Colgate launches first recyclable toothpaste tube in South Africa

Retail 28 April 2021

Colgate announced that it has introduced its first recyclable toothpaste tube in South Africa.

The oral care brand has launched its new Naturals toothpaste range, with packaging composed of a recyclable plastic tube inside a recycled carton box.

The range consists of three variants which are Charcoal, Hemp Seed Oil and Aloe Vera which contain ingredients that are 99.7% of natural origin to make the paste optimal for everyday protection.

The new tubes are made using high-density polyethene (HDPE), the plastic used to make milk jugs and other plastic bottles that is already widely recycled.

The tube has received recognition from the APR (Association of Plastic Recyclers) and RecyClass (an initiative that works on improving the recyclability of packaging) which sets recyclability standards for North America and Europe respectively.

“Building on ongoing efforts to help people make small, sustainable changes for the better, the recyclable tube is a way Colgate is improving the sustainability profile of our products to help achieve our aim of 100% recyclable packaging by 2025. With this breakthrough, we’re proudly helping to build a more environmentally friendly future for generations to come,” said Francois Falls, general manager, Colgate South Africa.

"We’re very excited to bring this recyclable technology to life in South Africa. If recyclable tubes are standardised among all companies, we all win. We want all toothpaste tubes, and eventually, all kinds of tubes, to meet the same third-party recycling standards that we've achieved. We can align on these common standards for tubes and still compete with what's inside them," adds Falls.

Colgate’s 2025 Sustainability and Social Impact Strategy focuses on three ambitions: promoting well-being and inclusivity; helping people develop healthy habits; and preserving and improving the environment.

The Colgate Naturals range is available now at all major retailers in South Africa.

Colgate's first recyclable toothpaste tube introduced in SA