Biodegradable Sunscreens Get Bluer, and Greener: Reef Safe SunCare by Beach Buff® Transitions to 100% Recyclable Pump

Ormond Beach, FL, February 19, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Most companies would be content to introduce the world’s first truly biodegradable sunscreens, feeling they had done their part to protect the environment.

Not Ormond Beach, Fla.-based Tropical Seas, Inc. (www.tropicalseas.com).

Just months after introducing Reef Safe SunCare by Beach Buff®, the only product on the market that can substantiate a “reef safe” or “freshwater safe” claim, Tropical Seas has completed its transition to new all-plastic pumps for its gel and lotion packaging. The new pumps eliminate the old metal ball and spring assembly, making the container 100 percent recyclable.

The new pumps require 50 percent less energy in recycling and, over time, are projected to save enough fuel to supply 18 2,500-square-foot homes each year.

“We have said for years that Tropical Seas is absolutely, unequivocally dedicated to being as environmentally responsible as we can possibly be,” said Dan Knorr, CEO and president of Tropical Seas. “It’s not just a slogan or marketing gimmick. It’s a fundamental commitment we’ve made to our customers, our distributors and our planet, and we aren’t kidding around.”

The new pumps, part of Tropical Seas’ “sustainable packaging” initiative, offer a number of environmental benefits, including –
· Fewer raw materials used
· Reduced energy consumption in manufacturing and distribution
· Improved material recovery (via recycling)
· Improved energy recovery (via thermovalorisation)
· Reduced carbon footprint and CO2 emissions
· Reduced waste
· Reduced costs (meaning lower prices passed on to retailers and consumers)
· Better for the oceans (“bluer”) and the planet (“greener”)

Tropical Seas first tested the all-plastic pumps on its Itzazu® line of kids’ hand soaps and sanitizers before transitioning to the Reef Safe SunCare line.

“It’s important to us that the pumps are eco-friendly,” continued Knorr, “but we had to make certain they worked at least as well as the old style before we rolled them out at retail. We’re happy to report that the recyclable pumps are both good for the environment and good for business.”

Reef Safe sunscreens are available in resort locations across the U.S. Sunbelt, in Hawaii, throughout the Caribbean islands, and online at www.beachbuff.com.

About Reef Safe SunCare
Reef Safe SunCare by Beach Buff addresses well-documented concerns about the damage done to coral reefs and marine life by the 4,000 to 6,000 metric tons of toxic sunscreens estimated to wash off swimmers into the oceans every year. By some estimates, this has led to sunscreen-induced bleaching of up to 10 percent of the world’s coral reefs. The Reef Safe sunscreens were subjected to a comprehensive series of independent laboratory tests to support and authenticate the biodegradability of the lotions. The research found that 99 percent of the material biodegraded in seawater within 60-80 days, while no evidence of toxicity to micro-organisms and other sea life was detected. The research also found that Beach Buff’s waterproof formula allows less than three percent of the product to come off in the ocean, which compares favorably to mass market brands that lose up to 29 percent of the product immediately upon entering the water. The American Lifeguard Association, which represents more than 10,000 active lifeguards across North America, has officially endorsed the Reef Safe product line.

About Tropical Seas, Inc.
Based in Ormond Beach, Florida, privately held Tropical Seas manufacturers and distributes a comprehensive line of “reef safe” suncare, bath and body products, indoor and outdoor tanning, kid’s care and first aid remedies. Registered trademarks include Itzazu®, O2 Renew® System, Bimini Bronze indoor tanning, Reef Safe SunCare by Beach Buff®, Burn Cooler® after-burn relief, Curaped foot care, Tropical Seas® Bath & Body and the recently acquired Native Tan® Sun care brand. Its 18,500-square-foot facility can produce more than 50 million bottles per year on a single shift. In 1991, more than 10.2 million units of SPF 15 and shampoos were produced over a four-month period to supply the United States military during Desert Storm operations. The company is registered as an OTC Drug establishment and is inspected regularly by the FDA and Florida HRS. For more information, visit www.tropicalseas.com.

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