Monomaterial today, recyclate tomorrow? Procter & Gamble introduces recyclable HDPE tubes
Thomas Reiner | 16.04.2021
The U.S. consumer goods giant has been switching the packaging for its toothpastes to recyclable monomaterial HDPE tubes since the beginning of the year. The example shows how brand owners are meeting their sustainability commitments. When big players like P&G move in this direction, it has an impact on the entire segment. The next logical step is to use recyclates.
US consumer goods giant Procter & Gamble began switching to recyclable monomaterial HDPE tubes at the beginning of the year. For this, the company is relying on Greenleaf Generation 2 tubes from Albéa. P&G, with its Crest, Oral-B and Blend-a-med brands, and is the first to do so. The complete transition in the U.S. and European markets will be phased in by 2025.
The new solution will help P&G reach its goal of making all packaging 100 percent recyclable or reusable by 2030. The move is a good example of how brand owners are implementing their self-imposed sustainability commitments. The use of mono-materials is a key component of this.
Colgate and P&G represent much of the U.S. market. When heavyweights of this size convert, they are effectively converting an entire segment.
And the big players will continue to set the pace. The use of monomaterials is only one component of the sustainability strategy. The use of recyclate is the next, logical step.
Certified and proven HDPE solution
For its new monomaterial packaging, P&G uses Albéa’s Greenleaf Generation 2 tubes. The tubes are recognized by the North American Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) and the RecyClass platform initiated by Plastics Recyclers Europe. They also have the SUEZ.circpack certificate. The packaging can therefore be recycled within the existing recycling stream for HDPE bottles.
For APR recognition, Albéa had to demonstrate in practice that its toothpaste tubes can be converted into high-quality post-consumer DPE granules and that the granules can subsequently be used to make new plastic bottles or tubes. This should ensure that the tubes can indeed be recycled without downcycling wherever appropriate collection systems are active.
Recyclate ante portas?
Branded companies like P&G will not stop at improved recyclability through the use of monomaterials. The pressure of proclaimed and stipulated sustainability obligations will ensure that further steps are taken. The use of recyclates seems to be the next logical step.
