Sustainability 21. August 2026

For thousands of years people have been searching for the right tools for dental care: from simple wooden sticks to wild boar bristles to modern electric sonic toothbrushes. But despite all the technological advances, the core component of cleaning—the bristle—has remained virtually unchanged for decades, made of nylon. However, this material has its drawbacks: While soft nylon bristles fray far too quickly with daily use, harder varieties scratch the sensitive surfaces inside the mouth. In addition, conventional bristles, when combined with the high frequency of modern sonic toothbrushes, are often far too abrasive.

The toothbrush from the Slovenian startup FRESH 32 now offers the solution: The manufacturer’s newly developed TPU bristles are designed to be gentle on the gums and polish the enamel. According to the manufacturer, this development is based on the latest scientific research findings rather than on conventional industry standards. This innovation has even won the regional startup award “Dragon Makers Pitch” and qualified for the finals of the Startup World Cup in San Francisco.

The strategic choice of materials was made in close cooperation with Covestro Deutschland AG. To ensure optimal product performance, the partners rely on a highly specialized thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), which was selected for its excellent suitability for skin contact and the good flow properties required for this application.

For this application the high-quality, polymer-specific ROWALID TPU color masterbatches precisely meet the regulatory and aesthetic requirements. As a partner for coloring the plastic, ROWA Masterbatch is contributing to the startup’s success and continues to support the company with customized solutions. From the precise selection of the optimal colorants to production in compliance with GMP measures (Good Manufacturing Practice, in accordance with EU Regulation 2023/2006), ROWA Masterbatch GmbH is a partner that meets the highest standards.