Colgate-Palmolive’s new recyclable tube is made from the same plastic that is used to make bottles. Credit: Business Wire.

American home and personal care products manufacturer Colgate-Palmolive has launched the first toothpaste tube made from recycled plastics.

Under Colgate’s Tom’s of Maine brand, the Antiplaque & Whitening toothpaste tube was shipped to retailers last week.

The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) approved the tube and Colgate has filed patent applications in the US and globally.

The brand will begin the switch to recycled tubes in Europe and North America next year.

The company also said that the tube-making machinery at its facilities worldwide will also finish undergoing modifications by 2025.

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Colgate-Palmolive CEO and president Noel Wallace said: “Colgate wants to make tubes a part of the circular economy by keeping this plastic productive and eliminating waste.

“This advancement can make a significant difference in the marketplace today as we test new packaging materials, product formats and refillable models to reduce our use of plastic.

“If we can standardise recyclable tubes 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 have achieved. We can align on these common standards for tubes and still compete with what is inside them.”

Colgate selected high-density polyethene (HDPE) plastic for the recyclable tube.

The company will share the technology with competitors in a move to transform tube packaging. It will contribute to its values, commitment and sustainability goals.

The company is a member of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s New Plastics Economy Global Commitment.

Colgate has partnered with packaging and recycling stakeholders, as well as consumers to create awareness of the tube.