Ethan Clarke
Colgate has been working to reduce the environmental impact of its products, including the creation of the first recyclable tube for all its toothpaste. The company has also been sharing its technology with other brands to encourage a global shift towards recyclable toothpaste tubes. In 2019, Colgate earned recognition for technical recyclability from the APR (Association of Plastic Recyclers), demonstrating that its tubes could be recycled and reused. The Colgate tube is primarily made of HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene), #2 plastic, which is one of the most recycled plastics. While the tube is recyclable, it is not biodegradable. Previously, toothpaste brands used microbeads, which are small plastic particles, as abrasive agents. However, due to their negative environmental impact, microbeads are being phased out, and Colgate offers alternatives like natural ingredients and polymer-based particles that dissolve in water.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic in toothpaste | Microbeads, which are small plastic particles, were used in toothpaste as abrasive agents. However, due to their negative environmental impact, they are being phased out and replaced with polymer-based particles or natural ingredients. |
| Plastic in toothpaste tubes | Colgate toothpaste tubes are made of High-Density Polyethylene (#2 plastic), which is recyclable but not biodegradable. The caps are made of Polypropylene (#5 plastic). |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic microbeads in toothpaste
Plastic microbeads, or microplastics, are small plastic particles that measure between 5 μm and 5 mm in size. They are often used in personal care products, including toothpaste, as abrasive scrubbers to remove surface stains from teeth. However, due to their small size, they can pass through wastewater treatment systems and end up in oceans and freshwater bodies, contributing to plastic pollution. As a result, there has been a push to ban microbeads in products, with Australia's Department of the Environment and Energy (DEE) announcing a voluntary phase-out of microbeads in 2015.
Colgate, as a leading global oral care brand, has played a significant role in addressing the environmental impact of plastic toothpaste tubes. Traditional toothpaste tubes were often made of mixed materials, including different plastics and aluminum, making them difficult to recycle. Recognizing the need for change, Colgate introduced the first-of-its-kind recyclable toothpaste tube made primarily of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), a widely recycled plastic commonly used in milk jugs and plastic bottles.
HDPE presented a unique challenge in creating a squeezable tube due to its rigidity. However, by compiling several grades of HDPE material, Colgate successfully developed a tube that is comfortable to squeeze, maintains product integrity, meets production demands, and, most importantly, is recyclable. This innovation was recognized by the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) in 2019, as the tube material can be reused to create new plastic products and packaging.
Colgate has taken a step further by openly sharing its technology and partnering with competitors and third parties to drive a global shift towards recyclable toothpaste tubes. This open-source approach has led to a commitment from over 90% of US-based toothpaste brands to transition to recyclable tubes by 2025. Additionally, Colgate has been working to educate recyclers about recyclable tubes and improve the overall recyclability of its products, including the toothpaste formula itself.
While Colgate has discontinued the use of plastic microbeads in its toothpaste, it is important to note that the company continues to focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility in its product design and manufacturing processes.
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Recyclable toothpaste tubes
Toothpaste tubes are often made with a combination of different plastics and a thin layer of aluminum. This mix of materials makes them hard to recycle, and it is unlikely that they are accepted through curbside recycling pickup.
However, in 2019, Colgate started transitioning to recyclable toothpaste tubes made of #2 plastic (HDPE), with the goal of having all of its toothpaste tubes recyclable by the end of 2025. This type of plastic is one of the most recycled plastics and can be turned into all kinds of new products, including construction materials and new packaging.
Colgate's recyclable tube is made from High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), the same plastic used for milk and detergent bottles. The tube can be recycled with plastic bottles, requiring no extra steps such as rinsing, cutting, or cleaning before tossing it into a recycling bin.
To encourage the adoption of recyclable tubes, Colgate has shared its technology and partnered with third parties, including competitors, to promote the transition. They have also launched a "`Recycle Me`!" campaign to build awareness of recyclable tubes among consumers and the recycling community.
During the transition phase, acceptance of tubes at certain recycling facilities may be limited, and consumers should check with their local community facilities. In the meantime, consumers can recycle their toothpaste tubes through TerraCycle's free Oral Care Recycling Program, which accepts all brands of used or empty toothpaste tubes and other oral care products.
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Plastic in the environment
Plastic pollution is a pressing environmental issue, with microplastics reported in every major open ocean and many freshwater lakes and rivers. In response to this, Colgate has developed the first-of-its-kind recyclable toothpaste tube, with the aim of reducing the environmental impact of brushing.
The tube is primarily made of HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene), #2 plastic, which is one of the most recycled plastics. This plastic is used to make milk jugs and other plastic bottles and is accepted by current conventional recycling streams. The caps are made of PP (Polypropylene), #5 plastic, which is also recyclable.
Colgate has also addressed the issue of plastic microbeads in toothpaste, which have a negative impact on the environment. Microbeads are small, solid, plastic particles that are cheap and easy to mass-produce, making them a popular ingredient in personal care products. However, they are not biodegradable and can harm the environment. Colgate has committed to phasing out microbeads and has developed alternative abrasives that are effective and safe for the environment.
The company is also sharing its technology and partnering with third parties to create a global shift towards recyclable toothpaste tubes. They are working with other brands and industry partners to promote the transition to recyclable tubes and increase the acceptance of recycled materials. By 2025, all major toothpaste brands have publicly committed to transitioning their tube portfolios to recyclable options.
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Alternatives to plastic in toothpaste
Plastic microbeads were once a popular ingredient in toothpastes due to their abrasive qualities. However, they have been found to have negative environmental impacts, leading to a voluntary move to end their use in personal care products. As a result, there is now a growing trend towards plastic-free and zero-waste toothpaste alternatives.
One alternative to plastic in toothpaste is powder-based toothpaste. The Dirt's Powdered Toothpaste, for example, offers a range of flavours and comes in powder form in a mini glass jar or container. Another option is toothpaste tablets, such as Denttabs Tooth Tablets, which are vegan-friendly and cruelty-free, and come in a certified home compostable bag. Huppy Toothpaste Tablets are another tablet option, which are crafted with vegan-friendly ingredients and come in recyclable or compostable packaging.
Toothpaste alternatives can also come in paste form, such as Butter Me Up Organics, which offers a toothpaste alternative free of plastic, BPA, and other harmful ingredients like palm oil. This toothpaste is made in small batches and tested for effectiveness before being sold, and is packaged in glass containers with recyclable aluminium lids.
Other alternatives to plastic in toothpaste include bamboo toothbrushes and bamboo charcoal floss, which is a biodegradable, gentle, sturdy, and natural option.
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Plastic in other oral care products
Plastic is prevalent in oral care products, from toothpaste tubes to toothbrushes, mouthwash, and dental materials. The plastic content in oral care products has raised concerns due to its potential harm to human health and the environment.
Toothpaste tubes, for example, are often made of plastic, and while some companies like Colgate have introduced recyclable tubes, the plastic waste generated from toothpaste tubes is significant. Toothbrushes are another major contributor to plastic waste, with over 1 billion toothbrushes ending up in the trash annually in the United States alone.
Toothpaste formulas have also come under scrutiny for containing microbeads, which are small plastic particles added for their abrasive properties. These microbeads have been found to have negative environmental impacts, leading to their gradual eradication.
Some companies are addressing these concerns by reducing plastic usage, using recycled materials, or offering refillable options. Sustainable alternatives, such as toothpaste tablets, natural ingredients like baking soda, and eco-friendly teeth-whitening strips, are gaining popularity.
The oral care industry is moving towards greater sustainability, with advancements in recyclable materials like high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and increased consumer awareness about minimizing plastic waste.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Colgate toothpaste does not contain plastic microbeads. Microbeads were previously used in toothpaste to add abrasivity, but they have been phased out due to their negative impact on the environment.
Yes, Colgate toothpaste tubes are primarily made of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), which is a type of plastic. However, Colgate has introduced the first-of-its-kind recyclable toothpaste tube, and is working towards making all of its toothpaste tubes recyclable by 2025.
Traditional toothpaste tubes were made of mixed materials, different plastics, and aluminum, which prevented them from being recycled. With over 20 billion toothpaste tubes manufactured each year, Colgate felt a responsibility to create a tube that was recyclable and compatible with existing recycling streams.
If your tube has a recycling symbol, simply squeeze out as much toothpaste as possible, put the cap back on, and place the tube in your recycling bin. The cap is made of a different type of plastic, so some recyclers may prefer it to be removed. Check your local recycling rules.
