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Pumps used to dispense healthcare and personal care products (e.g., creams, sprays, ointments, lotions, and gels) are typically made of multiple components and mixed materials, including combinations of plastics and metals. Even when a pump is made entirely of plastic, it often includes multiple types (e.g., polyethylene and polypropylene) that are incompatible with one another in recycling streams. This complexity makes them difficult or impossible to recycle using standard municipal recycling streams. As a result, these pumps often end up in landfills regardless of the recyclability of the bottles they are attached to.
In addition to their recyclability challenge, these pumps are designed as single-use components, even though their structural integrity and potential lifespan far exceed the short duration of use typical of most product formats. Currently, there is no widespread model for reusing or refilling pumps in this category, which contributes to unnecessary material waste and undercuts efforts to create a circular economy for packaging.
Solutions that can simplify the material composition of these pumps could unlock significant sustainability gains in the personal and healthcare product sectors.
We are looking to identify recyclable pumps that can dispense a range of formulations, from sprays to creams. A single pump does not need to serve all formats; we are open to separate solutions for different product types, such as one pump for sprays (up to 0.5 mL per actuation) and another for creams or gels (up to 1 mL per actuation). Ideally, these mono-material pumps should be made from a single type of polymer. However, we are open to designs that incorporate small amounts of other plastics, provided they remain within accepted recycling thresholds (e.g., no more than 5–10% of the total weight). We are particularly interested in mono-material pumps made from the same material family as the bottle they dispense from, and we are also open to re-usable or refillable formats.
- Mono-material pump format for spray formulations
- Mono-material pump format for creams and gel formulations
- Proven recyclability status (curbside) or expected to pass with validation pending
- Compatible with spray formulations and/or cream and gel formulations
- Capable of dispensing a defined volume of product per dose
- No leakage during use, shipping, or storage
- Re-useable
- Opportunity for side actuation and vertical actuation
- Opportunity to include recycled content within the pump (mechanically or chemically post-consumer recycled resins)
Our global team is dedicated to developing and collaborating on future-facing, scientifically proven, consumer-focused innovations and technologies. We believe that true innovation comes from collaboration and partnerships with start-ups, academia, health tech pioneers, and innovators.
Haleon has a strong portfolio of consumer health brands and plays a vital role for people all around the world, in a sector that is growing and more relevant than ever. We have five brand categories: Oral Health, Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements(VMS), Pain, Respiratory & Digestive. Our trusted brands like Sensodyne, Advil, Centrum & Voltaren improve the lives of millions globally.
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