majority of plastic squeeze tubes are not widely accepted by recycling programs. The complex makeup of the materials used in these tubes, which can include various layers of plastic, aluminium, and other composite materials, poses a significant challenge to the recycling process.
The path towards making plastic squeeze tubes recyclable involves collaboration between multiple stakeholders, including producers, brands, and recycling organizations. Efforts are being made to address the barriers to recycling these tubes, such as determining the material composition and understanding the volume of tubes in the marketplace. The goal is to find compatible recycling streams and enhance the value of existing commodities.
Some organizations, like Stina, have developed strategies to facilitate stakeholder engagement and collaboration. They work to gather critical data, raise awareness, and provide tools for visualizing information to support the transition to circularity. Their decision-tree tool, for instance, helps lay out a roadmap to recyclability. Additionally, initiatives like the Plastic Squeeze Tubes Consumer Outreach Recycling Pilot by More Recycling and Recycle BC aim to evaluate the effectiveness and responsibility of adding plastic squeeze tubes to accepted material lists.
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Plastic tubes are made from various materials
The variety of materials used in plastic tubes poses a challenge to recycling efforts. Composite materials, such as laminated layers of aluminium and plastic, are particularly difficult to recycle. While some regions have the infrastructure to recycle composite items, they often require special facilities and cannot be included in kerbside recycling programmes.
Companies are working to develop plastic squeeze tubes that are compatible with existing recycling streams. These efforts involve collaboration between tube producers, brands, and stakeholders to address barriers and find solutions. Initiatives like the Plastic Squeeze Tubes Consumer Outreach Recycling Pilot in British Columbia aim to evaluate the effectiveness and responsibility of adding plastic squeeze tubes to accepted material lists for recycling.
Despite these efforts, plastic squeeze tubes are not yet widely accepted in recycling programmes. Consumers are advised to check the symbols on the packaging and local recycling guidelines to determine if the tubes can be recycled. Proper disposal involves cleaning out the excess contents and placing them in the correct recycling receptacle. Some companies offer recyclable opaque pop-top plastic squeeze tubes, providing environmentally conscious options for their customers.
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Symbols on plastic packaging can be confusing
Plastic squeeze tubes are commonly used to package everyday products such as lotion, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, food, and other household items. While some plastic squeeze tubes are recyclable, the symbols on plastic packaging can be confusing and vary by region.
The first step in determining whether a plastic squeeze tube is recyclable is to identify the material it is made of. Plastic tubes can be made of various materials, including aluminium, laminated layers of aluminium and plastic, soft and hard plastics, and labelling made from different plastic types. This mix of materials makes recycling challenging.
In some regions, such as the Macedon Ranges in Australia, composite items like Tetrapak milk and juice cartons can be recycled in specific bins (e.g., the yellow bin) and sent to special facilities for sorting and recycling. However, in general, plastic squeeze tubes cannot be placed in kerbside recycling bins and are not collected by some recycling programs.
To make matters more confusing, some plastic packaging may claim to be "biodegradable" or made from plant materials, but these should not be put into recycling bins either. These environmentally friendly alternatives do not break down under landfill conditions and can contaminate the recycling stream if mixed with other recyclable items.
To navigate the complexity of plastic squeeze tube recyclability, organizations like Stina have created tools such as decision trees to guide stakeholders and consumers toward more sustainable practices. Additionally, initiatives like the Plastic Squeeze Tubes Consumer Outreach Recycling Pilot by More Recycling and Recycle BC aim to address the barriers to recycling plastic squeeze tubes and evaluate their effective and responsible inclusion in accepted material lists.
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Plastic tubes are a common packaging type
The problem with plastic squeeze tubes is that they can be made of many different materials, including aluminium, laminated layers of aluminium and plastic, layers of soft and hard plastics, and labelling made from different types of plastic. This makes them composite items, which are harder to recycle. For example, in the Macedon Ranges, squeeze tubes cannot go into kerbside recycling and are not collected by Terracycle.
The process of making plastic tubes recyclable involves several steps and stakeholders. The first step is to determine the make-up of the material and how much is in the marketplace. This information can help decide whether the material should be targeted as a new segregated recycling commodity or if it can be added to an existing commodity. The next step is to improve the compatibility of the format so that adding the tubes to the recycling stream enhances rather than compromises the value of an existing commodity stream.
Some companies are working towards making their plastic tubes recyclable. For example, Stina has created a decision tree tool to lay out a roadmap to recyclability, and Green Earth Packaging offers recyclable opaque pop-top plastic squeeze tubes. Recycle BC is also reviewing the results of a plastic squeeze tube recovery facility flow test to determine if plastic squeeze tubes can be added to their accepted materials list.
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Companies are working to innovate new recyclable plastic tubes
Plastic squeeze tubes are used to package everyday products such as lotion, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, and food. While they are an effective packaging type, they also contribute to the growing problem of plastic waste. Each year, more than 8 million metric tons of plastic waste enter the oceans, causing countries to implement regulations on single-use plastics. This has created challenges for manufacturers, who must adapt to new standards, and for consumers, who are increasingly making purchasing decisions based on sustainable packaging.
In response to these environmental concerns and market demands, companies are working to innovate new recyclable plastic tubes. For example, EPL has introduced 100% recyclable tubes, and Colgate now uses recyclable tubes for about 90% of its North American toothpaste SKUs, with the goal of reaching 100% by next year. Additionally, Stina has created a decision tree tool to layout a roadmap to recyclability for plastic squeeze tubes, and Unilever is developing recyclable and compostable alternatives to plastic, such as paper-based packaging.
The industry is also focusing on sustainability and circular economy practices, with companies adopting recycled materials, innovating in biodegradable options, and enhancing recycling programs to meet regulatory requirements and consumer expectations. For instance, some companies are removing plastic altogether, such as Dirt Is Good’s new cardboard containers for laundry detergents, and Pot Noodle's new recyclable paper-based pots. Others are exploring new technologies to reduce plastic, such as paper-based flexible packaging with ultra-thin coatings made from bio- and mineral-sourced natural materials.
Through collaboration and innovation, companies are working to address the challenges of plastic waste and create more recyclable and sustainable packaging solutions for plastic squeeze tubes. This includes facilitating stakeholder engagement and collaboration, gathering and assessing critical data and insights, and raising awareness to support the transition to a circular economy. By working together and leveraging their access to information and tools, companies can develop solutions to recycle plastic squeeze tube packaging and create a more sustainable future.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic squeeze tubes are not widely recyclable, but some companies are working to address the barriers to recycling them.
Plastic squeeze tubes can be made of various materials, including aluminium, laminated layers of aluminium and plastic, layers of soft and hard plastics, and labelling made from different types of plastic.
Items made from composite materials, like plastic squeeze tubes, are harder to recycle. The different types of materials in composite packaging must be separated before they can be recycled, which is a challenge for recycling facilities.
Some companies offer recyclable opaque pop-top plastic squeeze tubes in various sizes, which can be disposed of in the correct recycling receptacle after cleaning out the excess contents.
Organisations like Stina, More Recycling, and Recycle BC are working to improve the recyclability of plastic squeeze tubes. They are facilitating stakeholder engagement, gathering critical data, raising awareness, and conducting pilot projects to address the barriers to recycling plastic squeeze tubes effectively.
