TRENTON — Energy bar wrappers may be the next wave of fashion must-haves, as Clif Bar and Trenton-based TerraCycle have formed a partnership to create the Wrapper Brigade.

The Wrapper Brigade is the first program created to collect used energy bar wrappers, thus reducing the amount of wrappers going into America’s landfills. Collected wrappers will be fused into a strong material, which will be used to make gym totes, backpacks and other products.

Company officials say two cents for every wrapper collected will be donated to charity.

Clif Bar and TerraCycle created the Wrapper Brigade after realizing the millions of wrappers discarded each year can be reused.

“We’re very excited to take our sustainability efforts to a new level with the Wrapper Brigade program,” said Carly Lutz, Clif Bar brand manager. “From using organic ingredients in our bars to selling them in recycled paperboard caddies on store shelves, we are mindful of the importance of trying to reduce our footprint on the planet.

“Just like our consumers, we’re passionate about the outdoors and want to protect and preserve the places we play.”

The Wrapper Brigade is part of TerraCycle’s waste movement, in which socially and environmentally responsible companies — including Stonyfield Farm and Honest Tea — provide funding for the Trenton company to collect and reuse their packaging, including bottles, yogurt containers, drink pouches and now bar wrappers.

“TerraCycle has a unique opportunity to help larger companies reduce their waste streams, while procuring zero-cost materials to make eco-friendly products,” said Tom Szaky, TerraCycle founder and chief executive officer.

Anyone can sign up for the Wrapper Brigade program by visiting TerraCycle online at www.terracycle.net/brigades. There is no cost to participate. Within one to two weeks after signing up, participants receive four collection bags that hold 200 energy bar wrappers each. After filling the bags, participants mail the collectables back to TerraCycle and designate the charity you want to support with your wrapper donation. All shipping fees are covered by the program to encourage people to collect as many wrappers as possible.

TerraCycle’s collection programs is based upon its widely popular bottle brigade, which has more than 4,000 locations across the nation. Schools and other community groups are paid six cents for every delabled, used 20-ounce soda bottle they collect. The bottles are used to package the company’s organic Worm Poop plant food.

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