Who Owns Ziploc?

• Parent Company: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
• Ownership Type: Brand division
• Company Type: Privately Held

• Founded: 1968
• Founders: S.C. Johnson and Son, Inc. (internal development)

• Founded: 1886
• Headquarters: Racine, Wisconsin, USA
• Company Type: Privately Held
• Revenue: approximately $10 billion (estimated)
• Employees: Approximately 13,000

Visit S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. website

• Headquarters: Racine, Wisconsin, USA
• Manufacturing / Operations: United States, Canada, Mexico

Ziploc operates under S.C. Johnson's comprehensive sustainability framework, implementing initiatives focused on environmental responsibility, ethical manufacturing practices, and product innovation. As the creator of the resealable bag category, Ziploc has adapted to evolving sustainability expectations while maintaining its core promise of reliable food storage and preservation.

Recycled Materials and Plastic Reduction: Ziploc has developed products made with recycled materials and reduced plastic content to address environmental concerns about single-use plastics. The brand's Ziploc Evolve line features sandwich bags made with 25% less plastic than standard bags, demonstrating innovation in material efficiency. Ziploc continues to research and develop products that incorporate recycled content while maintaining seal performance and food safety standards.

Sustainable Packaging Innovation: Ziploc has implemented packaging sustainability initiatives including lightweight designs that reduce material usage, recyclable packaging materials, and consumer education about proper disposal. The brand works with packaging suppliers to develop more sustainable solutions and participates in S.C. Johnson's broader packaging sustainability programs that aim to reduce environmental impact across all product lines.

Energy Efficiency in Manufacturing: Ziploc manufacturing facilities implement energy-efficient production processes, including optimized equipment, energy management systems, and renewable energy sourcing where feasible. The brand's manufacturing operations participate in S.C. Johnson's corporate energy reduction initiatives and continuously seek opportunities to reduce energy consumption in plastic film production and packaging processes.

Waste Reduction and Recycling Programs: Ziploc has implemented comprehensive waste reduction programs in manufacturing operations, including material recycling, production waste minimization, and scrap recovery systems. The brand's facilities maintain high waste diversion rates and work with suppliers to minimize packaging waste throughout the supply chain. Ziploc also supports consumer education about proper recycling of plastic bags and containers.

Responsible Manufacturing Practices: Ziploc manufacturing facilities maintain strict environmental compliance and ethical labor standards. The brand's production processes adhere to all relevant environmental regulations, worker safety standards, and quality control requirements. Ziploc participates in S.C. Johnson's responsible manufacturing programs that ensure ethical business practices throughout the supply chain.

Ingredient Transparency and Safety: Ziploc maintains high standards of product safety and ingredient transparency, following S.C. Johnson's "What's Inside" initiative that discloses product ingredients before regulatory requirements. The brand provides clear information about materials used in its products and ensures all components meet safety standards for food contact applications.

Environmental Compliance and Regulation: Ziploc operates in compliance with all relevant environmental regulations, including those related to plastic manufacturing, food safety, and consumer product safety. The brand actively monitors evolving regulatory requirements and adapts its products and processes to maintain compliance while addressing environmental concerns about plastic products.

Consumer Education and Sustainable Use: Ziploc provides educational resources about proper product use, storage, and disposal to help consumers maximize product utility while minimizing environmental impact. The brand offers guidance on reusing bags where appropriate, proper recycling procedures, and alternative storage solutions for environmentally conscious consumers.

Supply Chain Sustainability: Ziploc works with suppliers who share S.C. Johnson's commitment to environmental responsibility and ethical business practices. The brand's supply chain programs include supplier sustainability assessments, environmental performance requirements, and collaborative initiatives to reduce environmental impact throughout the manufacturing and distribution process.

Research and Development for Sustainability: Ziploc invests in research and development focused on sustainable materials, alternative packaging solutions, and product innovations that reduce environmental impact. The brand's R&D efforts include exploring biodegradable materials, compostable options, and technologies that maintain product performance while improving environmental sustainability.

Ziploc has received significant recognition for its innovation in food storage technology, product quality, and contributions to household convenience throughout its 50+ year history. The brand's creation of the resealable bag category and continuous innovation in food storage solutions have earned it numerous accolades from consumer organizations and industry publications.

Product Innovation Recognition: Ziploc's Ziploc Evolve sandwich bag, made with 25% less plastic than standard bags, was named "Best in Show" at the Best New Product Awards in Canada, reflecting the brand's innovation in sustainable product development. This award acknowledged Ziploc's ability to reduce environmental impact while maintaining product performance and consumer convenience.

Consumer Choice Awards: Ziploc has consistently received consumer choice awards and "best of" recognitions from lifestyle publications and consumer testing organizations. The brand's performance in consumer satisfaction surveys, particularly for seal reliability, product durability, and overall quality, has been acknowledged as demonstrating strong consumer preference and brand loyalty.

Household Product Excellence: Ziploc has been recognized by household product organizations and consumer advocacy groups for its excellence in food storage solutions and contributions to household convenience. The brand's role in advancing food storage technology and making resealable storage accessible to consumers has been acknowledged as demonstrating innovation in household products.

Quality and Performance Awards: Ziploc has received awards for product quality, seal performance, and manufacturing excellence from consumer testing organizations and industry groups. The brand's commitment to consistent quality and reliable seal performance has been acknowledged as demonstrating excellence in consumer product manufacturing.

Brand Leadership Recognition: Ziploc's position as the creator and market leader of the resealable bag category has been recognized by business organizations and industry publications. The brand's ability to maintain market leadership over 50 years while adapting to changing consumer preferences and environmental concerns has been acknowledged as demonstrating remarkable brand longevity and market resilience.

Sustainability Innovation Recognition: Ziploc's sustainability initiatives, particularly the development of products with reduced plastic content and recycled materials, have been recognized by environmental organizations and sustainability groups. The brand's efforts to address environmental concerns while maintaining product performance have been acknowledged as demonstrating leadership in sustainable consumer product development.

Food Safety and Storage Innovation: Ziploc has received recognition from food safety organizations and culinary groups for its contributions to food preservation and safe food storage practices. The brand's role in helping consumers maintain food freshness and safety through reliable storage solutions has been acknowledged as contributing positively to household food management.

Market Leadership Achievement: Ziploc's dominant market position in the US zipper food storage bag market has been recognized by market research organizations and business publications. The brand's ability to maintain superior customer ratings and market share despite competitive pressure has been acknowledged as demonstrating successful brand management and product excellence.

Packaging and Design Recognition: Ziploc's packaging design and product innovation have been recognized by design organizations and packaging industry groups. The brand's ability to combine functional design with consumer convenience and sustainability considerations has been acknowledged as demonstrating excellence in consumer product packaging and design.

Ziploc has faced significant controversy in 2025 regarding alleged microplastics exposure from its products, marking the first major legal challenge to the brand's safety claims. The controversy centers on the discrepancy between product labeling and scientific findings about plastic material behavior under temperature extremes.

2025 Class Action Lawsuit Over Microplastics: In May 2025, a class action lawsuit was filed against S.C. Johnson, Ziploc's parent company, alleging that the brand's "microwave safe" and "freezer safe" claims are misleading. The lawsuit contends that Ziploc products made from polyethylene and polypropylene release microplastics when microwaved or frozen, contradicting the safety claims on product packaging. The legal action argues that consumers have been "duped nationwide out of millions of dollars" and placed their health at risk through undisclosed microplastic exposure during routine kitchen practices.

Scientific Evidence and Health Concerns: The lawsuit cites multiple scientific studies supporting the microplastics claims. A 2024 study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that microwave heating of plastic containers releases high amounts of microplastics into food, while refrigeration in plastic containers releases significant microplastics over six months. Research indicates that ingesting microplastics poses potential health risks including harm to the digestive tract, immune system, and reproductive system, though the U.S. Food and Drug Administration states there are currently no known risks to human health from microplastics detected in food.

Product Range Affected: The class action lawsuit specifically targets Ziploc bags and containers labeled "microwave safe," "freezer," or both. Affected products include various sizes of freezer bags (pint/small, quart/medium, gallon/large), slider freezer bags, slider storage bags, and Ziploc containers. The lawsuit argues that given Ziploc markets these products as reusable, they undergo multiple freeze-thaw and reheat cycles, potentially increasing microplastic exposure over time.

Industry-Wide Plastic Safety Concerns: Ziploc is not alone in facing microplastics litigation. Similar lawsuits have been filed against Newell Brands for Rubbermaid containers marketed as "microwave safe" and "freezer safe." The legal actions reflect growing consumer and regulatory scrutiny of plastic food storage products and their safety under temperature extremes, potentially reshaping the entire food storage container industry.

S.C. Johnson's Response: S.C. Johnson has denied the claims in the lawsuit, stating that "We believe Ziploc products are safe when used as directed and the claims in this lawsuit are without merit." The company has emphasized compliance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration protocols and maintained that its products meet all regulatory requirements for food contact materials. The litigation remains ongoing as of March 2026.

Consumer Trust and Brand Reputation Impact: The lawsuit has raised concerns among consumers about the safety of plastic food storage products, potentially impacting Ziploc's long-standing reputation as a reliable household brand. The controversy has led to increased consumer awareness about microplastics exposure from everyday kitchen items and may influence purchasing decisions in the food storage market segment.

Regulatory and Industry Implications: The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for the entire food storage industry, potentially leading to new labeling requirements, material changes, or safety standards for plastic containers used with food. The case highlights growing tension between consumer convenience and health safety concerns in plastic food storage products.