Chloe Zhang
Soft plastic tubes, such as toothpaste tubes, have historically been difficult to recycle due to their multi-layered designs, which often include various resins and aluminium barriers. However, recent years have seen a significant shift towards improving the recyclability of these tubes, with manufacturers opting for monomaterial designs that are compatible with recycling streams. This transition is largely driven by regulatory and public pressure on single-use plastics, as well as the efforts of companies like Colgate-Palmolive and Tom's of Maine, who are working to make their toothpaste tubes recyclable. While some local authorities may not yet accept soft plastic tubes for recycling, the market is moving towards designs that are increasingly recyclable, with the potential to keep billions of tubes out of landfills.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic tubes for hand cream and lotions | Recyclable if your local authority collects pots, tubs and trays |
| Toothpaste tubes | Generally not recyclable, but pump-action tubes can be recycled |
| Plastic tubes smaller than 40 x 40mm | Unlikely to be recycled |
| Tubes that have contained DIY products | Not recyclable due to damaging residue |
| Colgate's recyclable toothpaste tubes | Made of #2 HDPE plastic, which is one of the most recycled plastics |
| Tom's of Maine recyclable toothpaste tubes | Made of #2 HDPE plastic, which is one of the most recycled plastics |
| Neopac's recycled tubes | Made of PCR and PIR material, with caps made of 100% ocean plastic |
| Plastic tubes with multiple materials | Difficult to recycle due to incompatibility with single-stream recycling systems |
| Plastic tubes with monomaterial designs | More recyclable-friendly than multi-material tubes |
| Plastic tubes made of polyethylene | More than 75% compatible with recycling streams |
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What You'll Learn
- Toothpaste tubes: mostly non-recyclable, but some options exist
- Plastic tubes for hand cream: can be recycled if your local authority collects pots, tubs and trays
- Plastic tubes for DIY products: should be placed in the waste bin
- Plastic tubes with multiple materials: difficult to recycle
- Recycled tubes: made from milk bottles and industrial waste
Toothpaste tubes: mostly non-recyclable, but some options exist
Toothpaste tubes are often made from multiple types of plastics, as well as containing a metal layer, and are therefore generally non-recyclable. However, some companies are now offering recyclable alternatives. For example, Colgate offers recyclable toothpaste tubes made from #2 HDPE plastic, which is one of the most recycled plastics. This plastic is designed to be "circular", meaning it can be re-processed into new products and packaging. Tom's of Maine also offers recyclable toothpaste tubes, which are compatible with the HDPE #2 container recycling process.
Pump-action toothpaste tubes are also easier to recycle and can be placed in the recycling if your local authority collects plastic pots, tubs, and trays.
It is worth noting that the recyclability of toothpaste tubes has been rapidly improving in recent years, with more than 75% of HDPE squeeze tubes in the US now compatible with valuable recycling streams. This is a huge change, as plastic tubes have been historically challenging to recycle due to their multi-layer designs. However, as of 2024, the majority of toothpaste tubes are still not recyclable, and consumers should check with their local community programs to ensure that tubes are accepted for recycling.
Some companies are also addressing the issue of non-recyclable toothpaste tubes by offering recycling programs for their products. For example, TerraCycle offers recycling for small toothpaste tubes, toothbrushes, and other packaging that is not recyclable through municipal recycling programs. Neopac also offers recycled tubes made from PCR and PIR materials, with caps made from 100% ocean plastic material.
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Plastic tubes for hand cream: can be recycled if your local authority collects pots, tubs and trays
Plastic tubes for hand cream can be recycled if your local authority collects pots, tubs, and trays. However, it is important to note that not all plastic tubes are recyclable. While the recyclability of plastic tubes has improved significantly in recent years, some tubes, such as toothpaste tubes, are often made with multiple layers of different materials, including plastic and metal, which can hinder the recycling process.
To determine if a plastic tube is recyclable, it is essential to check the recycling guidelines provided by your local authority or recycling center. Some materials may be accepted in one region but not in another. Additionally, certain recycling programs may have specific requirements for preparing plastic tubes before placing them in the recycling bin.
Plastic tubes made from polyethylene, specifically high-density polyethylene (HDPE), are becoming increasingly compatible with valuable recycling streams. HDPE is a commonly recycled plastic that can be transformed into various new products and packaging. It is worth noting that caps on plastic tubes are typically made of a different type of plastic, and some recyclers may prefer them to be removed before recycling. However, it is generally recommended to keep the caps on to prevent litter.
To recycle plastic tubes, it is essential to ensure that the tube is empty and relatively clean. While there is no need to rinse the tube thoroughly, it is advisable to squeeze out as much of the product as possible. By doing so, we can contribute to reducing waste and promoting the recycling of plastic tubes.
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Plastic tubes for DIY products: should be placed in the waste bin
Plastic tubes are an omnipresent packaging form, especially in the US. While plastic tubes for products like hand cream and lotion are increasingly being made from recyclable materials, there are some exceptions. For example, small plastic tubes that are less than 40 x 40 mm are unlikely to be recycled as they will fall out of the recycling process.
Toothpaste tubes, for instance, are often made of different types of plastics and may also contain a metal layer. In general, they are not recyclable, although some companies like Colgate offer recycling options. Pump-action toothpaste tubes can be recycled if your local authority collects plastic pots, tubs, and trays.
Plastic tubes that have contained DIY products like mastic should be placed in the waste bin. The residue from these products can be damaging and contaminate the recycling process.
It is important to note that the recyclability of plastic tubes has been improving rapidly. Efforts from various companies and organizations along the value chain have led to significant changes in a short period. For instance, manufacturers are moving towards monomaterial designs, such as polyethylene or HDPE, which are easier to recycle than multi-material packaging.
Despite these advancements, it is still important to check with local community programs to ensure that specific types of plastic tubes are accepted for recycling.
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Plastic tubes with multiple materials: difficult to recycle
Plastic tubes, such as those used for hand cream and lotion, are becoming increasingly recyclable. However, this depends on the local authority and their recycling capabilities, as well as the type of plastic and the design of the tube.
Toothpaste tubes, for example, often contain multiple materials, such as plastic and a metal or aluminium layer, making them difficult to recycle. While some companies like Colgate offer recycling options for toothpaste tubes, they are not typically recycled. Pump-action toothpaste tubes are easier to recycle and can be placed in recycling if your local authority accepts plastic pots, tubs, and trays.
Small plastic tubes smaller than 40 x 40mm are often not recycled as they can fall out of the recycling process. Plastic tubes that have contained DIY products like mastic should also be avoided as the residue can contaminate the recycling process.
Historically, plastic squeeze tubes have incorporated multiple layers of different materials, such as resin exteriors with aluminium barrier layers, which are challenging to recycle. These multi-material designs create significant challenges for recycling, often resulting in waste streams that are difficult to process efficiently. The aluminium layer, in particular, can hinder the recycling process.
However, manufacturers are now moving towards monomaterial options, and most tubes on the market today are made from polyethylene, specifically High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). HDPE plastic is designed to be "circular," meaning it can be re-processed into new products and packaging. It is one of the most recycled plastics and can be turned into construction materials, new packaging, and other products.
The shift towards monomaterial designs and the use of HDPE plastic have significantly improved the recyclability of plastic tubes. More than 75% of HDPE squeeze tubes in the US are now compatible with valuable recycling streams, indicating a "huge change" in the last five years.
It is important to note that caps on plastic tubes are usually made of a different plastic than the tube itself. While caps are technically recyclable, some recyclers may prefer them to be removed before tubes are recycled. It is always a good idea to check with your local recycling rules.
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Recycled tubes: made from milk bottles and industrial waste
Plastic tubes, such as those used for hand cream and lotions, are increasingly being made from recyclable materials. However, there are still some exceptions, such as toothpaste tubes, which often contain a metal layer and are not generally recyclable. Small plastic tubes smaller than 40 x 40mm are also unlikely to be recycled.
Despite these challenges, there is growing momentum to improve the recyclability of plastic tubes. The Tube Recycling Project, launched in 2015, has made significant progress in advancing the recyclability of this packaging type. Today, more than 75% of HDPE squeeze tubes in the US are compatible with valuable recycling streams. This shift towards monomaterial packaging designs, such as polyethylene or PP, simplifies the recycling process and reduces the risk of materials ending up in landfills.
With the right design choices, plastic tubes can be recycled and contribute to a more sustainable future. One innovative example is the "Recycled Tube" by Neopac, which is made from high-quality recycled PCR and PIR materials sourced from milk bottles and industrial waste. The cap of the Recycled Tube is made from 100% ocean plastics material, further reducing virgin plastic content and aligning with consumer expectations for eco-friendly packaging.
Milk bottles themselves are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), a strong and lightweight plastic that is safe for storing perishable goods and can be recycled in a closed loop. This means that recycled milk bottles can become part of new milk bottles or other valuable products. The recycling process involves collecting, sorting, cleaning, shredding, and turning the bottles into plastic pellets, which can then be moulded into new products.
By embracing recycled materials and innovative packaging designs, companies can enhance their sustainability efforts, reduce environmental impact, and meet consumer demands for eco-friendly options.
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Frequently asked questions
Soft plastic tubes are recyclable, but it depends on the type of plastic and your local authority's recycling capabilities. Plastic tubes are increasingly being made from recyclable materials, and more than 75% of HDPE squeeze tubes in the US are compatible with recycling streams. However, it's essential to check with your local community programs to ensure they accept tubes for recycling.
Toothpaste tubes are often made of different types of plastics and may contain a metal layer, making them challenging to recycle. However, pump-action toothpaste tubes are generally easier to recycle if your local authority collects plastic pots, tubs, and trays. Some companies, like Colgate and Tom's of Maine, offer recycling options for their toothpaste tubes.
Soft plastics, such as plastic bags, garbage bags, butter tubs, and cereal box liners, can often be recycled. However, they may not be accepted in curbside collection programs and might need to be dropped off at specific locations, like grocery stores.
Before recycling soft plastic tubes, ensure they are empty and rinse them clean if necessary. You can keep the caps on the tubes to avoid litter, but some recyclers might prefer them removed, so check your local recycling guidelines.
During the recycling process, soft plastic tubes are ground up and rinsed to remove any residual product. The plastic is then re-processed into new products and packaging, contributing to a greener supply chain and helping companies meet sustainability goals.
