Philadelphia Sues SC Johnson, Bimbo Bakeries Over False Recycling Claims

The city of Philadelphia has filed a lawsuit against S.C. Johnson and Bimbo Bakeries, alleging that these companies deceptively labeled their plastic bag products as recyclable, despite them being non-recyclable in local facilities. The complaint highlights that the use of the recycling symbol and language on packaging misleads consumers into believing the products can be recycled, which has led to contamination of the city's recycling stream, increased costs, and operational disruptions. Philadelphia seeks monetary damages, an injunction to revise marketing labels, and civil penalties under its Consumer Protection Ordinance. Both companies have yet to be served with the lawsuit; Bimbo Bakeries stated its commitment to zero waste and partnership with communities, while S.C. Johnson has not commented. The case follows similar legal actions by other states and localities against companies over environmental marketing claims and plastic pollution. Philadelphia's lawsuit emphasizes the broader problem of misleading recyclability claims and their impact on waste management and consumer trust.