Eco Responsible Matter
You may already know
We consume 20BLN plastic toothpaste tube every yearly
To give you an idea, according to a study published in the journal Waste Management in 2018, researchers estimated that approximately 1.5 billion toothpaste tubes are disposed of each year in the United States alone. Extrapolating that figure globally, considering the global population and dental hygiene practices, the number of disposed toothpaste tubes could be significantly higher.
Every year we dump 600,0000MT of plastic end up in landfills
Toothpaste tubes are typically made from a combination of plastic, commonly high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and aluminium. A typical toothpaste tube is around 30 grams in weight. Multiply this by the approx 20 billion tubes we dispose of each year:
30 grams x 20 billion = 600,0000 metric tons
This plastic is not suitable for recycling, so plastic toothpaste tubes are generally disposed of in landfills.
Micro-plastics is how a plastic tubes break down into
High-density plastics, used for making the majority of toothpaste tubes, do not biodegrade in the traditional sense. Plastics that end up in landfills may not biodegrade at all, as the conditions in landfills are not conducive to biodegradation. They can take hundreds of years to break down into smaller pieces called microplastics, that can persist in the environment for much longer periods of time.
Microplastics are small enough to be ingested by animals and can pose a significant threat to marine life and the environment.
Therefore, it is essential to reduce our consumption of plastic and properly dispose of any plastic waste to prevent further pollution and harm to our planet.
40% of a regular toothpaste content is plain water
The water content in toothpaste formulations can vary depending on the specific brand and type of toothpaste. Generally, toothpaste formulations contain a significant amount of water, typically ranging from 20% to 40% by weight. We avoid water in all our formulations, so you can actually use water from your tap instead.
Up to 500 years for a tube to fully biodegrade
Synthetics found in regular toothpaste carry side effects
Fluoride: Fluoride is a common ingredient in toothpaste and is known for its benefits in preventing tooth decay. However, excessive fluoride ingestion, especially by young children, can lead to a condition called fluorosis, which affects tooth enamel. It's important to use fluoride toothpaste in moderation and supervise young children to prevent excessive ingestion.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): SLS is a foaming agent commonly used in toothpaste. Some people may experience skin irritation or oral discomfort as a result of SLS. However, the concentration of SLS in toothpaste is generally low, and the risk of significant health issues is minimal for most individuals.
Triclosan: Triclosan is an antimicrobial agent that has been used in some toothpaste formulations. It has been banned in certain countries due to concerns about its impact on the environment and the potential development of antibiotic resistance. However, the use of triclosan in toothpaste has been phased out in many regions, and most toothpaste brands do not contain it anymore.
Artificial sweeteners
Flavoring agents
Peroxides
Of course, we can’t all be Greta Thunberg.
Take our organisation, Zerolla stands for Zero (meaning none) and Olla ( Latin for jar). So, it’s a mash up of no-waste jars. You see, it doesn’t take one great change to shift the tide, it takes all of us making little changes. So, yes, shifting to a zero-waste toothpaste jar is a step towards being a planet saving ninja warrior.
Go you! Now go on, let’s see that roundhouse kick!
So, yes, shifting to a zero-waste toothpaste jar is a step towards being a planet saving ninja warrior. Go you! Now go on, let’s see that roundhouse kick!
100% plastic-free packaging
Glass jar (♻️70-GL)
It's incredibly sustainable
Glass is a highly sustainable packaging material. It is recyclable, which means it can be reused repeatedly without losing its quality. Recycling glass reduces the need for raw materials and helps conserve energy and resources. Additionally, glass can be made from abundant and natural ingredients like sand, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
Preserves the content beautifully
Glass packaging provides an excellent barrier against oxygen, moisture, and other external elements. It helps protect the integrity and quality of personal care products, such as lotions, creams, and serums, by preventing oxidation and maintaining their effectiveness over time. Glass containers are also non-reactive, meaning they won't interact with the product and alter its composition or fragrance.
It ensures complete chemical safety
Glass is an inert material, meaning it does not release any chemicals or harmful substances that could leach into the product. This ensures the safety and purity of personal care items, particularly those that are sensitive or require protection from potentially reactive materials.
You can then repurpose & reuse it
Our glass jars can be repurposed and reused for various purposes after the product has been consumed. They make excellent storage containers for other personal care items, spices, and small trinkets, or can be used for DIY projects. Reusing glass containers helps reduce waste and promotes sustainability.
Useful links
Aluminium lid (♻️41-ALU)
It's a very durable material
Aluminium closures are known for their strength and durability. They provide a secure seal, protecting the product from external factors such as air, moisture, and contaminants. This helps maintain the product's quality and prevents spoilage or degradation.
It protects from light
Aluminium closures often come with a lining or coating that provides an additional layer of protection against light. Light-sensitive personal care products, such as certain serums or essential oils, can benefit from this light-blocking feature, as it helps preserve their potency and effectiveness.
It's a champion in recyclability
Aluminium is highly recyclable, meaning it can be recycled repeatedly without losing its quality. Recycling aluminium closures help conserve resources, reduce energy consumption, and minimise waste. It is worth noting that the recyclability of aluminium depends on local recycling infrastructure and practices.
Its chemical-resistance
Aluminium is resistant to chemical reactions and corrosion. This makes it suitable for personal care products that contain certain ingredients or formulations that may interact with other packaging materials. Aluminium closures provide a protective barrier that helps prevent any chemical interaction between the product and the closure.
Useful links
Cardboard boxes (♻️21-PAP)
Renewable and Recyclable:
Cardboard is made from wood fibres, which are sourced from responsibly managed forests. It is a renewable resource, and the cardboard used for packaging is often recyclable. Recycling cardboard boxes helps conserve resources, reduce landfill waste, and minimise the need for virgin materials in the production of new boxes.
Reduced Carbon Footprint:
Cardboard boxes generally have a lower carbon footprint compared to alternative packaging materials such as plastic or metal. The manufacturing process for cardboard boxes typically requires less energy and emits fewer greenhouse gases. Choosing cardboard boxes can contribute to reducing carbon emissions and promoting more sustainable packaging practices.
Biodegradability
if cardboard boxes are not recycled, they naturally break down over time through biodegradation. This characteristic allows them to return to the environment without leaving behind long-lasting waste. Biodegradable cardboard boxes contribute to a circular economy and reduce the impact on landfills.
Protection and Sturdiness
Cardboard boxes are known for their strength and durability. They provide excellent protection for personal care products during transportation and storage. The sturdy nature of cardboard boxes helps safeguard the contents, reducing the likelihood of damage or breakage.
Reusability
Cardboard boxes can often be reused multiple times before recycling. They can be repurposed for storage, organization, or shipping purposes. Reusing cardboard boxes extends their lifecycle, reduces the need for new packaging materials, and minimizes waste.
Compostability
Cardboard boxes that are free from any plastic coatings, adhesives, or contaminants can be composted. They break down into organic matter, providing valuable nutrients to the soil. Composting cardboard boxes offers an eco-friendly disposal option for those with access to composting facilities.
Useful links
Paper labels (♻️22-PAP)
Sustainability
Paper labels are often considered more environmentally friendly compared to plastic labels. Paper is a renewable resource that can be sourced from responsibly managed forests or recycled materials. By using paper labels, brands can reduce their reliance on non-renewable resources and contribute to a more sustainable packaging solution.
Biodegradability
If the paper labels are not recycled, they are biodegradable and will naturally break down over time. This can reduce the environmental impact if they end up in landfills or the environment. Biodegradable labels contribute to a more circular and eco-friendly approach to packaging.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
Paper labels generally have a lower carbon footprint compared to labels made from materials like plastic or metal. The production process for paper labels typically requires less energy and emits fewer greenhouse gases. By choosing paper labels, brands can contribute to reducing their overall carbon emissions and environmental impact.
Forest Stewardship
When sourced from responsibly managed forests or certified sustainable sources (e.g., Forest Stewardship Council - FSC certified), paper labels support responsible forest management practices. These practices prioritize biodiversity conservation, protect water quality, and promote the rights of indigenous communities. Choosing labels from certified sources helps promote sustainable forestry and protects natural ecosystems.
Lower Energy Consumption
The manufacturing process for paper labels generally requires less energy compared to synthetic labels. The energy-intensive processes involved in producing materials like plastics or metals are reduced when using paper labels. This can contribute to energy conservation and reduced reliance on fossil fuels.
Ease of Separation for Recycling
Paper labels are easily separable from other packaging materials during the recycling process. This ease of separation helps streamline recycling operations and ensures that both the paper label and the packaging material can be efficiently recycled.
Lower Toxicity and Environmental Impact
Paper labels typically have a lower potential for toxicity compared to certain synthetic labels. Synthetic labels may release harmful chemicals during production or disposal. By opting for paper labels, the risk of introducing toxic substances into the environment is reduced.
Useful links
-
Landfill-repellent plastic-free packaging
Plastic-free rangeSay farewell to single-use plastic. Our oral care range comes in minimal, plastic-free packaging designed to never end up in landfills.
-
True recyclable materials
Glass rangeWe purposely choose to use paper, glass & aluminium because they can be recycled over & over & over, giving them the power to save the environment.
-
Born of 100% renewable matter
Biobased rangeAlthough we can't fully avoid plastic material, we embrace nature's clever alternatives like our Biobased nylon, made from Castor oil.
