UK Toothpaste Tubes Transition to 100% Recyclable Polyethylene
In a significant step towards sustainability, all toothpaste tubes sold across the UK will now be manufactured from recyclable polyethylene. This initiative, spearheaded by leading toothpaste brands such as Colgate and Haleon, in collaboration with the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), aims to address the recycling challenges posed by traditional toothpaste tubes, which were previously composed of a combination of aluminum and plastic.
🔄 Industry-Wide Shift
The transition to recyclable polyethylene tubes is part of a broader industry effort to reduce plastic waste and promote environmentally friendly practices. While many local authorities are beginning to accept toothpaste tubes for recycling through kerbside collection, some consumers may still lack access to tube recycling at home. To facilitate recycling, participating Boots locations across the country will accept used toothpaste tubes, offering customers Advantage Card points as part of the "Recycle at Boots" scheme.
♻️ Public Awareness and Professional Advocacy
Research conducted by WRAP revealed that a significant portion of the public remains unaware of the recyclability of toothpaste tubes. In response, WRAP CEO Catherine David emphasized the importance of educating the public and encouraged oral healthcare professionals to inform patients about the new recyclable tubes. She highlighted that dentists play a crucial role in promoting sustainable practices and can help reduce landfill waste by encouraging recycling.
🌍 Industry Leaders Respond
Major dental brands have expressed support for the shift to recyclable toothpaste tubes. Adrian Sen, Senior Manager of Sustainability Innovation at Colgate-Palmolive, stated that the company is committed to contributing to a healthier planet through sustainable practices and is dedicated to converting all of its toothpaste tubes to recyclable plastic designs. Joe Muscat, Director of Environmental Sustainability and Innovation at Haleon, described the move as a significant advancement in reducing plastic waste and making daily routines more sustainable.
📖 Original Article: Toothpaste Tubes Now Recyclable Across the UK. Dentistry.co.uk, 22 September 2025.