As consumer brands increasingly look to improve the recyclability of their packaging, shrink sleeves have remained a persistent challenge. Conventional PETG shrink sleeves often require separation from PET bottles during recycling, adding complexity to the recycling process and reducing material recovery. To address this issue, Colgate-Palmolive partnered with Taurus Packaging to introduce Trucycl, a fully recyclable shrink sleeve solution for the Colgate Max Fresh Mouthwash range.
The project was recently recognized with the Commercial Sustainability Award at the FIPSA Awards 2026, presented during the 5th International Conference on Responsible Packaging in Mumbai. Organized by the Foundation for Innovative Packaging and Sustainability (FIPS) in association with the National Institute of Design (NID) and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, the awards recognize commercially successful packaging innovations.
“This recognition reflects our commitment to reimagining packaging through the lens of innovation, functionality, and sustainability. It is a testament to the expertise and passion of our teams, who continue to raise the bar in delivering solutions that create value for consumers and make more smiles for all people and our planet,” said Sriram Venkatasubramanian, EVP – supply chain, Colgate-Palmolive India.
The challenge
For brands using full-body shrink sleeves, improving recyclability has been a significant hurdle. Many shrink sleeve materials marketed as recyclable still need to be removed from PET bottles before recycling, making the process dependent on consumer behaviour or additional sorting infrastructure.
Colgate sought a packaging solution that would improve the recyclability of its mouthwash bottles without compromising shelf appeal, print quality, or production efficiency.
The solution
Drawing on nearly three decades of experience in shrink sleeve technology, Taurus Packaging developed Trucycl to overcome these limitations. The material was engineered to be recycled together with PET bottles, eliminating the need to remove the sleeve before the recycling process.
Containing up to 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content, Trucycl also delivers the clarity, transparency, and print performance required for premium consumer packaging. Importantly, it can be processed on existing shrink sleeve application lines, allowing brand owners to adopt the solution without major equipment modifications.
Commercial implementation
Colgate adopted Trucycl for its Colgate Max Fresh Mouthwash packaging, replacing conventional PETG shrink sleeves with the recyclable alternative. The transition enabled the brand to better align its packaging with its sustainability objectives while maintaining the visual appearance and functionality expected by consumers.
The successful commercial implementation of the project earned the Commercial Sustainability Award at the FIPSA Awards 2026. The recognition also marked Taurus Packaging’s second consecutive FIPSA award.
In addition to the sustainability award, Colgate-Palmolive received two more honors at FIPSA 2026. Colgate Visible White Purple won in the Commercial Design category, while Colgate Total Plaque Release was recognized for Commercial Innovation, highlighting the company’s broader focus on packaging innovation across its portfolio.
The outcome
The Colgate-Taurus collaboration demonstrates that improving packaging recyclability does not necessarily require compromises in aesthetics, print quality, or manufacturing efficiency. By combining recycled content with a recyclable shrink sleeve that integrates seamlessly into existing production lines, the project offers a practical example of how sustainability-focused packaging innovations can be successfully brought to market. The FIPSA recognition highlights not only the technical development behind Trucycl but also its successful commercial adoption, making it a noteworthy example of industry collaboration in advancing more recyclable packaging solutions.
