Colgate Commits to Recyclable Packaging

by | Apr 17, 2014

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ColgatetImagine a toothpaste tube that may be fully recyclable. That possibility is laid out in a series of sustainability commitments personal care products maker Colgate-Palmolive made to environmental nonprofit As You Sow.

Colgate has committed to making 100 percent of its packaging for three of four product categories completely recyclable by 2020. The company also agreed to increase the average recycled content of its packaging to 50 percent.

In 2012, As You Sow filed a shareholder resolution requesting that it explore the feasibility of adopting an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy for post-consumer packaging. As You Sow withdrew the proposal after Colgate-Palmolive agreed to a dialogue that led to the new policy statement.

Colgate’s commitments include:

  • By 2020 achieve 100 percent recyclable portfolio of Home, Pet, and Personal Care packaging – three out of four of its product categories;
  • Develop a fully recyclable toothpaste tube or other packaging in the fourth category, Oral Care;
  • Increase recycled content of packaging from 40 percent to 50 percent; and
  • Reduce or eliminate use of PVC in packaging.

Photo: William Warby Flickr photostream

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