Judge Sets Trial Date for Class-Action Lawsuit Against Colgate Over Toothpaste Tube Recyclability Claims
A federal judge has set a trial date of April 10, 2028, in an ongoing class-action lawsuit against Colgate-Palmolive. The case alleges that the company made misleading recyclability claims on certain toothpaste tubes from its Colgate and Tom's of Maine brands sold in California between August 29, 2019, and when the suit was filed in 2023. The plaintiffs argue these claims were deceptive because many local recycling facilities do not accept such tubes for processing. In response, Colgate-Palmolive maintains that its new toothpaste tube design is recyclable through California's #2 HDPE plastic stream used for items like soap and detergent bottles. The company also notes a transition period during which only some products were labeled with recyclability claims. The case has proceeded to the discovery phase, where attorneys plan to subpoena waste management companies such as Republic Services (RSG) and WM. Colgate had previously attempted to appeal class certification but was denied in July 2026 by Judge Joseph Spero.
Topics: environment packaging recyclability claims