Philadelphia files lawsuit against two companies for deceptive marketing over claims that their products are recyclable.
Philadelphia has initiated legal proceedings against two prominent companies, alleging that they have misled residents about the recyclability of certain plastic products. The complaint, filed by the city’s law department in collaboration with the Hausfeld law firm, targets S.C. Johnson & Son, the owner of the Ziploc brand, and Bimbo Bakeries USA, which produces well-known baked goods including Thomas’ bagels and Sara Lee bread. The litigation claims that these companies have engaged in a “coordinated campaign of deception,” misleading consumers into believing that items like Ziploc bags and plastic packaging for baked goods can be recycled.
According to the legal filing dated Wednesday, the deceptive marketing practices of these firms have bolstered their profits while misleading consumers who are genuinely attempting to make sustainable purchasing decisions. While the lawsuit does not specify the number of consumers impacted, it underscores the city’s assertion that the misleading claims have contributed to increased waste in Philadelphia’s recycling system.
The lawsuit is rooted in the Philadelphia Consumer Protection Ordinance, a law enacted by Mayor Cherelle L. Parker in 2024. The city seeks a ruling from a Philadelphia Common Pleas judge to compel the companies to amend their marketing strategies, impose penalties, and secure damages for the city.
A spokesperson for Bimbo Bakeries stated that the company has not yet been served with the lawsuit but will review the allegations upon receipt. They emphasized their commitment to zero waste and community partnerships, particularly in Philadelphia. Meanwhile, S.C. Johnson has not publicly responded to requests for comment.
The suit highlights a significant gap between the theoretical potential for recycling plastic and the actualities of the recycling process. Although certain plastics may bear the universal recycling symbol—a triangle composed of three chasing arrows—this does not guarantee recyclability. The lawsuit reveals that only 8% of Americans understand this distinction, while 97% mistakenly believe the symbol certifies their products as recyclable.
Philadelphia has actively engaged in combatting plastic waste, with plastic bags identified as the primary contaminant in the city’s recycling system. In 2019, the City Council banned single-use plastic bags in retail settings. However, the ongoing deceptive marketing practices by S.C. Johnson and Bimbo Bakeries are reportedly undermining these initiatives, according to the lawsuit.
Many of the contested products, including Ziploc bags and bread bags, are constructed from thin flexible plastic that is largely non-recyclable in Philadelphia and other regions. The packaging often suggests recyclable potential, thus creating public confusion. The legal filing further notes that while some products feature a “store drop-off” label meant to imply recyclability, the reality—according to the complaint—is that such programs are often impractical and not genuinely indicative of responsible recycling practices.
Philadelphia’s legal action against these companies aims to ensure greater accountability in marketing practices, asserting that misleading information regarding the recyclability of products not only violates consumer trust but contributes significantly to environmental waste. As the city continues its fight against plastic contamination, the outcome of this lawsuit could have important implications for business practices within the industry.
