Zebulon, N.C. (May 12, 2009) - Nomacorc, the world's leading producer of alternative wine closures, announced that Spec's Wines, Spirits and Finer Foods, a leading independent liquor retailer in South Texas, has become the first retail participant in the TerraCycle program to collect post-consumer-use Nomacorc wine closures that will be "upcycled" into unique consumer products.
Spec's Wines, Spirits and Finer Foods, with 62 stores throughout South Texas, will provide collection containers in which consumers can deposit used Nomacorc closures. The closures will be shipped to TerraCycle, which will upcycle them into eco-friendly consumer products. These upcycled products, produced via low-energy-consumption means, will be available for purchase in Spec's stores. Consistent with the family-owned company's philosophy of community support, Spec's will also donate to the Young Texans Against Cancer organization 2 cents for every closure collected.
"We are pleased to become a sponsor of the TerraCycle/Nomacorc wine closure recycling program," said John Rydman, owner of Spec's Wines, Spirits and Finer Foods. "Our participation in this program allows us to provide a convenient way for our customers to join us in protecting the environment."
Spec's Wines, Spirits and Finer Foods, which received the "2008 Retailer of the Year" award from Wine Enthusiast magazine, will begin the collection program in the Houston market in June, with plans to expand to the rest of their stores during fall 2009. Beginning in July, the first upcycled product made from Nomacorc closures, an 18x18-inch corc board, will be available at Spec's. OfficeMax stores also will sell the upcycled corc board. A second upcycled product, a USB key enclosed in a corc case, is expected to become available in early fall.
In addition to the Nomacorc closures collected in Spec's locations, TerraCycle has 1,000 "brigades" across the United States that collect post-use wine corcs. The brigades are made up of individuals from nonprofit organizations including churches and charities. In return for collecting and shipping closures to TerraCycle for processing, the organizations receive money to support their activities and programs.
As TerraCycle's exclusive wine closure manufacturer partner, Nomacorc is leading the effort to identify and secure additional retail and winery sponsors for the closure recycling program. Other major retailers are expected to join the program by year-end. To date, Nomacorc has donated more than 2 million wine closures for upcycling into corc boards and USB keys.
"Finding a new purpose for used Nomacorc closures through TerraCycle's established and well-respected national recycling program will help further our existing efforts to reduce Nomacorc's environmental impact and carbon footprint," said Malcolm Thompson, vice president of marketing and innovation for Nomacorc.
About Nomacorc
Nomacorc is the worldwide leader in the growing alternative wine closure category. Dedicated to technological innovation, Nomacorc manufactures its portfolio of products using a patented co-extrusion process. As a result, Nomacorc closures provide consistent, predictable oxygen management and protect against off-flavors due to oxidation, reduction or cork taint. Nomacorc's 100 percent recyclable products are available through a vast network of distributors and sales agents on six continents. With 500 employees worldwide and state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in the United States, Belgium, Austria and China, Nomacorc produces more than 2 billion closures annually. Working with renowned wine research institutes worldwide, the company leads the wine closure industry in fundamental and applied research in the area of oxygen management in wine. For more information, visit www.nomacorc.com.
About TerraCycle
TerraCycle (terracycle.net) represents a new generation of company, putting as much emphasis on its social and environmental impact as its profits. In 2001, college freshman Tom Szaky founded TerraCycle in hopes of building a new, more responsible way of doing business. Since then, TerraCycle has revolutionized the industry by making eco-friendly and affordable products from waste materials.
TerraCycle provides jobs in the inner city, provides free fundraisers for schools and nonprofits, and inspires kids nationwide to make a difference locally and globally. Join the TerraCycle eco-revolution by signing up for our free fundraising collection programs, in which we pay you for packaging such as drink pouches, yogurt cups and more. To learn more about joining a TerraCycle brigade, go to www.terracycle.net/brigades.
About Spec's Wines, Spirits and Finer Foods
Spec's Wine, Spirits & Finer Foods has been a Houston tradition since 1962. Founded by Spec and Carolyn Jackson, the business grew slowly at first until the opening of what would become (at the time) the largest retail liquor store in the country. Spec's flagship store in downtown Houston became a landmark and is still today the "mother ship," with over 60,000 square feet of retail space and 22 cash registers.
Company ownership of seven stores with 200 employees went to daughter and son-in-law Lindy and John Rydman in 1996. Today, the company boasts 62 locations including Beaumont, College Station and Austin with over 1,400 employees. We're best known for our big, beautiful stores offering every beer available in the state, the largest wine and liquor selections available, bar supplies and nonalcoholic goods, cigars, and gourmet and fine food products.
Our company philosophy is simple: surpass customer expectations with superior service, give them an exciting variety of quality products at consistently competitive prices, and do that in a fun and positive environment. To learn more about Spec's, visit www.specsonline.com.
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Contact: Katie Myers
Richards Partners for Nomacorc
214-891-5842
katie_myers@richards.com ###
