Sustainable Packaging Design: Colgate’s Bamboo Toothbrush

News & Press — 9/9/20

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Colgate launches eco-friendly bamboo toothbrush to fight plastic waste and improve social impact.

As we grow more conscious about the weight our decisions have on the environment, a recent study revealed that more than half of global consumers claimed they would change their spending habits to make a positive environmental impact. Companies are taking note, and major brands are raising their efforts to make long-term commitments to improve both ethical and ecological practices.

Last year, Colgate revealed their first sustainable toothbrush made from 100% biodegradable and sustainably grown bamboo. This forward-thinking toothbrush would be part of Colgate’s green initiative, adding to their product range without adding new plastic to the environment.

Colgate approached Beardwood and tasked us with a challenge: how could we feature efficacy and top-quality oral care while elevating the sustainability story?

Our solve? We went back to the pack material itself, ensuring we used sustainably sourced material and leveraging 100% recycled cardboard for the packaging and displays. The pack design applies straightforward illustration, a muted natural color palette, and succinct copy to connect with the sustainability-focused consumer. We also created a custom “sustainability seal of commitment” that could be utilized off-pack.

$30MM

global annual revenue

The launch was well-received with consumers, with global annual revenue of $30MM. According to Colgate’s 2020 report, household care items with sustainability claims increased by +7.1% while the total household care category grew by +2.2%, revealing the demand from consumers craving purpose-driven products is growing and will continue to rise in the future.