Ziploc Faces Class Action Lawsuit Over Hidden Microplastics.
A California woman is suing household giant S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc., the maker of Ziploc® bags, alleging the company is misleading consumers about the safety and sustainability of its products.
The lawsuit, filed April 25 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, accuses S.C. Johnson of failing to disclose the presence of microplastics in several Ziploc products.
“People buy Ziploc bags believing they’re safe for everyday use and even environmentally responsible,” the complaint states.
“What they don’t know is that under typical conditions, these bags may shed microplastics.”
What Are Microplastics and Why Should You Care?
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, often invisible, that result from the breakdown of larger plastic products. They’re now being detected in oceans, tap water, and even human blood.
Health experts warn that microplastics can disrupt hormones, damage cells, and may pose long-term risks we’re only beginning to understand.
The lawsuit claims Ziploc bags, marketed as “microwave safe” and suitable for freezer storage, are made with polyethylene and polypropylene, materials that may release microplastics when exposed to extreme temperatures.
“S.C. Johnson knows these bags aren’t as safe or as green as they claim,” the plaintiff argues. “They just don’t want consumers to know it.”
Green Marketing or Greenwashing?
The suit points to what it calls “greenwashing” – a marketing tactic where companies use buzzwords like sustainable, eco-conscious, or safe to appeal to environmentally minded shoppers, while hiding information that may contradict those claims.
S.C. Johnson, a privately held firm with brands like Windex, Glade, and Pledge under its belt, has been vocal in recent years about its commitment to sustainability.
In late 2023, the company even announced a global initiative to redesign products for plastic circularity, encouraging reuse and recyclability.
But the complaint paints a different picture.
“You can’t claim to be part of the solution while selling products that are part of the problem,” the plaintiff’s statement reads.
The case was filed by Linda Cheslow, a California consumer who says she purchased Ziploc products believing they were safer and more environmentally friendly than they actually are.
The law firm representing her hasn’t been publicly named yet, though legal analysts expect more class members to join if the court approves class certification.
If Cheslow wins or even if the case makes it through discovery, it could set a powerful legal precedent for how companies label, market, and disclose what’s in their products.
It could also open the door to more lawsuits targeting companies that capitalize on consumer trust while ignoring growing concerns around microplastics and chemical safety.
What Consumers Can Do
If you’re concerned about microplastics in everyday products:
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Avoid heating or freezing plastic containers, even if labeled safe
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Look for third-party certifications on sustainability claims
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Switch to reusable glass, silicone, or metal containers for food storage
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Watch for class action updates from the Northern District of California
As of today, S.C. Johnson has not issued a public response to the lawsuit.
“Microwave safe” may not mean microplastic-free.
S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. is a privately held, family-owned American company based in Racine, Wisconsin. Founded in 1886 by Samuel Curtis Johnson, the company has remained under the leadership of the Johnson family for five generations. Today, it’s one of the most recognizable names in household products, with a presence in over 110 countries and an estimated annual revenue exceeding $10 billion.
The company is best known for producing trusted consumer brands such as Windex, Glade, Pledge, OFF!, Raid, and, notably, Ziploc®—a product line of storage bags and containers that has become a household staple. S.C. Johnson acquired Ziploc® from Dow Chemical in 1997, expanding its footprint into food storage and consumer packaging.
In recent years, S.C. Johnson has made high-profile commitments to environmental sustainability, launching initiatives to reduce plastic waste, use more recyclable materials, and promote ingredient transparency.
It has often positioned itself as an industry leader in corporate responsibility, especially around plastic pollution and ocean conservation.
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