GSK brushes up its recycling and sustainability commitment

GSK Consumer Healthcare (GSKCH), has announced today that it is partnering with two global packaging suppliers to launch fully recyclable toothpaste tubes across its specialist and science-based oral health brands, including Sensodyne, parodontax and Aquafresh. 

The first partnership, with strategic packaging supplier, Albea, which is one of the world’s largest tube manufacturers, will see GSKCH switch its toothpaste tubes from aluminium barrier laminates to the patented Greenleaf laminate. The switch-over will begin with Sensodyne Pronamel tubes, which will be available in fully recyclable alternatives in Europe this July. This will be bolstered by a second partnership with EPL Global to produce tubes in Platina laminate.

Both laminates have passed recycling-readiness tests set by the US-based Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) and by Europe’s RecyClass, meaning that the tubes will be recyclable and compatible with existing recycling processes. It is anticipated that the combined moves will see over a billion toothpaste tubes per year recyclable by 2025.

Earlier this year, GSKCH launched its first sustainable toothbrush in Germany. Made from sustainably cultivated bamboo, with a biodegradable handle, the brush features plastic-free packaging made from recycled cardboard. For Sensodyne and Aquafresh, it has launched plastic-free packaging featuring a cellulose gum window which enables shoppers to see the brush inside.

The business is now working to help reduce the environmental impact of dentistry and the dental industry as a founding partner of the World Dental Federation (FDI) Sustainability in Dentistry Initiative. 

GSKCH’s sustainability initiatives support GSK’s new company wide commitment to achieve a net zero impact on climate and a positive impact on nature by 2030.