A ‘coordinated campaign of deception’: Philly sues 2 companies over misleading recycling labels

Grist
Grist
3M ago
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Philadelphia has filed a lawsuit against SC Johnson and Bimbo Bakeries for misleading recycling claims on their products, alleging deception and environmental harm.
A ‘coordinated campaign of deception’: Philly sues 2 companies over misleading recycling labels
A What happened
Philadelphia has filed a lawsuit against SC Johnson and Bimbo Bakeries, alleging that their use of the How2Recycle label on plastic bags misleads consumers into believing these products are recyclable. The city claims that this deception violates local consumer protection laws and contributes to environmental pollution, costing the city thousands in remediation efforts. The lawsuit is part of a broader trend of legal actions against companies making misleading recycling claims. Research indicates that most plastic bags, including those from SC Johnson and Bimbo, are not accepted in curbside recycling programs, leading to increased waste and operational costs for recycling facilities. The city seeks an injunction to stop these misleading marketing practices and civil penalties for the alleged harms caused.
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Key insights

  • 1

    Misleading Recycling Labels: The lawsuit highlights the issue of deceptive recycling claims by major companies.

  • 2

    Environmental Impact: Plastic waste contributes significantly to environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

  • 3

    Legal Precedent: Philadelphia's lawsuit may set a precedent for other cities to challenge misleading recycling practices.

Takeaways

The outcome of this lawsuit could influence future regulations on recycling claims and corporate accountability.

Topics

Climate & Environment Climate Change Sustainability Pollution