Albéa's second-generation Greenleaf tube has passed successfully the two tests set by the US-based Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) to assess recycling-readiness. The APR tests ensure that packaging such as the Greenleaf tube are compatible with HDPE bottles recycling streams and are thus ready to join an existing, efficient recycling process.

Greenleaf tubes are patented all-plastic laminate tubes for oral care as well as personal care and OTC pharma brands. Greenleaf tubes can be manufactured by Albéa in its American, European and Asian industrial facilities. Greenleaf offers a lower environmental impact than standard aluminum-based structures. Its lighter barrier web ensures optimal formula protection for all applications. The mechanical properties of its strong structure and coming-up-soon PE cap could even withstand the removal of secondary packaging.

Albéa was the first cosmetic packaging company to sign the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment from the Ellen McArthur Foundation in October 2018. This in effect commits Albéa to making 100% of its packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025, as well as reducing plastic usage where relevant and including Post-Consumer Recycled resins where possible.

Gilles Swyngedauw, Vice-President CSR, Innovation & Marketing of Albéa, explains:

“Albéa’s commitment to sustainability goes back 15 years and is reflected in our broad range of responsible packaging solutions. The focus until recently was on eco-designing lighter packaging, with less plastic and more Post-Consumer Recycled resins.

Today we are accelerating development of recyclable packaging that contribute to circularity. By partnering with our customers, suppliers and recognized associations such as the APR, we demonstrate our commitment to building circular packaging for tomorrow.”