Tom’s of Maine has begun shipping a recyclable toothpaste tube, according to the company. Designed to be compatible with the #2 HDPE plastic stream and reprocessed into new products and packaging, the tube is being released in conjunction with National Recycling Day on November 15.
Until now, toothpaste tubes haven’t been recyclable because most are made of a mixed material that doesn’t have a second life and has to be landfilled. The #2 plastic continues to have a strong recycling stream and is the same material used in most laundry detergent bottles.
“We’re thrilled to offer a first of its kind recyclable toothpaste tube that’s been recognized by the Association of Plastic Recyclers, which sets the standard for North America. There is no oral care or personal care tube on the market with this APR recognition,” said Esi Seng, general manager at Tom’s of Maine.
“We’re already hard at work engaging with the Recycling Partnership and their network to communicate with recycling centers and win their acceptance of our recyclable tube. We’re proud to be blazing a trail for other toothpaste brands to follow,” said Seng.
Tom’s of Maine Antiplaque & Whitening Peppermint Natural Toothpaste will be the first variant in the new tube, available on shelves in the coming weeks, with all full-size Tom’s of Maine toothpastes in the new recyclable tube by the end of 2020.
“When it comes to recycling, shoppers interested in natural products are also more committed, active participants in working to keep waste out of landfills,” said Julie Sprague, stewardship manager at Toms of Maine.
“This is another commitment we’re making as a company guided by a rigorous set of standards called our Stewardship Model, which ensures we’re operating sustainably and responsibly every day. Taking care of the planet is a goal we all share, and this exciting launch is a new way we can work together in this ongoing effort,” Sprague said.
Tom’s of Maine products that feature a blue “flag” on the packaging can be recycled, with the cap, with #2 plastics. Products without the flag haven’t transitioned yet to the new material. Recycling practices vary by municipality, and consumers whose local services don’t recycle #2 plastics can use the Tom’s of Maine Natural Care Recycling Program instead.
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