Fact 1: The Worldwide Fame
It may surprise you that Colgate-Palmolive is not just a renowned name in the United States but has made its mark globally too. The brand is recognized in over 50 countries, and its products are available in every corner of the world.
Fact 2: The Timeline
If you think Colgate-Palmolive is a brand-new company, you are mistaken! The Colgate-Palmolive company was established in 1806, making it over 200 years old. It has built its reputation over two centuries and evolved with passing time.
Fact 3: A Blend of Two Brands
The name Colgate-Palmolive is a combination of two brands, Colgate, a dental hygiene product company, and Palmolive, a soap manufacturing company. The merger happened in 1953 to create the brand we all know well today.
Fact 4: The Originality of Colgate's Logo
Have you ever observed the logo of Colgate up closely? You'd find it very interesting that the brand logo has changed over 15 times but the ribbon, symbolizing purity and freshness, has consistently remained.
Fact 5: The First Toothpaste in a Tube
Colgate launched their first toothpaste in a tube in 1896 which unknown to them, was going to revolutionize oral care products' packaging forever. Until then, people used to get their toothpaste from jars.
Fact 6: Palmolive's Unusual Ingredient
Originally, the Palmolive soap contained palm and olive oils, leading to the unique name. However, it's an unusual ingredient, the Colombian Andes' natural clay - which piqued curiosity and set the brand apart.
Fact 7: The Influence of a movie
In 1932, Colgate-Palmolive launched a toothpaste called Kolynos in Latin America. The name of this toothpaste was inspired by a popular movie of that time called "Kolynos", meaning prevent (koly) night (nos).
Fact 8: The Lucky Number Seven
In 1985, Colgate-Palmolive had a lucky streak with seven of their brands being among the top 25 best selling products in grocery stores across the United States. No wonder lucky number seven is a significant number for them.
Fact 9: First Fluoride Toothpaste in the Market
Colgate was the first in the market to add fluoride to its toothpaste in 1968. This product, Colgate Total, was an innovation that made a significant impact on dental health till date.
Fact 10: Colgate-Palmolive and Veterinary Products
Many don't know that Colgate-Palmolive doesn't limit itself to creating only household products. The company also ventured into veterinary products and launched Hill's Science Diet and Prescription Diet pet foods.
Fact 11: Participation in World War I and II
During the World War years, the company was committed to making hygiene products for soldiers. Soap and toothpaste were among the few hygiene necessities provided to soldiers by Colgate-Palmolive.
Fact 12: Sustainability is at Its Core
Since 2010, all Colgate-Palmolive plants have achieved an impressive waste recycling rate. The brand has committed to sustainability and continues to establish new set goals to reduce its carbon footprint.
Fact 13: Promotion Through Soap Operas
The term "Soap Operas" has a connection with the brand promotion of soaps like Palmolive through radio dramas, and later TV dramas. All because Colgate-Palmolive and other soap manufacturers sponsored these dramas!
Fact 14: Venturing into Laundry Business
Colgate-Palmolive is not limited to personal care and pet nutrition. They also ventured into the household care business by providing high-quality laundry products like Fab, Dynamo, and Cold Power.
Fact 15: A College Named After Colgate
In 1890, the University of Colgate - named after the company founder and philanthropist, William Colgate - was established. An interesting fact indeed!
Fact 16: Banned Substance Abolition
In the spirit of maintaining the highest quality standards, Colgate-Palmolive pledged in 2014 to eliminate microbeads from all its products. The company fulfilled this pledge by the end of 2014.
Fact 17: Contribution in Space Missions
Did you know that your favorite brand was a part of many space missions? In fact, Colgate toothpaste and brushes have accompanied astronauts on multiple space voyages!
Fact 18: Contribution to Oral Health Education
For over 25 years, Colgate's Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program has reached around one billion children across 80 countries, providing free dental screenings and oral health education.
Fact 19: The Advertisement Controversy
In 2007, Colgate-Palmolive became the center of controversy due to a misleading advertisement that claimed no other brand could whiten teeth better. Following the legal trepidation, they had to withdraw the claim.
Fact 20: Women Empowerment Advocate
Lastly, Colgate-Palmolive is a strong advocate for women. They established the “Global Women’s Leadership Network” to promote the training, development, and empowerment of women in the company on a global scale.