Personal Care — Toothpaste / Oral Care
Personal Care Low Confidence
Carbon Cost Index Score
1 kgCO₂e / per unit (100 mL tube)
Per kg
5 kgCO₂e / kg
Methodology v1.0 · Last reviewed 2026-04-08
Scope Breakdown
| Scope | kgCO₂e | % of Total | Distribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | 0.1 | 10% | |
| Scope 2 | 0.1 | 10% | |
| Scope 3 | 0.8 | 80% | |
| Total | 1 | 100% |
Emission Hotspots
| Emission Hotspot | Scope | Est. % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Raw material production (calcium carbonate, silica, sorbitol, SLS) | S3 | 35% |
| Packaging production (laminate tube, carton, cap) | S3 | 28% |
| Transport and retail distribution | S3 | 15% |
| Blending, filling, and cartoning | S2 | 12% |
| Fluoride compound and active ingredient production | S3 | 10% |
Manufacturing Geography
- Region
- USA, EU, China, India
- Grid Intensity
- 390 gCO2e/kWh (IEA 2024, USA); 565 gCO2e/kWh (IEA 2024, China)
Material Composition Assumptions
The default reference product is a 100 mL (150 g) tube of fluoride toothpaste, composed of:
- Toothpaste formulation (~150 g): Water (~20-40%), abrasives (hydrated silica or calcium carbonate, ~20-30%), humectants (sorbitol or glycerin, ~20-30%), surfactant (sodium lauryl sulfate, ~1-2%), fluoride (sodium fluoride or stannous fluoride, ~0.2%), thickeners (carboxymethyl cellulose), flavoring (mint oil), preservatives, colorants.
- Primary packaging: Laminate tube (PE/Al/PE multilayer or all-plastic), approximately 10-15 g. Flip-top PP cap, approximately 3-5 g.
- Secondary packaging: Folding carton box, approximately 10-15 g.
Toothpaste is a relatively low-impact consumer product per unit due to its small size and simple mineral/chemical formulation. The laminate tube and carton packaging contribute a disproportionate share of production emissions relative to the formulation.
Manufacturing Geography
Oral care manufacturing is dominated by multinational FMCG companies:
- USA: Colgate-Palmolive (Morristown, NJ), Procter & Gamble (various), Church & Dwight.
- EU: GSK/Haleon (Sensodyne, Aquafresh), Colgate (Poland, Italy).
- China: Domestic brands (Yunnan Baiyao) and MNC factories.
- India: Colgate-Palmolive India, Dabur, Hindustan Unilever. Massive domestic market.
Regional Variation
| Manufacturing Region | Estimated CCI Score | Adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| USA (default) | 1.0 kgCO2e | Baseline |
| EU | 0.9 kgCO2e | -10% |
| China | 1.1 kgCO2e | +10% |
| India | 1.1 kgCO2e | +10% |
Provenance Override Guidance
- Product-level PCF per ISO 14067.
- Packaging data: All-plastic tubes (eliminating aluminum barrier layer), PCR content, or tablet/powder alternatives.
- Factory energy data: Major oral care producers operate large, efficient plants.
- Colgate, P&G, and Unilever publish portfolio-level sustainability data.
Methodology Notes
- CCI score of 1 kgCO2e per 100 mL tube is a conservative estimate based on USEEIO sector data for personal care products, scaled by product weight and formulation simplicity.
- Scope breakdown: Scope 3 at 80% (0.8 kgCO2e) from raw materials, packaging, and distribution. Scope 2 at 10% (0.1 kgCO2e). Scope 1 at 10% (0.1 kgCO2e).
- Confidence: Low — very limited published peer-reviewed LCA data specific to toothpaste. Estimate relies on USEEIO sector data and analogies to other personal care products.
- Functional unit: One 100 mL (150 g) tube of toothpaste, cradle to gate.
- Use-phase: Excluded but significant. Hot water used during brushing can contribute substantially to lifecycle emissions depending on water heating method and brushing habits.
Related Concepts
Related Categories
Sources
- EPA USEEIO (2020) — US Environmentally-Extended Input-Output Model v2.0. Sector 'Toilet preparation manufacturing' (NAICS 325620). Provides economy-wide emissions intensity for personal care products including oral care.
- Koehler & Wildbolz (2009) — Comparing the Environmental Footprints of Home-Care and Personal-Care Products. Environmental Science & Technology, 43(22), 8643-8651. Framework for understanding the relative contribution of formulation vs. packaging in personal care LCA.
- Colgate-Palmolive (2023) — Sustainability Report 2023. Documents company-wide and product-level environmental data including manufacturing energy intensity and packaging reduction targets.
- GHG Protocol (2014) — Scope 3 Calculation Guidance. Generic emission factors for consumer chemical products.
- IEA (2024) — Emissions Factors 2024. Grid intensities for major consumer goods manufacturing countries.