SC Johnson Leads the Charge to Reduce Plastic Waste Globally

As of October 3rd, 2025, SC Johnson, a family-owned consumer goods company, remains committed to tackling environmental challenges under the leadership of its fifth-generation CEO, Fisk Johnson. The company's environmental legacy dates back to the 1990s when Johnson's father, a "passionate environmentalist," decided to discontinue a successful spray deodorant product line due to the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) - a chemical compound harmful to the ozone layer.

In the present day, Johnson is carrying on his family's mission, this time focusing on the growing issue of plastic waste. As a major user of plastic in its household products, SC Johnson has set ambitious goals, aiming to incorporate 60% recycled plastic into its offerings by 2030. However, Johnson acknowledges that voluntary efforts can only go so far, and that regulation is necessary to truly drive progress and level the playing field for companies committed to sustainability.

Citing the success of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws in British Columbia, which have significantly boosted recycling rates, Johnson advocates for similar global policies to hold plastic producers accountable for waste management. He believes that while such regulations may add some costs, the long-term benefits to the environment and human health far outweigh the short-term financial implications.