What Stays in the Tube: Residual Toothpaste by Tube Type and the Annual Loss for a Family of Five

Every toothpaste tube is discarded with paste still inside. This study quantifies the residue for a family of five using 5.0 g per day, at stated residuals of 8 g for a standard crimped tube emptied by hand, 3 g with a rolling key, and 2 g for a stand-up pump, from a nominal 100 g tube priced at USD 0.80. The standard tube gives 19.84 tubes per year and loses 158.7 g of paste annually inside discarded tubes, worth USD 1.27; the rolling key cuts the loss to 56.4 g and saves USD 0.82 per year in purchases. The figures are small per family and substantial across a distribution programme. This study is simulated, not measured. SIMULATED, NOT MEASURED.