We all know that it’s really, really, REALLY hard to avoid plastic, especially in oral care.
We’re very proud that our toothpaste, toothpaste tablets and toothpaste powder are plastic free, but it definitely wasn’t easy. For example, getting rid of that little plastic liner inside the aluminium lid of our toothpaste was a mammoth task (if you are interested let me know and I can write an entire blog on this multi-year long process 🙃).
Since Solid is first and foremost a dental brand, we had to make some compromises on the use of plastic within our range. So, in the interest of being transparent, here’s 3 places you’ll find that “unavoidable plastic” in our oral care.
Toothbrush Bristles
Even though the handles are bamboo, Solid’s toothbrush bristles are made of plastic. The majority of toothbrush bristles are made either of nylon or PBT – both are types of plastic.
This means the heads must be snapped off when you’re done with them and placed in the general waste. Here at Solid, we use PBT as it’s better for gum health. Some brands have been experimenting with castor seed based plastic bristles – but there is always a plastic component.
Unfortunately, the only truly plastic-free option for toothbrushes is boar bristles, and these are not vegan or dentally approved. It’s really important to us that any toothbrushes we provide improve people’s dental health, and at this time that means we have to compromise on plastic bristles. Happily, the other 5/6’s of that toothbrush can be composted.
Dental Floss
Our floss is primarily polyester (plastic), with a small amount of bamboo charcoal for colour. It’s coated in candelila wax rather than PTFE (a PFAS or forever chemical, also known as Teflon).
Nowadays, we are seeing more sustainable flosses pop up. The major benefit of these flosses is that is that they come in a refillable dispenser – most commonly glass. At Solid, we went with stainless steel because its more durable.
In the past, we DID have a PLA floss. PLA (polylactic acid) is a bioplastic derived from corn rather than petroleum. It can be commercially composted – but that’s not very relevant in New Zealand or Australia as we don’t have the necessary facilities. The negative of PLA? It absolutely sucks as a floss material. It snaps and shreds all over the place. Founder Laura, an OHT, was horrified at the thought of making people want to floss even less! So, plastic floss in a refillable container it is.
Whitening Lid Liners
As mentioned at the start – we got these out of our toothpaste, tablets and powder lids. However, we don’t yet have a solution for our more liquid or reactive products.
At Solid, we don’t believe in greenwashing or pretending we’ve cracked sustainability perfectly. We do believe in making the best choices available right now, being honest about the compromises, and continuing to push for better solutions as they become possible.
If you’re reducing plastic where you can (even if it’s not everywhere) you’re still making an impact. Choosing refillable systems, compostable materials, and brands that prioritise dental health and the planet genuinely adds up.
Unavoidable Plastic in Oral Care
We all know that it’s really, really, REALLY hard to avoid plastic, especially in oral care.
We’re very proud that our toothpaste, toothpaste tablets and toothpaste powder are plastic free, but it definitely wasn’t easy. For example, getting rid of that little plastic liner inside the aluminium lid of our toothpaste was a mammoth task (if you are interested let me know and I can write an entire blog on this multi-year long process 🙃).
Since Solid is first and foremost a dental brand, we had to make some compromises on the use of plastic within our range. So, in the interest of being transparent, here’s 3 places you’ll find that “unavoidable plastic” in our oral care.
Toothbrush Bristles
Even though the handles are bamboo, Solid’s toothbrush bristles are made of plastic. The majority of toothbrush bristles are made either of nylon or PBT – both are types of plastic.
This means the heads must be snapped off when you’re done with them and placed in the general waste. Here at Solid, we use PBT as it’s better for gum health. Some brands have been experimenting with castor seed based plastic bristles – but there is always a plastic component.
Unfortunately, the only truly plastic-free option for toothbrushes is boar bristles, and these are not vegan or dentally approved. It’s really important to us that any toothbrushes we provide improve people’s dental health, and at this time that means we have to compromise on plastic bristles. Happily, the other 5/6’s of that toothbrush can be composted.
Dental Floss
Our floss is primarily polyester (plastic), with a small amount of bamboo charcoal for colour. It’s coated in candelila wax rather than PTFE (a PFAS or forever chemical, also known as Teflon).
Nowadays, we are seeing more sustainable flosses pop up. The major benefit of these flosses is that is that they come in a refillable dispenser – most commonly glass. At Solid, we went with stainless steel because its more durable.
In the past, we DID have a PLA floss. PLA (polylactic acid) is a bioplastic derived from corn rather than petroleum. It can be commercially composted – but that’s not very relevant in New Zealand or Australia as we don’t have the necessary facilities. The negative of PLA? It absolutely sucks as a floss material. It snaps and shreds all over the place. Founder Laura, an OHT, was horrified at the thought of making people want to floss even less! So, plastic floss in a refillable container it is.
Whitening Lid Liners
As mentioned at the start – we got these out of our toothpaste, tablets and powder lids. However, we don’t yet have a solution for our more liquid or reactive products.
At Solid, we don’t believe in greenwashing or pretending we’ve cracked sustainability perfectly. We do believe in making the best choices available right now, being honest about the compromises, and continuing to push for better solutions as they become possible.
If you’re reducing plastic where you can (even if it’s not everywhere) you’re still making an impact. Choosing refillable systems, compostable materials, and brands that prioritise dental health and the planet genuinely adds up.