US manufacturer debuts 'Goodness Report'

A US toiletries company has introduced a new format for sharing its environmental goals and progress with the public.

The Tom's of Maine Goodness Report details the company's relationship with ingredients, packaging, waste, water, energy and community, making it easier for people to learn about the way it does business.

"Our company has been dedicated to human, healthy and environmental goodness since we were founded 43 years ago," commented Tom O'Brien, ceo. "This report is one way we're trying to increase awareness around what we do, and it's an invitation for others to tell us which key goodness area we should focus on most to make a lasting, positive impact."

"For many years we've had information about our products, sustainable business practices and values on our packaging and website. We're learning that consumers want even more information," added O'Brien. "The Goodness Report is a new way to tell the Tom's of Maine story and its values-based business practices, but with more examples and detail than we've had in the past. We're challenging ourselves to take on greater accountability with goal-setting and plans to address obstacles that get in our way."

The Tom's of Maine Goodness Report features benchmarking completed in 2011, an update on projects supported in recent years, and a goals tracker for 2015 and beyond. The Report also invites consumers to prioritise which goodness area matters most to them. The company will take the public's top pick and increase focus in this area.