Want to squeeze every last drop out of a toothpaste tube? Now you can.

Colgate-Palmolive is commercializing a technology that creates slippery surfaces. Its first product: a toothpaste called Elixir.

Demo of LiquiGlide’s product (Source: LiquiGlide / Delish)

Want to squeeze every last drop out of a toothpaste tube? Now you can.

Here are 2 experiences that many of us can relate to:

  • Folding a toothpaste tube dozens of time
  • Using a knife to coax the last drops of ketchup out of a bottle

There’s now a solution.

According to The Economist, Colgate-Palmolive — the $72B consumer goods company — is commercializing packaging technology…

… that has a super-slippery surface

The product is called LiquiGlide and was invented in 2012 by a professor-student team from MIT.

This is how the sorcery LiquiGlide works:

  • Either a container or pipe is created with a “microscopically textured pattern”
  • A formulated liquid is applied to the surface, which fills the gaps and allows “gooey substances to slide easily”

Colgate’s first easy-sliding product is Elixir

A toothpaste currently selling in Europe.

Even though the first LiquiGlide demo was for ketchup, actual ketchup makers have yet to use the product.

The MIT duo believe that their slippery invention can eventually be used for food products of all thickness (mayo, hummus, sour cream).

Another huge benefit

Existing containers for toothpaste are typically made from materials that are difficult to recycle, like plastic laminates and aluminum foil.

LiquiGlide is a green-friendly alternative.

Not only do you get to squeeze out every last drop, but you can also feel good about where you put the waste after.

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