Colgate’s Tips:
How To Maintain a Healthy Mouth
ASK COLGATE:
- How Do I Prevent Tooth Decay in my Toddler?
- How Do I Care for My Toddler’s Teeth?
Colgate tubes are now kerbside recycable
INTRODUCING
First-of-its-kind recyclable toothpaste. Let’s switch to make the planet smile 🙂
QUESTIONS? FIND THE ANSWERS HERE
Colgate toothpaste caps are made from polypropylene, which is generally collected in kerbside recycling but our caps are too small to be accepted.
The caps can be recycled with other non recyclable oral care waste, such as plastic toothbrushes, through Terracycle. You can find out more about TerraCycle in your location, here: TerraCycle Australia.
We are continuing with our research to convert all of our caps into a more compatible material with the HDPE steam.
1. How do I recycle the tube?
If your Colgate toothpaste displays the recyclable tube symbol, then it can be recycled either through local council recycling (follow local council guidelines for recycling HDPE #2 plastics) or TerraCycle. When recycling your tube simply squeeze out as much of the toothpaste from the tube as possible and recycle with the cap removed.
2. Are the caps recyclable?
Colgate toothpaste caps are made from polypropylene, which is not generally collected in yellow bins or kerbside recycling. The cap can be recycled with other non recyclable oral care waste, such as plastic toothbrushes, through TerraCycle. We are continuing with our research to convert all of our caps into a more compatible material with the HDPE stream.
3. What are you doing to ensure these tubes are accepted by recycling facilities?
A lot, actually. We’re leading industry groups and working with industry partners globally and across Australia on education about recyclability and wider acceptance of recyclable tubes. We're sharing our knowledge and technology with any other interested company. We're also verifying the sortability of tubes through testing in real facilities to make sure there is not too much mis-sorting. The more recyclable tubes are used in the market and as more recyclers are educated about recyclable tubes, the easier it will become for reprocessors to recycle tubes coming their way.
4. Why are some of your toothpastes in the new recyclable tube while others aren’t?
The plan is for all of our toothpaste tubes to be recyclable by the end of 2025. It takes time to make the transition, and during this time some of our toothpastes will be in recyclable tubes while others won't have transitioned yet. For now, make sure your tube is marked with the recyclable tube symbol before placing it into a recycling bin. Follow local council guidelines for recycling HDPE #2 plastics or recycle with TerraCycle.
However, for tubes which are still making the transition, we've partnered with TerraCycle in Australia to give a second life to your used oral care packaging. Find out more about our Colgate Oral Care Recycling Program where you are here: TerraCycle Australia, and how you can help prevent eligible oral care packaging from ending up in landfill.
5. Is this tube biodegradable?
No, this tube (and plastics in general) are not designed to be biodegradable. The #2 HDPE plastic used in our tubes can be re-processed into new products and packaging.
6. This tube is still made of plastic, how will it help the environment?
Our recyclable tubes are made out of #2 HDPE plastic, which is one of the most recycled plastics. HDPE can be turned into all kinds of new things, from new packaging to fence posts! Switching to recyclable has the potential to keep millions of tubes out of landfills sites across Australia.
7. What is this tube made of?
The tube is primarily made of HDPE (High Density Polyethylene), #2 plastic The cap is made of PP (Polypropylene), #5 plastic.
8. Why do we share our tube technology?
This project isn't about us, it’s about something bigger. By sharing our technology hopefully we can initiate a global shift to recyclable toothpaste tubes. Our dream is to have all tubes (not just toothpaste) be recycled in practice and at scale.
9. What happens after the tubes are recycled?
Once you have placed your recyclable tube into kerbside recycling or sent it to TerraCycle, the tube enters the recycling process. It is sent to a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) where it is sorted with other similar materials and then moves on to a reprocessor who cleans and processes the plastic into little plastic pellets. The pellets can then be turned into new products, packaging and more!
Now really, what’s the
furry feeling on your teeth?
Up to billions of bacteria can be found in an average person’s mouth. This is what becomes plaque, and gives you the icky, furry feeling along your teeth and gum lines. When left unattended, plaque tends to build up.
To help maintain the health of your tech, fight plaque build-up with Colgate® Plaque Release Toothpaste.
Sync your brush with an app that’s also your personal brushing coach
Did you know most people miss 40% of their teeth when they brush*?
Track your brushing habits with the Colgate Connect App to learn how long, often & well you brush. Get personalised insights that coach you to miss fewer spots for a more complete clean.
DISCLAIMER: *Based on tooth surface coverage data collected by the Colgate Connect app when brushing with a smart electric toothbrush.
Apple®, App Store® and the Apple Logo® are registered trademark of Apple Inc., Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
For more information, visit www.colgate.com.au
ASK COLGATE:
- How Do I Prevent Tooth Decay in my Toddler?
- How Do I Care for My Toddler’s Teeth?
FIND THESE
IN OUR STORES TODAY!
Easy & Cheap Whitening Tips?
There are various ways to achieve a whiter smile. Firstly, watch what you eat. Limit dark foods and drinks, such as berries or red wine, as these can stain teeth. Secondly, take care of your teeth. Regular dental visits and brushing twice a day can help keep your teeth feeling fresher and whiter. Thirdly, ask your dentist about at-home whitening products. These treatments can make a noticeable difference by helping to brighten your smile by a few shades.
Teeth Whitening Toothpaste?
Whitening toothpaste is an excellent option as it’s incredibly convenient. While you’re brushing with toothpaste twice daily for a cleaner, healthier smile, you’re reaping the benefits of added whitening ingredients. It’s a win-win! Some teeth whitening toothpastes use gentle polishing agents to help remove stains on the surfaces of the teeth. Whilst others contain hydrogen peroxide (e.g. Colgate Optic White) the same ingredient that dentists use in their whitening treatments. Hydrogen peroxide goes beyond the tooth’s surface to remove both extrinsic and deeper intrinsic stains.
Teeth Whitening Pens?
Teeth whitening pens are a quick and easy way to enhance the whiteness of your teeth. They are thin, plastic tubes containing a whitening gel. A teeth whitening pen fights common stains – but it differs from toothpaste in the way its used and formulated. Many teeth whitening pens are filled with highly concentrated whitening serums with active ingredients like hydrogen peroxide. Whitening pens allow you to precisely target the teeth you would like to whiten, giving you better control.
Teeth Whitening LED Kits?
Want amplified whitening results? Check out the Optic White FlexLight LED Teeth Whitening Kit. The LED device uses light energy to amplify the whitening power of the hydrogen peroxide serum in the Overnight Teeth Whitening Pen even further, for professional-level results*
*10 minutes a day for 10 days. Use as directed. Individual results may vary.
Colgate tubes are
now kerbside recycable
INTRODUCING
First-of-its-kind recyclable toothpaste. Let’s switch to make the planet smile 🙂
HOW TO RECYCLE?
If your Colgate toothpaste displays the recyclable tube symbol, then it can be recycled either through local council recycling. When recycling your tube simply squeeze out as much of the toothpaste from the tube as possible and recycle with the cap removed.
WHAT IS THE TUBE MADE OF?
The tube is primarily made of HDPE (High Density Polyethylene), #2 plastic. The cap is made of PP (Polypropylene), #5 plastic.
WHY DO WE SHARE OUR TUBE TECHNOLOGY?
This project isn’t about us, it’s about something bigger. By sharing our technology hopefully we can initiate a global shift to recyclable toothpaste tubes. Our dream is to have all tubes (not just toothpaste) be recycled in practice and at scale.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE TUBES ARE RECYCLED?
It gets sent to places like a Materials Recovery Facility [MRF] where it would get sorted, then sent to a reprocessor who turns HDPE including bottles into little plastic pellets. These pellets can then get turned into new products and packaging!
QUESTIONS?
FIND THE ANSWERS HERE
Colgate toothpaste caps are made from polypropylene, which is generally collected in kerbside recycling but our caps are too small to be accepted.
The caps can be recycled with other non recyclable oral care waste, such as plastic toothbrushes, through Terracycle. You can find out more about TerraCycle in your location, here: TerraCycle Australia.
We are continuing with our research to convert all of our caps into a more compatible material with the HDPE steam.
1. How do I recycle the tube?
If your Colgate toothpaste displays the recyclable tube symbol, then it can be recycled either through local council recycling (follow local council guidelines for recycling HDPE #2 plastics) or TerraCycle. When recycling your tube simply squeeze out as much of the toothpaste from the tube as possible and recycle with the cap removed.
2. Are the caps recyclable?
Colgate toothpaste caps are made from polypropylene, which is not generally collected in yellow bins or kerbside recycling. The cap can be recycled with other non recyclable oral care waste, such as plastic toothbrushes, through TerraCycle. We are continuing with our research to convert all of our caps into a more compatible material with the HDPE stream.
3. What are you doing to ensure these tubes are accepted by recycling facilities?
A lot, actually. We’re leading industry groups and working with industry partners globally and across Australia on education about recyclability and wider acceptance of recyclable tubes. We're sharing our knowledge and technology with any other interested company. We're also verifying the sortability of tubes through testing in real facilities to make sure there is not too much mis-sorting. The more recyclable tubes are used in the market and as more recyclers are educated about recyclable tubes, the easier it will become for reprocessors to recycle tubes coming their way.
4. Why are some of your toothpastes in the new recyclable tube while others aren’t?
The plan is for all of our toothpaste tubes to be recyclable by the end of 2025. It takes time to make the transition, and during this time some of our toothpastes will be in recyclable tubes while others won't have transitioned yet. For now, make sure your tube is marked with the recyclable tube symbol before placing it into a recycling bin. Follow local council guidelines for recycling HDPE #2 plastics or recycle with TerraCycle.
However, for tubes which are still making the transition, we've partnered with TerraCycle in Australia to give a second life to your used oral care packaging. Find out more about our Colgate Oral Care Recycling Program where you are here: TerraCycle Australia, and how you can help prevent eligible oral care packaging from ending up in landfill.
5. Is this tube biodegradable?
No, this tube (and plastics in general) are not designed to be biodegradable. The #2 HDPE plastic used in our tubes can be re-processed into new products and packaging.
6. This tube is still made of plastic, how will it help the environment?
Our recyclable tubes are made out of #2 HDPE plastic, which is one of the most recycled plastics. HDPE can be turned into all kinds of new things, from new packaging to fence posts! Switching to recyclable has the potential to keep millions of tubes out of landfills sites across Australia.
7. What is this tube made of?
The tube is primarily made of HDPE (High Density Polyethylene), #2 plastic The cap is made of PP (Polypropylene), #5 plastic.
8. Why do we share our tube technology?
This project isn't about us, it’s about something bigger. By sharing our technology hopefully we can initiate a global shift to recyclable toothpaste tubes. Our dream is to have all tubes (not just toothpaste) be recycled in practice and at scale.
9. What happens after the tubes are recycled?
Once you have placed your recyclable tube into kerbside recycling or sent it to TerraCycle, the tube enters the recycling process. It is sent to a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) where it is sorted with other similar materials and then moves on to a reprocessor who cleans and processes the plastic into little plastic pellets. The pellets can then be turned into new products, packaging and more!
Now really, what’s the
furry feeling on your teeth?
Up to billions of bacteria can be found in an average person’s mouth. This is what becomes plaque, and gives you the icky, furry feeling along your teeth and gum lines. When left unattended, plaque tends to build up.
To help maintain the health of your tech, fight plaque build-up with Colgate® Plaque Release Toothpaste.
Sync your brush with an app that’s also your personal brushing coach
Did you know most people miss 40% of their teeth when they brush*?
Track your brushing habits with the Colgate Connect App to learn how long, often & well you brush. Get personalised insights that coach you to miss fewer spots for a more complete clean.
DISCLAIMER: *Based on tooth surface coverage data collected by the Colgate Connect app when brushing with a smart electric toothbrush.
Apple®, App Store® and the Apple Logo® are registered trademark of Apple Inc., Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
For more information, visit www.colgate.com.au
