Unlike most plastics, toothpaste tubes cannot be recycled because there is a mix of both plastics and aluminum. Thus, they are impossible to recycle. However, that is about to change.
After 5 years of development, Colgate is launching a recyclable toothpaste tube in 2020. This is part of Colgate’s plan to have all of the products it produces to use recyclable packaging by 2025.
Why is it So Hard to Make a Recyclable Toothpaste Tube?
One of the key features of a toothpaste tube is its squeezability. If you tried to make a toothpaste tube out of plastics by normal means, you would find it is too difficult to squeeze out that last bit of paste.
Instead, Colgate has invented the first recyclable toothpaste tube by using different grades of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). If you used the same grade throughout, you would lack the necessary squeezability.
However, by using different grades of HDPE, you get a perfect recyclable toothpaste tube that is easy to squeeze.
Colgate Will Share The Technology
Colgate is fully committed to the viability of this product and has plans to share it with other tube manufacturers. This will increase the long-term viability of the product.
With more manufacturers using this type of tube, recycling will be easier. This is because the more common something is, the easier it is to upgrade recycling technology to include it.
Toothpaste tubes are one of many types of tubes that cannot be recycled. This will revolutionize the entire tube manufacturing sector and help cut back on plastic pollution around the world.
Companies Are Embracing Green Technology
Going green is very popular right now. Not only does it create a more sustainable model of industries, but it’s what customers want. Customers are now willing to spend more money on products that are better for the environment.
Why?
Because it makes customers feel like they are making a good purchase. Customers are more likely to buy products when they feel good about it. Businesses are fully aware of this, which is why they are embracing environmentally friendly manufacturing.
In the past, it would have taken government intervention to get companies to make significant changes. However, businesses like Adidas, Apple, Poland Springs, Samsung and more are all choosing to make their products recyclable on their own.
Humanity needs solutions for both climate change and plastic pollution, and large companies are beginning to act.
