Tom's of Maine


Tom's of Maine is a brand name and manufacturing company of personal care products with only natural ingredients and a majority-owned subsidiary of Colgate-Palmolive since 2006. The company's products are intentionally made without ingredients that are chemically derived, environmentally damaging, or are tested on animals. While most of its products are vegan, some contain propolis and/or beeswax sourced from bees. The company was founded in 1970 by Tom and Kate Chappell in Maine, United States.

History

Tom's of Maine was founded by Tom and Kate Chappell in 1970 with US$5,000. The company is based in Kennebunk, Maine, US and is currently a division of multinational conglomerate Colgate-Palmolive. Tom's of Maine has approximately 150 employees.
Its approximately 90 oral- and body-care products are sold at more than 40,000 retail outlets worldwide. Their product lines include soaps, toothpastes, deodorants, and mouthwashes, among others. Their fluoride toothpastes are the only natural alternatives to common, industrial-ingredient dentifrices to earn the American Dental Association's Seal of Acceptance.

Acquisition

In 2006, a controlling 84% stake in Tom's of Maine was purchased by Colgate-Palmolive for US$100,000,000; the Chappells own the remaining sixteen percent. The terms of the purchase stipulate that the policies and company culture of the Tom's of Maine brand will be retained.