A nurdle is the wave shaped blob often seen in toothpaste advertisements or on the packaging of toothpaste tubes.[1]
History
editThe use of the nurdle wasn't widespread until the 1970s, when toothpaste went from white paste to colored gels.[2]
The term "nurdle" is believed to originate from the American Dental Association in the 1990s to encourage the public to use proper brushing technique.[3]
Conflicts
editIn July 2010, the companies Colgate-Palmolive and GlaxoSmithKline engaged in a lawsuit over the nurdle.[4][5] Colgate stated in the 76 page complaint that the nurdle on their toothpaste which had the text "Triple Action", was infringed on by the nurdle by Glaxo, specifically Aquafresh, which said "Triple Protection".[6] Colgate stated they were doing this "to hinder fair competition."[2]
References
edit- ↑ sara (2024-09-25). "Tree Bark, Eggshells, and Nurdles: The History of Toothpaste". Midwest Dental. Retrieved 2026-04-27.
- 1 2 Byron, Clifford M. Marks And Ellen (2010-07-29). "Toothpaste Makers Bare Teeth in Nurdle Fight". Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved 2026-04-27.
- ↑ sara (2024-09-25). "Tree Bark, Eggshells, and Nurdles: The History of Toothpaste". Midwest Dental. Retrieved 2026-04-27.
- ↑ "One Good Fact about Toothpaste Design | Britannica". Encyclopedia Britannica. Archived from the original on 2025-02-19. Retrieved 2026-02-27.
- ↑ "Colgate, Glaxo settle toothpaste 'nurdle' lawsuit". Reuters. 2011-11-07. Retrieved 2026-02-27.
- ↑ "The battle of the blob: Colgate and Glaxo go to court over toothpaste". Archived from the original on 2025-01-20. Retrieved 2026-02-27.
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