Samson HDPE tube technology with Colgate Total artwork approved by RecyClass
09 Nov 2021
Independent laboratory testing confirmed that the ‘Samson Tube with Colgate Total artwork’ technology by Colgate can be recycled in the high-density polyethylene containers (HDPE) and back into high-end applications.
The ‘Samson Tube with Colgate Total artwork’’ technology in question is a tube technology destined mostly for Oral Care products. It is a fully printed HDPE tube containing EVOH-barrier compatibilized with maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (PE-g-MAH). Decoration of the tube consists of printed blue and red tones, and it represents less than 1% of the total weight of the tested technology[1]. Colgate’s barrier-tube technology is provided with HDPE shoulders and a PET insert which was already anaylsed and approved by the RecyClass in 2020[2].
Following the results of the testing of the tube, excluding its cap, carried out according to the Recyclability Evaluation Protocol for HDPE containers, ‘Samson Tube with Colgate Total artwork’ technology is fully compatible with the coloured HDPE recycling stream, however, due to the PET insert it results in 20% material mass losses. Since one of the pre-requisites of the RecyClass methodology is to maximize the recyclable polymer in a recycling process, RecyClass HDPE Technical Committee encourages Colgate to replace the PET insert by a PE one.
The technology does not have a negative impact on the rigid HDPE recycling stream when it is designed according to the set conditions[3]. These require that the body of the tube and its shoulder are made of clear or white PE with the prevalence of HDPE, while the EVOH must be in line with RecyClass’ guidelines. Furthermore, the cap must be made of PE and the decorative technology, which consists in direct printing, must follow the RecyClass’ recommendations, and be as limited as possible.
To conclude, recycled plastics generated from the recycling of the tube can be used to manufacture high-quality blow moulding applications such as containers with up to 25% concentration. This technology will positively contribute to increasing the quality of recycled HDPE containers in Europe and reaching the recycling targets.
About Colgate-Palmolive
Colgate-Palmolive Company is a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for all people, their pets and our planet. Focused on Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care and Pet Nutrition, the Company sells its products in more than 200 countries and territories under brands such as Colgate, Palmolive, elmex, hello, meridol, Sorriso, Tom’s of Maine, EltaMD, Filorga, Irish Spring, PCA Skin, Protex, Sanex, Softsoap, Speed Stick, Ajax, Axion, Fabuloso, Soupline and Suavitel, as well as Hill’s Science Diet and Hill’s Prescription Diet. The Company is recognized for its leadership and innovation in promoting environmental sustainability and community well-being, including its achievements in saving water, reducing waste, promoting recyclability and improving children’s oral health through its Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program, which has reached more than 1.3 billion children since 1991. For more information about Colgate’s global business and how the Company is building a future to smile about, visit www.colgatepalmolive.com.
About RecyClass
RecyClass is a comprehensive cross-industry initiative that works to advance plastic packaging recyclability and to establish a harmonized approach towards recycled content calculation and traceability in Europe. Activities within RecyClass include the development of Recyclability Evaluation Protocols and scientific testing of innovative materials which serve as the base for the Design for Recycling guidelines and the free online tool. RecyClass offers Recyclability Certifications and Recycled Content Traceability Certification for plastic packaging.
Contact : Alice.Wallon@plasticsrecyclers.eu, www.recyclass.eu
RecyClass Recyclability Approvals
RecyClass issues two types of Recyclability Approvals – Technology Approvals and Product Approvals. These are issued upon conducted testing in accordance with one of the established Recyclability Evaluation Protocols. Testing results are incorporated in the RecyClass Design for Recycling Guidelines and the Online Tool. The full list of approved Technologies and Products can be found on the RecyClass website.
[1] Including both inks and varnish.
[2] https://recyclass.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/2020-01-23-Samson-tube-technology-RecyClass-Approval-Letter-FINAL.pdf
[3] The full list of the conditions can be found here: https://recyclass.eu/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/2020-HDPE-030-Colgate-technology-approval-letter.pdf