Toothpaste tubes are generally not recyclable because a layer of aluminum is placed between the plastic layers. But recently Colgate announced that they have finalized the design of complete-recyclable toothpaste tube, which is the first recyclable oral care toothpaste tube approved by the Plastics Recycling Association (APR).
This newly designed toothpaste tube has been in development for more than five years and will debut in the US state of Maine next year with Colgate’s Tom’s brand. Subsequently, it will be pushed to Colgate’s global market. The company plans to complete the replacement of recyclable pipes by 2025, when all its products will be 100% recyclable.
To make recyclable tubes, Colgate chose HDPE, the second largest plastic that is widely recycled and used in bottles. Because HDPE is rigid, it is not well suited for ultra-thin laminates and soft, squeezable tubes. The project’s Colgate packaging engineers then discovered that they could use multiple levels of HDPE in their designs. The team tested 12 different combinations and found a formula that allows people to comfortably squeeze out all toothpaste while protecting the integrity of the product and meeting the needs of high-speed production.
To make recyclable tubes, Colgate chose HDPE, the second largest plastic that is widely recycled and used in bottles. Because HDPE is rigid, it is not well suited for ultra-thin laminates and soft, squeezable tubes. The project’s Colgate packaging engineers then discovered that they could use multiple levels of HDPE in their designs. The team tested 12 different combinations and found a formula that allows people to comfortably squeeze out all toothpaste while protecting the integrity of the product and meeting the needs of high-speed production.
In order to be recognized by APR, Colgate has also tested that its toothpaste tube can be run in the conveyor belt of the material recycling facility. Colgate uses radio frequency identification (RFI) tags to track these tubes and prove that they will be properly classified along with the plastic bottles. To prove that recyclable plastic pipe materials can be reused after recycling (which is another key part of APR’s approval), the company crushed these plastic pipes and successfully produced new plastic bottles.
Colgate also partnered with TerraCycle’s Loop to develop reusable, refillable packaging. Ann Tracy, EOHS and Supply Chain Strategy and Vice President of Global Sustainability, said: “Colgate employees are excited about this challenge and the goal of achieving our 100% recyclable packaging. Colgate is committed to using less plastic and in packaging. More recycled materials. We are also helping to improve recycling by supporting closed-loop funds and other efforts.”
