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Good To Know

What Makes a Toothbrush “Sustainable”?

Jun 22, 2025

At RADIUS, we believe that caring for your smile should never come at the cost of the planet. That's why we design every toothbrush with sustainability in mind—from the materials we use to the way we manufacture and package each product. But what does it really mean for a toothbrush to be "sustainable"? Let’s break it down.

1. Materials Matter: Beyond Plastic Waste

Traditional toothbrushes are made from petroleum-based plastic and nylon, materials that can take hundreds of years to break down in landfills. In contrast, a sustainable toothbrush starts with better materials.

At RADIUS, our handles are crafted from bioplastics derived from renewable resources like recycled paper, wood, and even upcycled dollar bills. Yes, you read that right. we give retired currency a second life! These plant-based materials reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and cut down on plastic pollution.

For our bristles, we use vegetable-based nylon that’s free of harmful dyes and toxins for Source toothbrush. Our bristles are not just better for the environment; they’re also ultra-soft and gentle on your gums, making sustainability feel as good as it is for the Earth.

2. Replaceable Heads Reduce Waste

Let’s face it: most of us don’t change our toothbrushes as often as we should. Dentists recommend replacing your brush every three months, but tossing out a full plastic toothbrush each time adds up quickly. That’s where our innovative Replaceable Head system comes in.

Instead of discarding the entire brush, you simply pop off the old head and snap on a new one. This small change makes a big impact: using a RADIUS toothbrush with a replaceable head can reduce plastic waste by up to 93% over time compared to traditional options.

Our Source Toothbrush and Big Brush with Replaceable Head both feature this thoughtful, eco-forward design. It's our way of helping you create less waste, one brush at a time.

3. Designed for Durability

A truly sustainable toothbrush needs to last. That means it should be made with materials and design choices that ensure it won’t wear out prematurely. At RADIUS, we engineer our toothbrushes to be strong, ergonomic, and long-lasting.

Our signature wide brush heads clean more surface area with every stroke, reducing the effort needed to maintain a clean mouth. The curved handles are made to fit comfortably in your hand, improving grip and extending the life of your brushing habit.

Sustainability isn't just about materials; it’s also about using less by using better.

4. Low-Waste, Conscious Manufacturing

Many people forget that sustainability also involves how a product is made. At RADIUS, we manufacture our products in-house at our solar-powered facility in Kutztown, Pennsylvania. We’re proud to be a low-emission, no-waste operation committed to reducing our carbon footprint.

Because we control our own production, we can ensure every toothbrush is made responsibly, under strict environmental standards, with minimal energy use and water waste. Our facility even reuses scraps and offcuts wherever possible.

5. Plastic-Free Packaging

A toothbrush might be sustainable, but if it’s wrapped in layers of plastic, we’re back at square one. That’s why RADIUS uses recycled and recyclable packaging. We keep our designs simple, efficient, and easy to dispose of responsibly.

From compostable paperboard to recycled cardboard boxes, our packaging keeps your products safe without adding to the global waste problem.

6. Vegan and Cruelty-Free Commitment

Sustainability also includes ethical responsibility. At RADIUS, all our products are vegan, and we never test on animals. Our ingredients, including organic coconut oil, organic chamomile flower, and xylitol, are plant-derived and carefully selected for safety and effectiveness.

Our oral care lineup isn’t just safe for your mouth, it’s safe for the planet, too.

7. Options for All Ages (and Pets!)

We believe sustainable oral care should be accessible to everyone—from toddlers to adults to your furry family members. That’s why we offer eco-friendly toothbrushes and toothpaste options for kids, adults, and pets.

Our Totz Toothbrush for kids is designed with extra-soft bristles and a smooth oval head for small mouths. For your four-legged companions, the RADIUS Canine Toothbrush is made specifically for dogs, with a gentle brush head that makes brushing less stressful for both of you.

8. Why It All Matters

The average person will go through around 300 toothbrushes in their lifetime. That’s a lot of plastic if you’re not choosing wisely. Making the switch to sustainable toothbrushes might seem like a small act, but when multiplied across millions of users, it has the potential to significantly reduce our global environmental impact.

At RADIUS, our goal isn’t just to create better toothbrushes. It’s to change the way people think about everyday care routines—to turn them into moments of sustainability, purpose, and impact.

Because when you brush with a purpose, you do more than clean your teeth. You help clean up the planet.

In Summary

So what makes a toothbrush sustainable? It’s the thoughtful design, better materials, low-waste production, and responsible packaging. It’s the ability to reduce waste with replaceable heads, to prioritize comfort and longevity, and to deliver on the promise of a cleaner planet without sacrificing oral health.

At RADIUS, we’re proud to set the standard for what a sustainable toothbrush should be. Let your smile reflect not just good health, but also a healthier world.