CSR Pioneer Tom's of Maine Earns B Corporation Certification

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Mar 07, 2019, 12:00 ET

Natural care leader joins ranks of values-driven brands committed to using business as a "force for good"

KENNEBUNK, Maine, March 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Tom's of Maine, the leading maker of natural personal care products, today announced that it has become a Certified B Corporation®, joining the ranks of top socially responsible companies. Through this accreditation, Tom's of Maine publicly commits to upholding a purpose-driven business and supporting a global economy that benefits all.

A pioneer since 1970 in prioritizing financial, environmental and social goals and still headquartered in Kennebunk, Maine, Tom's of Maine continues its commitment to transparency, caring for the planet and communities and setting a positive example for future generations. One of a select number of natural personal care companies to achieve B Corp status, Tom's of Maine is introducing more than a dozen new products this year.

Certified B Corporations meet the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability, and aspire to use the power of markets to address social and environmental problems. B Corps become certified through rigorous verification by B Lab and must meet strict standards to join a global community of leaders using business as a force for good. Tom's of Maine joins more than 2,700 Certified B Corporations around the world.

"Earning B Corp Certification is the next step in our ongoing mission to help people live a more natural life," said Nancy Pak, vice president and general manager at Tom's of Maine. "That mission includes much more than making innovative, safe and effective products. Operating sustainably and responsibly every day is at the core of our vision for a brighter future – from ingredient selection to a 2020 goal of zero waste at our manufacturing facility and continuing to give back," Pak added.

Every year, the environmentally friendly company donates 10% of profits to supporting nature and healthy families, which includes $2 million to The Nature Conservancy to help protect and restore America's waterways. Additionally, Tom's of Maine employees are encouraged to give 5% of paid time to volunteer.

"We're thrilled to welcome Tom's of Maine as a Certified B Corporation by meeting the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and legal accountability," said Andy Fyfe of B Lab. "By supporting B Corps, people are supporting businesses that are reducing inequality, lowering levels of poverty, designing a healthier environment, and creating more high-quality jobs with dignity and purpose. It's up to each of us to think about our daily choices and vote every day. Tom's of Maine just made it easier to cast that vote."

About Tom's of Maine
Tom's of Maine has been making safe, effective natural personal care products for 49 years. It all began when Tom and Kate Chappell moved to Maine in 1968 looking for a healthier, simpler life for their growing family. And when they couldn't find personal care products that were free from artificial flavors, fragrances, sweeteners, colors and preservatives, they decided to make their own. Tom's of Maine products – including toothpaste, deodorant, mouthwash, antiperspirant, bar soap, body wash, dental floss, and toothbrushes – are made from naturally sourced and naturally derived ingredients and never tested on animals. The company has a long-standing commitment to caring for people and the planet. Tom's of Maine has supported hundreds of nonprofits by giving back 10% of its profits, and employees are encouraged to use 5% of their paid time (12 days) volunteering for causes they are passionate about. Most Tom's of Maine products are vegan, kosher, halal-certified and gluten-free. All packaging is recyclable through a partnership with upcycling leader TerraCycle or participating municipalities. Visit us online at http://www.tomsofmaine.com/ or at http://www.facebook.com/TomsofMaine.

About B Corp
Certified B Corporations meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, legally expand their corporate responsibilities to include consideration of stakeholder interests and build collective voice through the power of the unifying B Corporation brand. There are more than 2,655 Certified B Corporations from over 150 industries and over 60 countries, representing a diverse multi-billion-dollar marketplace with 1 unifying goal.

About B Lab
B Lab is a nonprofit organization that serves a global movement to redefine success in business so that all companies compete not only to be the best in the world, but the best for the world. B Lab drives this systemic change through a number of interrelated initiative: 1) building a community of Certified B Corporations to make it easier for all of us to tell the difference between "good companies" and good marketing; 2) passing legislation to accelerate growth of social entrepreneurship and impact investing (32 states have already passed benefit corporation legislation); 3) developing B Analytics, a customizable platform for measuring, benchmarking, and reporting on impact 4) providing free, powerful tools for businesses to measure, compare and improve their social and environmental performance (more than 40,000 businesses use B Lab's free B Impact Assessment). For more information, visit www.bcorporation.net, www.banalytics.net and www.benefitcorp.net.

SOURCE Tom's of Maine