ChicoBag Company
| Private | |
| ISIN | 🆔 |
| Industry | Reusable consumer goods |
| Founded 📆 | 2005 |
| Founder 👔 | Andy Keller |
| Headquarters 🏙️ | Chico, California, U.S. |
Area served 🗺️ | |
Key people | Andy Keller (CEO) |
| Members | |
Number of employees | ~30 (2010s)[1] |
| 🌐 Website | chicobag |
| 📇 Address | |
| 📞 telephone | |
ChicoBag Company is an American manufacturer of reusable bags and utensils based in Chico, California. Founded in 2005 by Andy Keller, the company is known for its foldable reusable bags, corporate sustainability programs, and advocacy against single-use plastics. ChicoBag is a Certified B Corporation, Climate Neutral Certified, and a member of 1% for the Planet.[2][3]
History
Andy Keller founded ChicoBag in 2005 after visiting a landfill in Chico, California, where he saw large amounts of discarded plastic bags covering the landscape.[4] Inspired to find an alternative, he used a second-hand sewing machine to create a reusable nylon bag that folded into a pouch with a carabiner. By 2009, ChicoBag products were available nationwide at retailers including Whole Foods and REI.[5]
Bag Monster campaign
In 2010, Keller introduced the “Bag Monster,” a costume made of about 500 plastic bags, representing the estimated annual use by the average American.[6] Keller and volunteers used the Bag Monster in public demonstrations, legislative hearings, and media events to draw attention to plastic waste. NBC Dallas-Fort Worth covered Bag Monster protests encouraging communities to limit single-use plastics.[7] The Surfrider Foundation also used Bag Monster suits in local campaigns.[8]
2011 lawsuit
In 2011, plastic bag manufacturers Hilex Poly, Superbag, and Advance Polybag filed a lawsuit against ChicoBag, alleging misleading claims about recycling rates and environmental impacts.[9] The case was settled later that year. ChicoBag agreed to adjust some marketing claims, while Hilex Poly agreed to add anti-litter messaging to its products and revise recycling figures.[10] Coverage of the case increased ChicoBag’s national visibility and drew attention to industry disputes over plastic waste.[11]
Expansion
In 2015, ChicoBag acquired To-Go Ware, a producer of bamboo utensils and stainless steel containers, expanding its role in reusable foodware.[12]
Sustainability and Programs
ChicoBag has introduced several programs and material innovations aimed at reducing waste. The company launched its rePETe line in 2005, using 100% post-consumer recycled PET bottles, and in 2023 introduced Refine, a solution-dyed fabric technology that reduces water, energy, and chemical use compared with traditional dyeing.[13]
The company operates a nationwide Take Back Program, also called Pay-It-Forward, which accepts used bags from ChicoBag and other brands. Usable bags are donated to food banks and charities, while worn-out products are recycled or repurposed.[14]
ChicoBag also runs a custom branding program that offers reusable bags and utensils for organizations seeking alternatives to disposable promotional merchandise.[15]
Manufacturing and Transparency
ChicoBag manufactures in Cambodia and China, working with partners that undergo regular audits to meet Fair Labor Association standards.[16] Facilities such as Pactics Cambodia provide employee programs including childcare, medical services, and subsidized meals. ChicoBag also conducts third-party testing to ensure products meet U.S. and California regulations for toxic substances such as lead and cadmium.[17]
Advocacy
Founder Andy Keller has testified before local and state governments in support of plastic bag bans and extended producer responsibility policies.[18]
In 2021, ChicoBag was selected as a winner of the Beyond the Bag Challenge, led by Closed Loop Partners with Walmart, Target, and CVS. ChicoBag piloted a reusable bag borrowing system in California that used app-based tracking to promote reuse.[19]
Reception
ChicoBag has been covered in The New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle, and Chemical & Engineering News for its role in promoting reusable alternatives and participating in industry debates.[20][21][22] Consumer publications such as The Spruce have listed ChicoBag among the top reusable grocery bags for durability and portability.[23]
Environmental organizations, including the Surfrider Foundation, have publicly supported ChicoBag’s campaigns and advocacy work.[24]
In 2023, ChicoBag launched the ChicoBag Podcast, featuring interviews with climate advocates and sustainability leaders.[25]
See also
References
- ↑ Baker, David R. (June 4, 2011). "ChicoBag takes on Big Plastic". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved August 22, 2025.
- ↑ "ChicoBag Company". B Lab. Retrieved August 22, 2025.
- ↑ "Climate Neutral – ChicoBag". Retrieved August 22, 2025.
- ↑ Tullo, Alexander H. (September 15, 2014). "Breaking the Plastic Bag Habit". Chemical & Engineering News. Retrieved August 22, 2025.
- ↑ "Andy Keller – CSU Alumni Profile". Retrieved August 22, 2025.
- ↑ "The Bag Monster". The Marginalian. September 15, 2010. Retrieved August 22, 2025.
- ↑ Blaize, Ashanti (August 27, 2010). "Bag Monsters Want to Stuff the Use of Plastic". NBCDFW. Retrieved August 22, 2025.
- ↑ "Bag Monster ACTION!". Surfrider Foundation. August 27, 2010. Retrieved August 22, 2025.
- ↑ Barringer, Felicity (July 11, 2011). "Plastic Bag Makers Accuse Reusable-Bag Company of Trash Talk". The New York Times. Retrieved August 22, 2025.
- ↑ "Bag Manufacturers Settle Suit Over False Advertising". Seyfarth Shaw LLP. September 15, 2011. Retrieved August 22, 2025.
- ↑ "ChicoBag Fends Off Lawsuit from Single-Use Bag Industry". Surfrider Foundation. October 4, 2011. Retrieved August 22, 2025.
- ↑ "Two Reusable Product Solutions Come Together to Fulfill a Mission" (Press release). CSRwire. March 3, 2016. Retrieved August 22, 2025.
- ↑ "Introducing Refine". Retrieved August 22, 2025.
- ↑ "Recycle Reusable Bags – Pay It Forward Program". Retrieved August 22, 2025.
- ↑ "Manufacturing". Retrieved August 22, 2025.
- ↑ "Manufacturing". Retrieved August 22, 2025.
- ↑ "Manufacturing". Retrieved August 22, 2025.
- ↑ Tullo, Alexander H. (September 15, 2014). "Breaking the Plastic Bag Habit". Chemical & Engineering News. Retrieved August 22, 2025.
- ↑ Wells, Jeff (August 2, 2021). "Walmart, Target to launch reusable bag pilots". Grocery Dive. Retrieved August 22, 2025.
- ↑ Barringer, Felicity (July 11, 2011). "Plastic Bag Makers Accuse Reusable-Bag Company of Trash Talk". The New York Times. Retrieved August 22, 2025.
- ↑ Baker, David R. (June 4, 2011). "ChicoBag takes on Big Plastic". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved August 22, 2025.
- ↑ Tullo, Alexander H. (September 15, 2014). "Breaking the Plastic Bag Habit". Chemical & Engineering News. Retrieved August 22, 2025.
- ↑ "Best Reusable Grocery Bags". Retrieved August 22, 2025.
- ↑ "ChicoBag Fends Off Lawsuit from Single-Use Bag Industry". Surfrider Foundation. October 4, 2011. Retrieved August 22, 2025.
- ↑ "The ChicoBag Podcast". Retrieved August 22, 2025.
External links
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