Who Owns Colgate?

Colgate operates under Colgate-Palmolive's sustainability framework. The company has made progress in packaging innovation and climate action while facing criticism regarding plastic use and animal testing practices.

Colgate has achieved 93% of its packaging being recyclable, reusable, or compostable as of December 2024, up from 89.5% the previous year. The company has transitioned approximately 75% of its toothpaste SKUs globally and about 95% of toothpaste tubes in North America to recyclable tubes, making recyclable tubes accessible in over 70 countries. In 2025, Colgate began introducing recyclable paper-based packaging for manual toothbrushes.

Colgate has been working on climate change for over 20 years and was the first multinational company in its sector to have climate targets approved by the Science Based Targets initiative in 2022. The company signed a long-term virtual power purchase agreement for a wind farm in Europe in 2024, expected to cover approximately 60% of its Europe-based operational electricity needs.

Colgate maintains a commitment to work toward the elimination of laboratory safety testing using animals. For cosmetics, the company primarily uses available databases and non-animal alternatives. Colgate is on PETA's list of Companies Working for Regulatory Change. However, the company acknowledges that government regulations in some countries require animal testing for product safety verification, and its commitment does not apply across all product categories.

Colgate uses palm oil, palm kernel oil, and derivatives in various products. The company is a member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) with a certification level of 70.89% and has a 2025 goal for all tier 1 and derivative volumes to be 100% physically certified palm oil. Despite having a no deforestation policy, Colgate has faced criticism from Greenpeace for using palm oil from producers that destroy rainforests.

Colgate received a best rating for its approach to toxic chemicals in cosmetics, banning harmful chemicals including parabens and phthalates. The company maintains strict ingredient safety standards and has implemented policies to eliminate harmful substances from its product formulations.

Colgate sponsors numerous prestigious award programs in dental education and research. The Colgate Award for Research Excellence (CARE) program is a multinational funding initiative supporting oral health research. The Colgate STAR award recognizes exceptional dental hygiene students and faculty who show outstanding commitment to the profession. The company also supports the IADR Colgate Oral Health Research Award, which funds basic, clinical, and applied studies related to oral disease prevention.

Colgate has established partnerships with dental schools and educational institutions worldwide. The company's collaboration with ADEA (American Dental Education Association) includes the Colgate Oral Pharmaceuticals Excellence in Teaching award and the Colgate-Palmolive Junior Faculty Award, which recognize excellence in dental education and faculty development.

Colgate has received numerous awards for product innovation, particularly for Colgate Total toothpaste. The company's continuous innovation in dental technology, including advanced toothpaste formulations, smart toothbrushes, and specialized oral care products, has been recognized by dental professionals and industry organizations.

Colgate consistently ranks among the world's most trusted brands in oral care, receiving recognition for brand strength, consumer loyalty, and market leadership. The company's global presence and consistent quality have earned consumer choice awards and recognition from dental professionals for product effectiveness and safety.

Colgate has been acknowledged for its social impact programs, particularly for reaching over 100 million consumers with water, sanitation, and oral health education programs. The company's commitment to helping millions of homes develop healthier habits has received recognition from public health organizations.

Colgate has faced several controversies related to environmental practices, animal testing, and human rights issues in its supply chain.

Colgate has faced criticism from environmental organizations like Greenpeace for its role in driving global demand for single-use plastic. While the company aims to eliminate one-third of new virgin plastics and achieve recyclable packaging by 2025, critics argue this target is insufficient given the scale of Colgate's plastic production. Environmental groups have highlighted that the company's plastic waste contributes to ocean pollution.

Despite having a commitment to animal welfare, Colgate has received Ethical Consumer's worst rating for animal testing policy. The company's commitment does not apply across all product categories, and it acknowledges that government regulations in some countries require animal testing. This has led to criticism from animal welfare organizations and ethical consumer groups.

Colgate consistently scores poorly in human rights and workers' rights categories due to operations in countries with oppressive regimes including China, Egypt, Mexico, Philippines, Russia, Turkey, and Venezuela. The company has been criticized for publishing no standards for working hours and wages, no information about supply chain audit outcomes, and lacking clear mechanisms for workers to make anonymous complaints.

Despite being a member of the RSPO and having a no deforestation policy, Colgate has faced criticism from Greenpeace for using palm oil from producers that destroy rainforests. The company's RSPO certification level of 70.89% has been deemed insufficient by environmental groups who argue that Colgate should achieve 100% RSPO certification for all palm oil derivatives.

Colgate's policy on ingredient safety has been criticized as inconsistent regarding microplastics. While the company bans microbeads, its policy does not cover other types of harmful microplastics, leading to concerns about comprehensive microplastic pollution prevention.

Colgate has faced scrutiny regarding marketing claims and health benefit assertions for its oral care products. Regulatory bodies and consumer protection organizations have occasionally challenged the company's marketing language and health benefit claims, requiring more rigorous scientific validation.