Colgate-Palmolive Company reported that it made progress on its 2024 plastic waste reduction goals.
In 2022, the company indicated that it hoped to make its packaging 100% recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025.
Plastic waste
The company continues to implement its first-of-its-kind recyclable toothpaste tube across its entire product range.
Colgate-Palmolive introduced this tube in 2019. As of December 31, 2024, the company has converted approximately 75% of its toothpaste units globally and approximately 95% in North America into recyclable tubes.
To engage third parties, Colgate-Palmolive shares tube technology with third parties and works to promote the recyclability of all tubes, both in practice and on a large scale.
The company also works closely with recycling stakeholders. In addition, it collaborates with key third parties to increase the acceptance of tubes. At the same time, it informs consumers about the importance of checking with their local recycling centers whether these products are accepted.
The company remains committed to reducing virgin plastic use across its entire line. Its goal is to decrease it by one-third compared to 2019. To achieve this, it is making changes to the design of its products and increasing the recycled content in its packaging.
In 2022, Colgate-Palmolive highlighted a key advance in its environmental goals. As part of its strategy to reduce virgin plastic use by one-third and ensure that all its packaging is 100% recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025, it implemented its first recyclable toothpaste tube across its entire product line.
Toothpaste
The company operates in two product segments: Oral, Personal and Home Care; and Pet Nutrition.
The bottom line: the company is a leader in Oral Care, with global leadership in the toothpaste and manual toothbrush categories, according to market share data.
Its toothpastes are sold under brands such as Colgate, Darlie, Elmex, Hello, Meridol, Sorriso and Tom’s of Maine; its toothbrushes under brands such as Colgate, Darlie, Elmex and Meridol; and its mouthwashes under brands such as Colgate, Elmex and Meridol.
The Oral Care business also includes pharmaceuticals for dentists and other oral health care professionals.