Toothpaste tubes are typically made from plastic, aluminum or a plastic-aluminum composite. Generally, plastic #4 and aluminum tubes will be the easiest to recycle. The earliest versions were collapsible tubes made of tin, zinc or lead, sometimes coated with wax on the inside.
A billion toothpaste tubes.
That’s a lot of toothpaste tubes that would be recyclable by 2025, a commitment made by GSK Consumer Healthcare to lessen the plastic burden by 2025.
The world’s leading consumer healthcare business announced in mid-May that it is partnering with two global packaging suppliers to make fully recyclable tubes for its toothpaste and oral health care line.
In partnership with Albea, one of the world’s largest tube manufacturers, and EPL Global, GSK will rid its toothpaste tubes in Europe of aluminum barrier laminates by July.
Albéa makes packaging for toothpaste tubes, lipsticks, mascaras, fragrance caps and skincare jars. EPL is one of the largest global specialty packaging companies manufacturing laminated plastic tubes.
The recyclable tubes will be replaced by laminates that have passed recycling-readiness tests set by the US-based Association of Plastic Recyclers and by Europe’s RecyClass.
The tubes – over a billion each year by 2025 –will be recyclable and compatible with current recycling processes.
Toothpaste tubes are typically made from plastic, aluminum or a plastic-aluminum composite. Generally, plastic #4 and aluminum tubes will be the easiest to recycle.
The earliest versions were collapsible tubes made of tin, zinc or lead, sometimes coated with wax on the inside.
“We have made the commitment that 100 percent of our product packaging will be recyclable or reusable, where quality and safety permits, by 2025,” said Sarah McDonald, Vice President for Sustainability at GSK Consumer Healthcare.
GSK is now collaborating with retailers and dental healthcare professionals to drive the growth of more sustainable options in oral care products worldwide.
Earlier this year in Germany, it launched its first bamboo toothbrush with a biodegradable handle and plastic-free packaging made from recycled cardboard.
Its plastic-free toothbrush packaging features a cellulose gum window which enables shoppers to see the brush inside.
GSK is aiming for a company-wide commitment to achieve a net zero impact on climate and a positive impact on nature by 2030, said CEO Emma Walmsley in November 2020.
“Responsible packaging is now a must-have – and it requires close collaboration between a committed brand and a daring supplier,” said Karl Graves, Business Director at Albéa Tubes.
Colgate-Palmolive, which owns the Colgate brand, is also committed to use 100 percent recyclable packaging on all its products by 2025.
In 2020 Colgate launched its recyclable toothpaste tube made from the same type of plastic as milk jugs: high density polyethylene.
It’s not just oral health care products that are going green. Starbucks has eliminated all plastic straws; its new paper cup uses less plastic.
Procter & Gamble is making refillable packages for Olay moisturizer. Coca-Cola will make its cans and bottles from at least 50 percent recycled material.
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Dr. Joseph D. Lim is the former Associate Dean of the UE College of Dentistry, former Dean of the College of Dentistry, National University, past president and honorary fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy, and honorary fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists. Honorary Life Member of Thai Association of Dental Implantology. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515./WDJ