A Certified B Corporation, Tom’s of Maine is committed to upholding a purpose-driven business dedicated to doing good for people and the planet. We have set ambitious goals for reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, conserving water, sending less waste to landfill, and improving the sustainability of our packaging. Achieving TRUE certification of zero waste at our Sanford plant marks a significant milestone in our journey towards sustainability. The TRUE assessment helped us identify areas for improvement and implement new initiatives to further our waste reduction goals. A core strategy was to engage employees in the process. Organized activities included a dumpster dive, Sustainability Day, waste reduction training, waste survey, discussion session, and informal waste interviews, and these initiatives led to the development of some best practices.
Our employees were critical in driving our zero waste initiatives. Their participation in waste training sessions, adoption of new practices such as utilizing the Reuse Station for office supplies, and curiosity toward our new dining hall compost program helped establish effective zero waste systems. A survey showed that 93.3% of staff reported an improvement in their understanding of zero waste and waste collection. We also streamlined our waste system with color-coded bins and streamlined signage, and initiated a paperless program, digitizing documents to reduce paper usage. By the beginning of 2024, our team had successfully diverted over 90% of waste, implemented various zero waste projects and engaged with our entire staff. We are very proud of our achievements and look forward to continuing to champion a more sustainable future.
“Tom’s of Maine has been out to prove business can be a force for good since 1970. Achieving TRUE certification for zero waste at our Sanford plant is the latest testament to our dedication to the planet, people, and health. It is a great milestone in our company’s long history of sustainability, and we look forward to many more opportunities to lead.” Cris Martini, Vice President, General Manager Tom’s of Maine and North America Sustainability.
“By 2025, we aim to achieve 100% TRUE certification for our global operations, including manufacturing sites, technology centers, strategic offices and owned warehouses,” says Ann Tracy, Chief Sustainability Officer. “With enthusiastic teams, collaborative partners and this comprehensive approach to waste reduction, we’re confident we can make it happen.”
Learn more about Colgate's sustainability efforts.