In oral care, consumers expect packaging to provide:

• Convenience: easy squeezing, clean dispensing, travel-friendly sizing

• Hygiene: tamper-evident seals, airtight barriers, mess-free caps

• Sustainability: recyclable, refillable, or low-impact materials

• Shelf appeal: colors, finishes, and shape that grab attention

• Ingredient protection: especially for fluoride, whitening agents, or natural formulas

• Extra better user experience: such as w/ extra squeezer for full and easier dispensing 

Brands that get packaging right stand out in a crowded category. Those that don’t are quickly left behind.

Main types of toothpaste packaging

by different containers

1. Plastic Toothpaste Tubes (LDPE / HDPE)

Most common – affordable, widely used, adaptable

Traditional plastic tubes made from LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) or mixed plastics have been the backbone of toothpaste packaging for decades. These are the flexible squeeze tubes found in most households worldwide.

Benefits

• Very cost-effective

• Lightweight and flexible

• Compatible with a variety of caps

• Easy to decorate with printing, laminates, and finishes

Drawbacks

• Often multi-layered and difficult to recycle

• Not always compatible with HDPE recycling streams

• Gradually being replaced by mono-material tubes

Best for:

Budget-friendly toothpaste, mass-market brands, promotional sizes, and kid-oriented formulas.

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2. Laminated Toothpaste Tubes (PBL & ABL)

High barrier protection and excellent print quality

Laminated tubes are engineered with multiple layers to protect toothpaste ingredients from oxygen, moisture, and UV light. They come in two main forms:

PBL (Plastic Barrier Laminate)

• All-plastic structure

• Flexible, glossy, premium appearance

• More recyclable than aluminum laminates

ABL (Aluminum Barrier Laminate)

• Includes a thin aluminum layer

• Outstanding barrier protection, ideal for fluoride-rich or sensitive formulas

• Slightly stiffer tube feel

Benefits

• Strong ingredient stability

• High-end look and feel

• Ideal for whitening or specialized oral-care formulas

Drawbacks

• Mixed materials make recycling trickier for ABL tubes

Best for:

Premium toothpaste, medicated toothpaste, and whitening products.

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3. Mono-Material Recyclable Tubes (HDPE Tubes)

The future of toothpaste packaging – fully recyclable and industry-approved

With increasing global pressure to eliminate hard-to-recycle packaging, major companies have shifted to HDPE mono-material tubes. These tubes are designed to be accepted in standard HDPE recycling streams like milk jugs and detergent bottles.

Benefits

• Fully recyclable through most plastic recycling systems

• Smooth, modern appearance

• Strong enough to protect active ingredients

• Supported by major recycling organizations

Drawbacks

• Slightly higher cost

• Some brands need to adjust filling lines due to tube stiffness

Best for:

Eco-conscious brands, global toothpaste manufacturers, sustainability-forward startups.

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4. Aluminum Toothpaste Tubes

Premium, recyclable, and attractive for natural brands

Aluminum tubes are beloved by natural and boutique toothpaste brands due to their elegant, apothecary-style look. They offer excellent barrier protection because aluminum naturally shields contents from light, air, and moisture.

Benefits

• 100% recyclable

• High-barrier protection

• Retro, high-end appearance

• Ideal for natural formulas

Drawbacks

• Can crease or crack if over-squeezed

• More expensive than plastic

Best for:

Natural toothpaste, boutique luxury brands, herbal and organic formulas.

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5. Pump Bottles and Pump Tubes

Modern, hygienic, and convenient dispensing

Pump packaging is increasingly popular in premium oral-care lines and children’s toothpaste. These rigid or semi-rigid containers dispense the perfect amount of toothpaste with a simple push.

Benefits

• Extremely hygienic

• Mess-free dispensing

• Highly attractive shelf presence

• Ideal for families and kids

Drawbacks

• Difficult to recycle due to mixed components

• Higher cost

• Bulkier than standard tubes

Best for:

Premium brands, kids’ toothpaste, sensitive-teeth formulas, and products marketed for convenience.

6. Stand-Up Tubes (Doypack Tubes)

Shelf-ready, modern, and great for visibility

Stand-up tubes combine the flexibility of traditional tubes with the upright functionality of pouches. Their flat base allows them to stand on shelves, improving retail visibility and branding.

Benefits

• Excellent shelf appeal

• More branding area available

• Easy to use and store

• Suitable for larger family-size packs

Drawbacks

• Often harder to recycle

• Slightly higher production cost

Best for:

Family-sized products, kids’ toothpaste, DTC brands looking for differentiation.

7. Sachets / Single-Use Packs

Portable, affordable, and perfect for samples

Sachets are small, single-dose packets typically used for hotel kits, promotional sampling, or travel packs. They are lightweight and extremely cost-effective to produce.

Benefits

• Ideal for sampling campaigns

• Highly portable

• Very low cost

Drawbacks

• Not recyclable

• Not suitable for full-size retail products

Best for:

Hotels, travel kits, sample giveaways, influencer mailers.

8. Toothpaste Jars and Pots

A unique twist for niche or high-end toothpaste creams

Some premium toothpaste brands package their product in jars or small pots, especially when the texture is thicker, creamier, or water-free.

Benefits

• Refillable and reusable

• Luxurious, boutique aesthetics

• Great branding and decoration possibilities

Drawbacks

• Less hygienic than tubes

• Not travel-friendly

• More breakable (especially glass)

Best for:

Luxury oral care, natural toothpaste creams, charcoal pastes.

9. Refillable Toothpaste Packaging

A rapidly growing trend for zero-waste consumers

Refill systems are becoming a mainstream solution to reduce single-use plastics. Refillable packaging includes:

• Refillable glass or metal containers

• Refill pouches (using up to 70% less plastic)

• Reusable pumps

• Cartridge-based systems

Benefits

• Dramatically cuts plastic waste

• Encourages customer loyalty

• Very popular with eco-conscious consumers

Drawbacks

• Requires commitment from the consumer

• Initial packaging cost is higher

Best for:

Eco-friendly DTC brands, subscription-based services, sustainable retailers.

10. Toothpaste Tablets & Zero-Waste Alternatives

The biggest disruptor—no tube required

Toothpaste tablets eliminate paste entirely, offering a plastic-free alternative that appeals to minimalists and zero-waste shoppers.

Common packaging for tablets:

• Glass jars

• Metal tins

• Compostable paper pouches

• Plastic-free refill bags

Benefits

• 100% plastic-free options available

• Travel-friendly, TSA-approved

• Long shelf life without preservatives

Drawbacks

• Not preferred by consumers who want traditional toothpaste texture

• Limited whitening options

Best for:

Eco-friendly startups, refill shops, bulk retailers.

Toothpaste packaging is undergoing one of the biggest shifts in its history. From recyclable HDPE tubes and aluminum options to refillable systems and tablet alternatives, brands now have more choices than ever before. Selecting the right packaging not only protects your formulation but also strengthens your branding, improves customer experience, and showcases your commitment to sustainability. As consumer expectations grow, the brands that innovate their packaging will be the ones leading the oral-care market in the coming years.