Tom's of Maine Launches New Recycling Initiative with TerraCycle®

Program Kicks Off With Nationwide Sweepstakes to Reward Recycling Champion

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Aug 28, 2012, 01:23 ET

KENNEBUNK, Maine, Aug. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Tom's of Maine, a leader in natural oral and personal care products, has partnered with TerraCycle, a recycling and upcycling pioneer, to give a second life to product packaging with the launch of the Tom's of Maine Natural Care Brigade. In keeping with the Tom's of Maine stewardship model, this free collection program enables consumers to keep packaging from all Tom's of Maine products and other brands out of landfills. To celebrate the launch, the company has announced the Tom's of Maine Less in Landfills Sweepstakes, through which Brigade participants can earn $1,000 for the non-profit or school of their choice.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110602/NY13344LOGO-b )

The Tom's of Maine Natural Care Brigade accepts toothpaste tubes and caps, mouthwash bottles and caps, deodorant/antiperspirant containers, plastic soap wrappers and floss containers, regardless of brand. For each piece of packaging collected and sent in, the collector earns points that can be put toward charity gifts or converted to cash and paid to any school or non-profit organization. Any individual, family, group or school can join for free at TerraCycle.com and all shipping costs are pre-paid.

Through the Less in Landfills Sweepstakes, Tom's of Maine Natural Care Brigade leaders have up to three chances to earn even more money for their school or charity. Beginning today, each shipment from a Brigade location received before November 30, 2012, will count as an entry into the sweepstakes to win $1,000, with a maximum three entries per Brigade location. For details and official rules, please visit http://www.terracycle.com/en-US/pages/less-in-landfills-sweepstakes.

Tom's of Maine is constantly working to reduce its waste stream in Maine and in communities across the country. For example, all Tom's of Maine deodorant sticks are made of a single plastic that can be recycled from canister to cap, a first of its kind in the industry, and all product boxes are made of recycled/recyclable paperboard.

"At Tom's of Maine one of our core values is to make packaging as recyclable as possible. We do this directly with our own packaging innovation and standards, but we also invest in partnerships like TerraCycle to help eliminate packaging waste," said Susan Dewhirst, goodness programs manager at Tom's of Maine. "Our partnership with TerraCycle helps us connect with others who care passionately about taking care of the planet."

"I'm thrilled to welcome a pioneering company like Tom's of Maine to the TerraCycle family, as it is a company with a similar mission to mine," said Tom Szaky, CEO, TerraCycle. "I have always respected Tom's of Maine's stewardship model, which dictates its products and practices must be as natural, sustainable and responsible as possible, so I am very proud of this new partnership."

TerraCycle collects more than 50 different kinds of products and packaging through its Brigade programs, which are open to any individual or organization. It has already kept over two billion pieces of trash from going to the landfill, and with its partners, dispersed almost $4.5 million to charity.

To learn more or get involved in the Tom's of Maine Natural Care Brigade, please visit www.terracycle.com.

About Tom's of Maine

Tom's of Maine is a leading natural products company focused on oral and personal care. TOMs sells high quality toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, deodorant, bar soap, and body wash products. The company has a long-standing commitment to supporting people, communities and the living planet. For over 40 years, Tom's of Maine has sponsored hundreds of non-profit efforts by giving 10% of its profits back to the community and encouraging employees to use 5% (12 days) of employee time to volunteer. Tom's of Maine employees regularly contribute suggestions for improving the company's high sustainability standards. And their ideas, from wind power to ways to improve recycled and recyclable packaging options, are critical to the company's sensitive way of doing business. Tom's of Maine enjoys partnering with its consumers, vendors and community organizations to support lasting, positive change that is good for people and the planet. Visit us online at http://www.tomsofmaine.com/ or at http://www.facebook.com/TomsofMaine.

About TerraCycle

TerraCycle, Inc. is an international upcycling and recycling company that takes difficult-to recycle-packaging and turns it into affordable, innovative products. Founded in 2001, TerraCycle is the world's leader in the collection and reuse of non-recyclable post-consumer waste. TerraCycle works with more than 30 major brands in the U.S. and around the world to collect used packaging and products that would otherwise be destined for landfills. It repurposes that waste into new, innovative materials and products that are available online and through major retailers. The waste is collected through TerraCycle's Brigade programs, which are free fundraisers that pay for every piece of waste collected and returned. For information on how to join a TerraCycle Brigade and on purchasing TerraCycle products please visit www.terracycle.com.

SOURCE Tom's of Maine