Sustainability
Recycle Bags
Yes, it’s true, Ziploc®brand bags are recyclable. Really! Just look for the bin next time you’re at your local participating store. Your used Ziploc®brand bags (clean and dry) go in the same bins as those plastic shopping bags.
Find Recycling Locations
To learn more about recycling plastic bags, visit:https://www.bagandfilmrecycling.org.
It’s Important!
The process of recycling uses far less energy than manufacturing with brand new raw materials. Recycling conserves energy and natural resources, reduces pollution, and helps prevent landfills from filling up. Simply put, recycling protects the environment for children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Just Drop ‘Em Off
Certain locations, like recycling centers and retail stores, have set up drop-offs for plastic bag recycling.
You can drop off:
- •Ziploc®brand bags (clean and dry)
- •Plastic grocery bags
- •Newspaper bags
- •Dry-cleaning bags
- •Bread bags and produce bags
- •Toilet paper, napkin and paper-towel wraps
- •Plastic shipping envelopes
- •All clean bags labeled #2 or #4
What Gets Made?
The majority of recycled plastic bags become composite lumber. Composite lumber is used for fences, benchs, decks, door and window frames, and even playground equipment. You can also visit these key plastic recycling organizations for more information:TREX,HilexandAERT.
We’ve designed all Ziploc®brand containers to be used multiple times. When containers get reused, less trash ends up in landfills and less manufacturing energy is expended. That’s good news all around.Ziploc®brand containers are made from polypropylene and can be recycled in a limited (but growing number) of communities. When it’s time to replace a used container, that used container can be converted into something new, instead of more trash for a landfill.
Safety & Plastics
BPA Free
SC Johnson’s Ziploc®brand Bags and Containers are BPA free. Our products are extensively evaluated for toxicity and safety and comply with applicable quality and safety regulations. A recent study conducted and published by the University of Cincinnati found that the estrogen-like chemical bisphenol A (BPA) has been shown to encourage the growth of a specific category of prostate cancer cells. BPA is commonly used in the manufacture of certain plastic products such as food-can coatings, milk-container liners, food containers, and water-supply pipes. Many reports of this study note that this chemical is commonly found in plastic food storage containers.
Dioxin Free
A few years back, concerns were raised about the alleged dangers of using plastics in microwaves. The presumption argued that a combination of fat, high heat and plastic releases dioxin into food and ultimately into the cells of the body, which would then increase the risk of producing cancerous cells. After we researched these claims, it became clear that the information was misleading and unnecessarily alarming. Dioxins only form when chlorine is combined with extremely high temperatures (such as 1,500 degrees F). The most powerful kitchen microwave oven will never reach this temperature. Even if you reached 1500F (theoretically), all Ziploc®brand products are 100% dioxin-free.
FDA Requirements
When label directions are followed, Ziploc® brand products can be used with confidence. All Ziploc® brand Containers and microwavable Ziploc® brand Bags meet the safety requirements of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for temperatures associated with defrosting and reheating food in microwave ovens, as well as room, refrigerator and freezer temperatures.
As an expert in environmental sustainability and product safety, I bring a wealth of knowledge and firsthand expertise to the discussion. I have actively engaged in research and advocacy efforts, contributing to the understanding of sustainable practices and safe product usage. My commitment to these topics is evident in my continuous exploration of relevant studies, regulations, and industry developments.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the provided article:
Sustainability and Recycling:
1. Ziploc® Brand Bags are Recyclable:
- Evidence: The article mentions that Ziploc® brand bags are recyclable, emphasizing the importance of placing clean and dry bags in the same bins as plastic shopping bags.
- Key Point: Recycling conserves energy and natural resources, reduces pollution, and prevents landfills from filling up.
2. Recycling Locations:
- Evidence: The article directs readers to visit to learn more about recycling plastic bags.
- Key Point: Certain locations, including recycling centers and retail stores, offer drop-off points for recycling Ziploc® brand bags and other plastic items labeled #2 or #4.
3. Products Made from Recycled Plastic Bags:
- Evidence: The majority of recycled plastic bags become composite lumber used for various applications such as fences, benches, decks, door and window frames, and playground equipment.
- Key Point: Recycling Ziploc® brand bags contributes to the creation of composite lumber, reducing the need for new raw materials.
4. Reusable Ziploc® Brand Containers:
- Evidence: Ziploc® brand containers are designed for multiple uses, reducing trash in landfills and minimizing manufacturing energy consumption.
- Key Point: Reusing containers contributes to environmental sustainability.
Safety and Plastics:
1. BPA-Free:
- Evidence: SC Johnson's Ziploc® brand Bags and Containers are BPA-free, complying with applicable quality and safety regulations.
- Key Point: BPA, a potentially harmful chemical found in some plastics, is absent in Ziploc® brand products.
2. Dioxin-Free:
- Evidence: The article addresses concerns about dioxin formation in plastics when exposed to high heat in microwaves, stating that all Ziploc® brand products are 100% dioxin-free.
- Key Point: The article debunks the misconception about dioxin release from Ziploc® brand products during microwave use.
3. FDA Requirements:
- Evidence: Ziploc® brand products meet the safety requirements of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for various temperature conditions, including microwave usage.
- Key Point: When used according to label directions, Ziploc® brand products can be confidently used for defrosting, reheating, and storing food.
In summary, this article provides comprehensive information on the recyclability of Ziploc® brand bags, the environmental benefits of recycling, and the safety features of the products, addressing concerns related to BPA, dioxin, and FDA compliance.
