Chloe Zhang
Toothpaste tubes are predominantly made from plastic, with some varieties incorporating aluminium. Plastic Barrier Laminate (PBL) tubes are made from multiple layers of plastic, while Aluminium Barrier Laminate (ABL) tubes have a layer of aluminium between layers of plastic. The plastic used in toothpaste tubes is often polyethylene, a simple polymer that is cheap to produce and protects the contents of the tube from oxygen. With sustainability in mind, some brands have adopted recyclable plastics such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) for their toothpaste tubes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic type | Polyethylene, Polyethylene glycol, Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), Polyethylene terephthalate, Polypropylene (PP), Polyvinyl chloride, Polyamide |
| Plastic size | Less than 5mm, or microbeads |
| Plastic use | Scrubbing, peeling, exfoliating, decorative purposes |
| Plastic impact | Harmful to the environment, potential threat to human health |
| Plastic alternatives | Natural alternatives such as finely ground fruit seeds, sand, bamboo, or bio glitter |
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What You'll Learn
Toothpaste tubes are often made from High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
As a popular choice for packaging, HDPE offers several advantages. Firstly, it is a relatively inexpensive material, making it cost-effective for mass production. Secondly, HDPE is lightweight, which reduces shipping costs and facilitates easy handling for both manufacturers and consumers. Additionally, this type of plastic exhibits excellent moisture barrier properties, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity and freshness of the toothpaste inside.
The process of manufacturing toothpaste tubes using HDPE involves several steps. The HDPE resin is first melted and extruded into a thin, continuous tube shape. This tube is then cooled and cut to the desired length. After that, the tubes undergo various processes, such as printing, sealing, and capping, to create the final product.
Toothpaste tubes made from HDPE are widely recycled, contributing to their sustainability. The recycling process typically involves collecting and sorting the tubes from other plastic waste streams. They are then cleaned and shredded into small pieces. These shredded fragments can be melted and repurposed to create new products, such as outdoor furniture, plastic lumber, or even new tubes.
Overall, the use of HDPE in toothpaste tubes showcases the material's versatility and functionality. Its durability, moisture resistance, and recyclability make it a popular choice for packaging in the oral care industry, ensuring the protection and longevity of the toothpaste during transportation, storage, and consumer use.
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Plastic microbeads were previously used in toothpaste
The use of plastic microbeads in toothpaste has been phased out due to environmental and health concerns. Microbeads are resistant to biodegradation and can persist in the environment for a long time. They can also absorb pollutants in waterways, leading to contamination up the food chain, including the fish that people eat.
In 2012, Unilever was the first multinational company to announce the phasing out of plastic microbeads from their products worldwide, and other multinationals soon followed suit. This action was driven by campaigns and environmental organizations pushing for accountability. As a result, many manufacturers have replaced microbeads with sustainable, biodegradable options, such as crushed nut shells and apricot kernels.
While microbeads have been banned in toothpastes, it is important to note that not all plastic ingredients have been banned. Microplastics, which are smaller than 5 mm, are still present in many cosmetic and personal care products, including some toothpastes. These microplastics can be in the form of "sceptical microplastics," where there is not enough information available to classify them as microplastics, or other plastic ingredients that are not defined as microbeads.
Toothpaste alternatives that do not contain microplastics or plastic ingredients are available, and consumers can make informed decisions by looking for certifications like "Zero Plastic Inside" or the American Dental Association Seal of Approval, which ensures that the toothpaste has a relative dentin abrasivity (RDA) score of 250 or less, indicating that it will not harm tooth enamel.
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Toothpaste tubes are difficult to recycle
The plastic components in toothpaste tubes can vary, but they often include polyethylene, which is a common type of plastic resin. Polyethylene is known for its flexibility and moisture resistance, making it suitable for packaging applications. However, the specific type of polyethylene used in toothpaste tubes may differ, and it can be challenging to separate and process during recycling.
Additionally, the aluminium layer in the toothpaste tube serves as a barrier to protect the product from moisture and air. While aluminium is recyclable, separating it from the plastic layers can be complex and energy-intensive. The process may involve melting the plastic and separating the aluminium through a physical or chemical process. However, this specialised recycling process is not widely available, and many recycling facilities are not equipped to handle it.
Furthermore, the small size and shape of toothpaste tubes can pose challenges for recycling. They can fall through the cracks of recycling machinery, and their tubular form may not be easily sortable in conventional recycling facilities. As a result, toothpaste tubes often end up in landfills or incinerators rather than being recycled.
To address the issue, some companies have explored alternative packaging materials for toothpaste. These include biodegradable plastics, paper-based tubes, or glass containers with recyclable aluminium lids. Consumers can also play a role in reducing waste by choosing toothpaste tablets or powder packaged in recyclable or compostable materials, minimising the amount of waste generated from traditional toothpaste tubes.
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Plastic Barrier Laminate (PBL) tubes are used in the toothpaste industry
Plastic Barrier Laminate (PBL) tubes are commonly used in the toothpaste industry. These tubes are made from multiple layers of plastic, which offers decent protection to the toothpaste. PBL tubes are lightweight, flexible, and provide a stable packaging platform. They are ideal for standard toothpaste formulations as they are less expensive than ABL tubes.
PBL tubes are made from plastic granules, which form a protective barrier that prolongs the life of the toothpaste by preventing oxygen from entering. They also prevent certain oils from transferring between the outer plastic layers to or from the product. The plastic structure retains its structure through the "memory" of the plastic, even after handling.
PBL tubes are often used for cosmetic products, personal care lines, and pharmaceuticals. They are versatile and can be used for food products and in the chemical industry. With the option of 8 printed colours and premium surface treatments, PBL tubes provide unmatched clarity and artwork solutions.
The growing focus on sustainability has led to the development of eco-friendly toothpaste tubes, which are designed to minimise environmental impact while offering the same functionality as traditional packaging. Some brands have adopted recyclable plastics such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) to create tubes that can be recycled in existing plastic waste streams.
While PBL tubes are widely used, it is important to note that they can contribute to plastic waste. According to a study, it takes 500 years for a toothpaste tube to fully biodegrade in a landfill. This has prompted the development of biodegradable tubes made from plant-based materials and paper-based tubes that use minimal plastic or aluminium lining to reduce plastic waste.
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Plastic-free toothpaste alternatives are available
Toothpaste tubes are often made from plastic that is not easily recyclable, and many toothpastes also contain microplastics—small plastic particles used for scrubbing. Microplastics are harmful to the environment as they are very resistant to biodegradation.
However, plastic-free toothpaste alternatives are available. These include powder, tablet, and paste forms, all with containers that are recyclable, refillable, or compostable. For example, The Dirt's Powdered Toothpaste offers a range of flavours and comes in a mini glass jar. Toothpaste tablets, such as Denttabs, are another option that is often vegan-friendly and cruelty-free. Some toothpaste tablets come in compostable packaging, while others come in refillable glass jars or aluminium tins.
Many plastic-free toothpaste alternatives are also free from fluoride, which can be harmful if there is too much exposure. However, it is important to follow your dentist's advice when choosing a toothpaste alternative, as some medical conditions may require a specific brand of toothpaste.
Overall, there are a variety of plastic-free toothpaste alternatives available that can help reduce your plastic waste and environmental impact.
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Frequently asked questions
Toothpaste tubes are often made from polyethylene (PE) or a combination of plastic materials. They can be made from a single layer of plastic, or multiple layers, including a barrier layer that helps protect the toothpaste from air, moisture, and external contaminants.
There are several types of toothpaste tubes, including monolayer plastic tubes, multilayer plastic tubes, soft plastic tubes, crimped aluminium tubes, laminated aluminium tubes, and plastic barrier laminate (PBL) tubes.
Traditionally, toothpaste tubes have not been recycled because they are made with a mix of materials. However, some companies like Colgate have started using recyclable materials such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) for their tubes.
Biodegradable tubes made from plant-based materials such as sugarcane are more easily broken down compared to conventional plastics. Paper-based tubes that use a combination of paper and minimal plastic or aluminium lining are also fully recyclable or compostable.
