TCP, Inc. Develops National CFL Recycling Program for Consumers
Aurora, OH – (June 25, 2007) – TCP, Inc., the manufacturer of the most compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) in the world, announces it is offering an unprecedented CFL recycling program to retailers, municipalities, and schools, that will make it easier for consumers to dispose of the energy efficient light bulbs. TCP manufactures nearly 70% of the CFLs on the U.S. market through a variety of name brand, private label and other lighting manufacturers, including n:vision at The Home Depot.
“All CFLs must contain small amounts of mercury in order to glow and give light. Even with the trace amounts of mercury, which is roughly equivalent to the tip of a ballpoint pen, they should be recycled, “said Ellis Yan, President and CEO, TCP, Inc. “The recycling program we have developed makes it easy for consumers to drop off a CFL at a retailer, city hall, or even their children’s school, and feel confident that they have made the best possible choice for lighting their homes and helping the environment.”
Consumers who want to recycle a CFL will be directed to a RECYCLEPAK® return box at a designated drop off location. The consumer will take an individual collection bag from the recycle display, put the CFL in the bag, and seal it. The bag will then be placed in the RECYCLEPAK return box and shipped to an environmental services company that recycles CFLs.
The CFL recycling program marks another industry milestone for TCP, which also developed the first low sodium, lead-free CFL with reduced mercury levels to provide a brighter, more energy efficient, and environmentally-friendly light bulb. TCP’s CFLs are responsible for less mercury in the air than standard incandescent light bulbs. A CFL uses 75% less energy than an incandescent light bulb and lasts at least six times longer. A power plant will emit 10 milligrams of mercury to produce the electricity to run an incandescent bulb compared to only 2.4 milligrams of mercury to run a CFL for the same time.
The company also was the first to introduce the use of the “SpringLamp Inside” rather than a straight tube in a compact fluorescent lamp, dramatically providing more lumens and making the twisted tube design the standard for energy efficient lighting.
Overtime, TCP has established the strongest technology base of any energy efficient light bulb manufacturer. Though only a fraction of the size of its competitors, TCP, headquartered outside Cleveland, Ohio, has increased sales more than fivefold since 2000, reaching $152 million in sales in 2006, and manufacturing more than 70% of the CFLs on the U.S. market. It manufactures 800,000 CFLs every day and anticipates it will produce one million CFLs per day by the end of 2007.
TCP, Inc. drives lighting innovation for commercial, industrial and residential applications. As the leader in energy efficient lighting, TCP manufactures the most compact fluorescent lamps in the industry, offers one of the largest number of ENERGY STAR approved products and distributes them throughout North America and abroad. The company’s extensive product line includes compact fluorescent lamps, cold cathode, linear and high bay systems, exit and emergency lighting, HID, energy efficient fixtures, and LED lighting products/solutions. For more information, visit us at www.tcpi.com or call (800) 324-1496.