Planned obsolescence in toothpastes: impact and sustainable alternatives

Introduction

Planned obsolescence refers to the deliberate design of products with a limited lifespan to encourage frequent replacement. While we usually associate it with electronics, it is also present in the toothpaste industry, affecting consumers, the environment, and the global economy.

Manifestations in the Toothpaste Industry

• Non-recyclable packaging: multi-layer plastic and aluminum tubes make recycling difficult and necessitate constant replacement.
• New “improved” formulas: campaigns that present previous versions as obsolete even if the benefits are marginal.
• Shrinkflation: reducing product size while maintaining or increasing the price, which accelerates repeat purchases.

Environmental Impacts

Non-recyclable packaging generates millions of waste items daily that end up in landfills or incinerators. Furthermore, each new formulation involves the consumption of oil, water, and energy, increasing greenhouse gas emissions. The result is a disproportionate ecological footprint for an everyday product.

Economic Impacts

For consumers, planned obsolescence means spending more in less time. For companies, it can mean short-term profits, but also the risk of losing trust and facing regulatory sanctions. At a societal level, environmental costs fall on governments and communities, which must invest in waste management and climate mitigation.

Sustainable Alternatives

• Ecological toothpastes: formulated with biodegradable ingredients such as aloe vera, eggshell, or pumpkin seeds.
• Toothpaste tablets: eliminate plastic tubes, are portable, and have a low environmental impact.
• Compostable or reusable packaging: drastically reduces waste generation.

At ONAK®, we offer solid toothpaste tablets, which are vegan and sustainable, eliminating plastic packaging and avoiding the logic of unnecessary replacement.

Towards a More Responsible Future

The dental industry must evolve towards durable, safe, and recyclable products. Consumers can support this transition by choosing brands that promote transparency and sustainability. Only with the collaboration of companies, users, and regulators will we achieve a more ethical and planet-friendly oral hygiene model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are toothpaste tubes not easily recycled?

Because they combine several layers of plastics and aluminum, which are impossible to separate in most recycling plants.

Is planned obsolescence in toothpastes real?

Yes. It manifests in unsustainable packaging, constantly "renewed" formulas, and size reduction strategies.

What alternatives exist?

Toothpaste tablets, compostable or recyclable or reusable packaging, and biodegradable formulas, such as those offered by ONAK®.

References

1. Bakker CA, Wang F, Huisman J, den Hollander MC. Products that go round: Exploring product life extension through design. Journal of Cleaner Production. 2014;69:10–16. DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2014.01.028
2. Malinauskaite J, et al. Planned obsolescence induces consumer disposal behaviour… Journal of Cleaner Production. 2021. Available at: PubMed Central
3. Bisschop L, Hendlin Y, Jaspers J. Designed to break: Planned obsolescence as corporate environmental crime. Crime, Law and Social Change. 2022;78:271–293. DOI: 10.1007/s10611-022-10023-4
4. Wikipedia. Planned obsolescence. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planned_obsolescence