THE WHAT? Colgate-Palmolive’s Softsoap has launched its new Foaming Hand Soap Tablets and refillable, recyclable aluminum bottle, which aims to help reduce plastic waste. 

THE DETAILS Said to be the first refill option in tablet form by a major brand in the U.S., the new take on liquid hand soap allows customers to fill the recyclable aluminum bottle with water, drop in a tablet, and wait for it to fizz up and turn into foaming hand soap.

According to the company, the Softsoap Foaming Tablet Starter Kit uses 71% less plastic than a traditional foaming plastic soap bottle, while by using the Softsoap Foaming Tablets Refill Kits, it’ll ultimately use 92% less plastic than traditional hand soap refills.

The new system also uses biodegradable cleaning ingredients to encourage reuse and refill as an alternative to plastic bottles. 

THE WHY? Launched as part of Colgate-Palmolive’s Sustainability & Social Impact Strategy, the new product is part of its transition to 100 per cent recyclable, reusable, or compostable plastic packaging by 2025.

Emily Fong Mitchell, General Manager, North America Personal Care, Colgate-Palmolive, said, “As a brand found in 53 million North American households, Softsoap® wants to make sustainability a household habit. 
“The launch of Softsoap Foaming Tablets is a big step as we work to build a more sustainable, healthier future for all. Given our reach, we understand the impact of this step on the entire industry. We’re excited to be leading this change as the first major CPG brand to offer a refill option in tablet form.”