Closeup

Introduction

Closeup is a prominent oral care brand that originated in the early 1970s, founded by the pioneering company Unilever. Its creation stemmed from a desire to provide consumers with a product that not only cleans teeth but also boosts confidence through fresh breath and striking smiles. The founders envisioned a brand that combined effective oral hygiene with modern aesthetics, integrating vibrant packaging and appealing flavors to resonate with a younger audience. This innovative approach soon positioned Closeup as a leader in the mouthwash and toothpaste market.

The philosophy behind Closeup revolves around the idea that confidence can be enhanced through oral care, empowering individuals to express themselves freely. Closeup emphasizes the emotional connection between personal grooming and social interaction, encouraging people to "smile closer" and engage with the world around them. By focusing on self-expression and personal connections, Closeup aligns its products with contemporary cultural values, making it more than just a dental hygiene brand but a lifestyle choice for many young adults.

What makes Closeup special is its unique placement in the market, drawing attention with bold advertising campaigns and diverse product offerings. The brand stands out for its dual-action formula that not only fights cavities but also leaves a lasting impression with its fresh taste and scent. Closeup has successfully carved a niche that appeals to a generation that values both functionality and confidence, creating a loyal customer base that sees the brand as integral to their daily routines.

Signature Products

Closeup's products are designed to engage consumers in their daily oral care practices while enhancing their confidence. With a range of toothpaste and mouthwash options, they cater to diverse preferences and needs.

• Closeup Ever Fresh Gel Toothpaste : A gel toothpaste that provides a refreshing clean and helps combat bad breath.
• Closeup Whitening Gel Toothpaste : Formulated to effectively remove surface stains and whiten teeth for a brighter smile.
• Closeup Mouthwash : A refreshing mouthwash that offers long-lasting freshness and helps in killing germs that cause bad breath.
• Closeup Charcoal Gel Toothpaste : This toothpaste combines the benefits of activated charcoal to help absorb impurities and whiten teeth naturally.

Materials and Ingredients Used by Closeup

• Fluoride : This ingredient is a mineral known for its ability to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce the risk of cavities. Closeup incorporates fluoride in its dental products to promote oral health and help users maintain a bright and strong smile.
• Sorbitol : Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener and humectant. In Closeup products, it helps to enhance flavor while also retaining moisture, making the toothpaste more appealing and ensuring a smooth texture during use.
• Sodium Laureth Sulfate : This ingredient is a surfactant that helps create foam and lather in toothpaste. Closeup uses sodium laureth sulfate to provide a satisfying brushing experience and to aid in the distribution of the toothpaste, ensuring effective cleaning action.
• Mica : Mica is a mineral that provides a shimmering effect and is often used for its aesthetic properties. Closeup includes mica in its formulas to enhance the product's visual appeal and create a more attractive packaging experience for users.
• Castor Oil Plant : The oil extracted from the castor oil plant is used for its emollient properties. In Closeup products, castor oil helps to moisturize and condition the oral mucosa, contributing to a smoother feel while brushing and reducing any irritation.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying From Closeup

Mining impact:

The production of fluoride primarily involves mining activities, which can lead to significant environmental disruption. Mining operations for fluoride can cause land degradation, loss of biodiversity, and soil erosion. An example is the mining of phosphate rock, a primary source of fluoride, which can diminish natural habitats and affect local communities by impacting agriculture and water supplies.

Energy consumption:

The processing of fluoride is highly energy-intensive, contributing to carbon emissions and climate change. Facilities involved in fluoride processing require substantial energy to operate, often relying on fossil fuels. This reliance triggers greenhouse gas emissions, akin to the energy demands in aluminum production, highlighting the industry's broader impact on global warming.

Water pollution:

Both the mining and processing of fluoride can lead to water pollution if not managed adequately. Tailing ponds from mining operations can leak chemicals into waterways, harming aquatic life and affecting water quality for nearby communities. An instance is the contamination of rivers in mining regions, leading to compromised water systems and posing health risks to local populations.

Agricultural impact:

Sorbitol is derived from sugars found in plants like corn, and its production can significantly impact agricultural systems. Large-scale industrial farming practices lead to soil degradation, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. These issues are reminiscent of the biofuel debates, where land used for energy crops competes with food production imposing strains on sustainable agriculture.

Water usage:

The cultivation of crops like corn for sorbitol involves substantial water use, leading to water scarcity issues in some regions. Intensive irrigation practices deplete local water resources, which are often already stressed in areas prone to drought. This scenario is similar to the water challenges faced in regions producing other water-intensive crops like cotton.

Energy-intensive processing:

The production of sorbitol requires energy-intensive processes to convert sugars into this ingredient. The energy demand can contribute to environmental footprints similar to those observed in high-energy industries, reflecting broader concerns about resource-efficient manufacturing practices.

Chemical pollution:

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) production uses ethylene oxide and other chemicals, posing risks of chemical pollution. Improper disposal of these substances can lead to ecological harm, similar to concerns raised over industrial chemicals in other sectors, leading to the necessity for proper waste treatment systems to mitigate environmental impact.

Water contamination:

The use of SLES in products leads to its presence in wastewater, where it can affect aquatic ecosystems. The surfactants in SLES can damage fish and other marine life, similar to the environmental challenges posed by non-biodegradable substances accumulating in waterways from personal care products.

Energy-intensive production:

Producing SLES involves processes requiring significant energy input, contributing to carbon emissions and climate challenges. Such production lines parallel the environmental footprint seen in petrochemical industries, underscoring the importance of energy-efficient manufacturing practices to reduce carbon footprints.

Child labor:

Mica mining, especially in regions like India, has troubling associations with child labor. Families depend on children’s participation due to economic needs, perpetuating cycles of poverty and limiting educational opportunities. These labor conditions are akin to those spotted in the textile industry, where economic constraints drive exploitative labor practices.

Environmental degradation:

The extraction of mica can lead to environmental degradation through deforestation and ecosystem fragmentation. The open-pit mining practices significantly alter landscapes, much like the environmental impacts observed in the mining sector worldwide, highlighting the need for sustainable site management.

Supply chain transparency:

Mica supply chains often lack transparency, with complications arising from illegal mining activities. The informal nature of these operations makes tracking sources difficult, similar to issues in conflict minerals, emphasizing the requirement for traceability and ethical sourcing practices to ensure responsible supply chains.

Land use change:

The cultivation of Castor Oil Plants can lead to land use changes, affecting natural ecosystems. Clearing of land for agriculture can result in biodiversity loss and contribute to deforestation, akin to the challenges faced by palm oil plantations, where land conversion harms local flora and fauna.

Pesticide use:

Growing castor oil plants can involve significant pesticide use, impacting environmental and human health. Residue from these chemicals can contaminate soil and water, paralleling the pesticide concerns in fruit and vegetable farming, necessitating sustainable pest management solutions to reduce risk factors.

Supply chain variability:

Castor oil supplies fluctuate due to changes in agricultural output and market conditions, causing sustainability challenges. This variability mirrors issues in agricultural commodities where fluctuating environmental conditions and market demands can create instability in supply chains, emphasizing the need for resilience and adaptability.