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Philadelphia Sues S.C. Johnson and Bimbo Over Allegedly Misleading Recycling Claims

Philadelphia is invoking its 2024 consumer protection ordinance to challenge recycling symbols on plastic film that city officials say rarely reflect actual reprocessing.

Overview

  • The complaint, filed Sept. 24 in Common Pleas Court with Hausfeld LLP as co-counsel, targets Ziploc bags and flexible bread packaging from brands such as Thomas' and Sara Lee.
  • City attorneys allege a coordinated deceptive-marketing campaign, citing the chasing-arrows logo and “store drop-off” labels as misleading for items not recycled in Philadelphia.
  • Officials say plastic film is the top contaminant in the municipal recycling stream and is removed for disposal because sorting equipment cannot process it safely.
  • The suit seeks injunctions to change labeling, civil penalties, and monetary damages under the city’s consumer protection law.
  • Bimbo Bakeries said it has not yet been served and will review the allegations, while S. C. Johnson did not immediately respond to requests for comment.