We believe we must change the way we see our world. The change must start everywhere and by everyone. That’s why Zotos is in the process of implementing one of the largest private industrial sustainability programs in the nation.

Check out all our green projects below. And check out www.joico.com for the many ways Joico is taking steps towards social responsibility, beautiful hair and a beautiful world.

Wind power is one of the fastest growing forms of new electricity generation in the US, which is why Zotos has begun to invest in alternative energy sources to better our environment. We have installed two 364-foot wind turbines at our Geneva NY-based plant, securing us a spot on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Top 20 On-site Generation list and earning recognition by the American Wind Energy Association as one of the top on-site wind projects currently being undertaken by a manufacturing company in the United States. With approximately 6.5 million kWh of electricity expected to be produced annually, the wind turbines will provide more than 60 percent of Zotos’ energy requirements and are expected to reduce overall CO2 emissions by 50 percent in 2011. Our goal is to utilize 100 percent renewable energy by 2012.

We are committed to eliminating our carbon footprint and leading sustainable business practices; therefore we have joined forces with Verus Carbon Neutral to offset 100 percent of our Scope 1 and Scope 2 carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from our manufacturing facility in Geneva, New York. We will completely neutralize our carbon footprint in 2011, making us one of the first US companies in the beauty industry to do so. Zotos supports the following initiatives, helping to reduce carbon emissions locally and globally:

• Valley Wood Carbon Sequestration Project – One of the Chicago Climate Exchange’s (CCX) first projects using a managed forest protocol, the Valley Wood Carbon Sequestration Project protects more than 64,000 acres of forested land.
• Andhyodaya Biogas Project – Andhyodaya, a non-governmental organization based in Kerala, India, works with local farmers to convert organic waste into cooking gas, while helping to destroy methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes approximately 25 times more towards global warming than CO2.
• Rocky Reach Run-of-River Hydroelectric Project - Located in north central Washington State on the Columbia River, the Rocky Reach Run-of-River Hydroelectric Project is recognized nationally for their efforts to protect the environment. In 2009, the project generated 5.4 million megawatt-hours of renewable electricity. In addition, more than 3 million dollars were invested in fish protection improvements.

Here at Zotos, we are at the forefront of materials production. Beginning in the first quarter of 2011, we will launch new packaging created from a hybrid bioplastic resin, making us one of the first beauty companies to use this new and innovative material. The new packaging will be a composite of post-consumer recycled plastic and thermoplastic starch derived from plants, which unlike other bioplastics, will not contaminate recycling streams. As a result, Zotos anticipates reducing its packaging-related greenhouse gas emissions by more than 75 percent. This initiative is just one of many at Zotos. We also manufacture bottles with up to 70% post-consumer recycled plastic and cartons that use 100% recycled paperboard. We print information on the inside of our cartons to eliminate paper inserts. And we’re committed to finding new ways to shine bright, clean and beautiful…now and for generations to come.