US-based consumer company Colgate-Palmolive has introduced its first-ever recyclable toothpaste tube in partnership with packaging firm Albéa.
The new Smile for Good toothpaste is housed in a tube made from High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), which is traditionally used to make plastic bags.
Toothpaste tubes are generally not accepted by recycling facilities due to their mix of materials.
These materials include plastic, paperboard and aluminium, as well as other metals.
“Albéa’s commitment to sustainability goes back 15 years and us reflected in our broad range of responsible packaging,” said Gilles Swyngedauw, Albéa’s VP Marketing, Innovation and Sustainability.
“Today we are accelerating the development of recyclable packaging and contributing to circularity in the beauty and personal care industry.”
Meanwhile, according to the company's VP Global Sustainability and Supply Chain Strategy, Ann Tracy, Colgate-Palmolive is taking part in a number programmes to become more environmentally friendly.
She said: “We’re committed to using less plastic, and more recycled material, in our packaging.
“We’re helping to strengthen recycling by supporting the Closed Loop Fund and other efforts.
“And we’re exploring new ingredients and models, including TerraCycle’s Loop initiative for reusable, refillable packaging.”
Colgate finalised the design for its new Smile for Good product last year. It is expected to roll out in 2020.
