THEME: Almedalen – Healthcare
Gumpearl takes up the fight against plastic in the dental care routine! This week was the premiere for Gumpearl at Almedalen Week! Laws and regulations regarding single-use plastic products have been created to reduce the impact on the environment. According to Sepide Hajitaheri, pharmacist and CEO of Gumpearl, however, a product segment that is used daily has been forgotten – the toothpaste tube.
– We have developed a product that can replace the traditional way of using toothpaste.
Most Swedes use toothpaste packaged in plastic tubes every day. A product that is used by so many and so often should be more environmentally friendly, believes Sepide Hajitaheri, and that was the start of Gumpearl toothpaste tablets.
– To achieve climate goals, all industries need to do their part and your dental care routine is no exception. I saw this gap and therefore wanted to create a product free of plastic, unnecessary additives and away from disposable packaging, which is at least as good for your teeth as a regular toothpaste.
Sepide is a trained pharmacist with over 17 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and dental industries and has been involved in developing many successful products available in pharmacies. When she wanted to create a new dental care product with a focus on sustainability, the process was no stranger to her.
– I was aware of the strict requirements of pharmacies and found a gap in their range where the conscious consumer had no alternative to disposable products. At the same time, pharmacies have sustainability requirements and are looking for more sustainable alternatives in their range. Gumpearl and its reusable packaging fit in there and are now available at several different pharmacy chains.
For a greener planet and healthier teeth
Gumpearl toothpaste tablets come in a reusable glass jar where you can then buy refill bags made of 100 percent bio-based material that can be sorted as compost. The tablets themselves are available in different flavors and are completely vegan and free of SLS, surfactants, palm oil, alcohol, gluten, water, plastics and microplastics. They contain the recommended amount of fluoride for adults and children (1450 and 1000 ppm respectively) and are therefore recommended by the Swedish Dental Association.
– The first time glass is manufactured, it has a greater carbon dioxide emission than plastic, but the environmental benefits come when you reuse the glass jar over and over again or recycle it. We have also removed unnecessary additives, such as SLS, which is found in many toothpastes. It is a foaming agent that has no effect on cleanliness, quite the opposite as it can be drying. We have also removed palm oil, which is also a common ingredient in toothpaste and which contributes to the deforestation of rainforests. Gumpearl is produced in Sweden, which means that we also avoid long transports, says Sepide and concludes:
– It's just a matter of changing a habit and switching from cream to tablet. With Gumpearl, you put a tablet in your mouth and chew lightly, put a little water on your toothbrush and then brush as usual. As if by magic, the toothpaste tablet becomes toothpaste in your mouth. This is a small change that can make a big difference for the environment and well-being.
Thanks to everyone who came by and met us at Almedalen, so great that so many of you like Gumpearl 💚 Hope to see you next year!
Together we move towards a more sustainable dental care routine ♻️
Gumpearl - good for you, good for the environment 💚♻️✌🏻
