Most of us use tooth paste more times a day. The empty tube we throw away. I wondered how empty the tube really is. This does not sound being Research? I began to collect empty tubes systematically and I can tell you now: the residual mass of tooth paste in an empty tube is 5 to 20 %, depending on tube construction. The everage lies up to 8 %. Worldwide we consume about 15 Billion of tooth tubes annually. So we throw away 120 000 tonns of tooth paste which has a value of about 1, 2 Billion $. The environmental problem is: how do we neutralise this uge quantity of tooth paste ? Burning with emissions? Solve it in Oceans? Dig it in waste dumps?
Only one example of residual values of rest-products.
Do know further examples of resdiuel waste in packaged products with ernormous masses?
I would be very intrested in reading your experiences.
Thank you for answering!!
Peter
Dear Prof. Peter,
Thanks for talking about the toothpaste waste. I was thinking about the inner core of the tissue paper, after removing the sheets we remain with the inner part which cannot be used. Another one is cooking oil containers. There shape means that not oil is emptied and the remaining is washed away with hot water and hence affecting grease traps in wastewater treatments.
I have examples with UHT 30% Cream packed in a carton (as in the photo enclosed) and similar greasy products. I discovered that fat usually is on the top of the carton and liquid flows but the solid fat fraction stays inside and I need to cut the box to take it out.
Thank you for this question, Dr Eyerer, and an interesting case indeed. A large group of these products can be found in the beauty industry. Tubes of liquid make-up with a built-in applicator, such as brow products, liquid lip products, mascara, are not only supplied in quantities that are nearly impossible to use up within time of their expiry date - they are also built to introduce bacteria into the product with each use, shortening their shelf life further. Discarted mascara products, in particular, are sure to contain at least a fifth, if not half of the original liquid. Would this be the type of product waste you were looking for for your research?
Kind regards,
S. Schrey
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