Philadelphia has filed a lawsuit against SC Johnson and Bimbo Bakeries over claims that certain plastic packaging is recyclable. The city says Ziploc bags and Bimbo bread bags create contamination issues in its recycling system, resulting in increased costs and operational inefficiencies.
The complaint highlights shortcomings in current labelling standards, including How2Recycle symbols and TerraCycle programs, and points to technical and economic barriers that prevent these plastic films from being effectively recycled through the city’s municipal system. Even store drop-off recycling programs fail to prevent the majority of these items from ending up as waste.
The city cites a wider pattern of legal scrutiny on environmental marketing. Similar actions have targeted Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, ExxonMobil, and Reynolds over potentially misleading claims about recyclability. Municipalities often face high remediation costs when consumers attempt to recycle unsupported materials.
Philadelphia enacted restrictions on single-use retail bags in 2019 to reduce environmental impacts and curb waste management expenses. While these rules do not cover Ziploc or bakery bags, the city says misleading recyclability claims contribute to the same environmental and economic harms that prompted the ban.
Bimbo Bakeries USA has stated it will review the complaint upon receipt. SC Johnson has not responded publicly. The city continues to emphasise the financial and operational strain caused by plastic film contamination in its recycling infrastructure.