Ziplock Bags Release Harmful Microplastics.

In 2024, Cheng Fang and a team from the University of Newcastle, Australia, studied micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) released from self-sealing ziplock bags used for food storage. Using scanning electron microscopy and Raman imaging, they found that opening and closing bags creates friction, releasing thousands of MNPs per use, ranging from hundreds of nanometers to millimeters. These plastics can end up in food, potentially disrupting gut health or causing inflammation.

A 2024 lawsuit against SC Johnson, Ziploc’s maker, claims the company misled consumers by marketing bags as “recyclable” and “safe” despite knowing they release MNPs, which harm health. The suit, filed in California, demands clearer labeling and accountability, citing studies like Fang’s showing risks of ingestion and bioaccumulation.

Avoid ziplock bags for food storage—use glass or steel containers to reduce microplastic exposure.