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,” said Albéa in a statement.

Greenleaf tubes are patented all-plastic laminate tubes for oral care as well as personal care and OTC pharma brands. Their barrier web was lightened while preserving their capacity to ensure 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,” said Albéa.

Thus, Greenleaf offers a lower environmental impact than standard aluminium-based structures. Greenleaf tubes can be manufactured by Albéa in its American, European and Asian industrial facilities.

Albéa was the first cosmetic packaging company to sign the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment from the Ellen McArthur Foundation in October 2018. This 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.