Who Owns Clorox Bleach?
Clorox Bleach is owned by The Clorox Company, a publicly traded American multinational manufacturer. Clorox trades on NYSE under ticker CLX and is headquartered in Oakland, California, USA.
Parent Company
The Clorox Company
Founded
1913
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
Oakland, California, USA
Who Owns Clorox Bleach?
- Parent Company: The Clorox Company
- Ownership Type: Product line
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: NYSE: CLX
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| Clorox Bleach | The Clorox Company | Product line |
History of Clorox Bleach
- Founded: 1913
- Founders: Electro-Alkaline Company founders
Clorox Bleach was first introduced in 1913 by the Electro-Alkalite Company, which was founded by five entrepreneurs: Archibald Taft, Edward Hughes, Charles Husband, William Hussey, and Rufus Myers. The company developed a method to produce sodium hypochlorite bleach through the electrolysis of salt water, creating a stable and effective household cleaning product. This founding vision demonstrated exceptional insight into the growing demand for effective household cleaning solutions while establishing a distinctive cleaning approach that would define the household bleach category for generations.
The original Clorox Bleach was sold in glass bottles and marketed as a safe alternative to harsher cleaning products available at the time. The product quickly gained popularity for its effectiveness in laundry whitening, surface cleaning, and household disinfection. In 1922, the company was renamed The Clorox Company, reflecting the central role that Clorox Bleach played in its business. This strategic rebranding demonstrated exceptional ability to create brand identity while establishing a competitive advantage in the emerging household cleaning market.
Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Clorox Bleach became a household name across America, known for its distinctive yellow bottle and reliable cleaning performance. The company expanded distribution nationally and introduced improved formulations. During World War II, Clorox Bleach was used for military applications, further establishing its reputation for effectiveness and reliability. This period of growth demonstrated Clorox Bleach's exceptional ability to scale operations while maintaining consistent brand positioning and quality standards that would define the brand for decades.
The post-war period saw Clorox Bleach continue to innovate with new product forms including concentrated formulas, scented varieties, and specialized cleaning applications. The brand became particularly important during public health crises, being recommended by health authorities for disinfection purposes. Recent years have seen Clorox Bleach focus on sustainability initiatives, concentrated formulas to reduce packaging waste, and expanded product lines including cleaning sprays and disinfecting wipes. This continued evolution demonstrates Clorox Bleach's exceptional ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences and environmental concerns while maintaining its core brand values and commitment to effective, quality cleaning solutions. The brand's continued success represents a significant milestone in the evolution of household cleaning and disinfection products.
About The Clorox Company
What does The Clorox Company own?
The Clorox Company owns a portfolio of consumer brands including Clorox bleach, Glad trash bags, Brita water filters, Pine-Sol, Formula 409, Hidden Valley Ranch, Kingsford charcoal, Burt's Bees natural personal care products, Fresh Step cat litter, and Tilex bathroom cleaner. The company operates primarily in the United States with international operations in Latin America, Canada, Europe, and Asia Pacific.
Is The Clorox Company publicly traded?
Yes, The Clorox Company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under ticker CLX. The company has been publicly traded since 1969, when it was divested by Procter and Gamble following an FTC antitrust ruling. Clorox has no single controlling shareholder, with major institutional holders including Vanguard Group, BlackRock, and State Street.
Who founded The Clorox Company?
The Clorox Company was founded in 1913 in Oakland, California by five businessmen: Archibald Taft, Edward Hughes, Charles Husband, William Hussey, and Rufus Myers. The founders each invested $100 to establish the Electro-Alkaline Company, which produced liquid bleach. The company was renamed the Clorox Chemical Company in 1922.
Where is The Clorox Company headquartered?
The Clorox Company is headquartered in Oakland, California, USA. The company has maintained its headquarters in the Oakland area since its founding in 1913. Clorox operates manufacturing facilities in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, China, and the Philippines.
How many brands does The Clorox Company own?
The Clorox Company owns more than 10 major consumer brands, including Clorox, Glad, Brita, Pine-Sol, Formula 409, Hidden Valley, Kingsford, Burt's Bees, Fresh Step, and Tilex. The company sells products in more than 100 countries worldwide.
Who owns The Clorox Company?
The Clorox Company is publicly traded on the NYSE with a broad institutional and retail shareholder base. No single shareholder holds a controlling stake. Major institutional shareholders include Vanguard Group, BlackRock, and State Street. Linda Rendle serves as Chairman and CEO.
- Founded: 1913
- Headquarters: Oakland, California, USA
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock: NYSE: CLX
- Revenue: approximately $7.1 billion (FY2024)
- Employees: Approximately 8,500
Where Is Clorox Bleach Made / Based?
- Headquarters: Oakland, California, USA
- Manufacturing / Operations: United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, China
Clorox Bleach Sustainability & Ethics
Clorox Bleach operates under The Clorox Company's comprehensive sustainability framework, which addresses environmental responsibility, ethical business practices, and social impact across the household cleaning industry.
Environmental Sustainability Initiatives: The Clorox Company has implemented significant environmental initiatives, including a commitment to reduce virgin plastic and fiber packaging 50% by 2030. The company has achieved its goal of sourcing 100% of electricity from renewable energy for U.S. and Canadian operations. Clorox maintains zero-waste-to-landfill status in over half of its facilities and has reached 88% of its goal to have 100% recyclable, reusable, or compostable packaging by 2025.
Climate Action: The Clorox Company published a Climate Action Plan outlining its approach to achieving 2030 science-based targets and 2050 net-zero commitment. The company has implemented comprehensive climate action strategies across its manufacturing and distribution operations, focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources.
Sustainable Product Development: Clorox has developed more environmentally friendly cleaning formulations, including concentrated formulas that reduce packaging waste. The company has introduced naturally-derived products through its Clorox EcoClean line, which features EPA Design for the Environment and Safer Choice-certified ingredients. Clorox Bleach products are formulated to balance effectiveness with environmental considerations.
Responsible Manufacturing: The Clorox Company maintains strict environmental compliance across all manufacturing facilities. The company has implemented water conservation measures, waste reduction programs, and energy-efficient manufacturing processes. Clorox operates with a commitment to environmental stewardship while maintaining product quality and effectiveness.
Community Engagement: The Clorox Company Foundation invests in communities where the company operates, focusing on education, health, and environmental initiatives. Clorox supports programs that promote clean living, healthy homes, and environmental education in communities across its operational regions.
Awards & Recognition
Clorox has received extensive recognition for its sustainability leadership, product innovation, and corporate responsibility, establishing the company as an industry leader in environmental and social governance.
Barron's Most Sustainable Company: The Clorox Company earned the top ranking on Barron's 2024 100 Most Sustainable Companies list for the second consecutive year. The company was selected for its continued efforts around sustainability, employee experience, inclusive representation, and corporate governance structure. This recognition highlights Clorox's leadership in environmental, social, and governance performance among the 1,000 largest U.S. publicly traded companies.
EPA Safer Choice Partner of the Year: Clorox was named an Environmental Protection Agency Safer Choice partner of the Year for the sixth time, recognizing the company's manufacturing of products that contain ingredients the EPA has determined are safer for human health and the environment. This award reflects Clorox's commitment to developing safer cleaning products and its leadership in green chemistry.
ISSA Environment & Sustainability Innovation Award: Clorox EcoClean Disinfecting Wipes won the 2024 ISSA Environment & Sustainability Innovation of the Year Award at the International Sanitary Supply Association Show. This award recognizes innovation in sustainable cleaning products and demonstrates Clorox's ability to develop effective disinfecting products with environmental considerations.
Diversity and Inclusion Recognition: Clorox has been recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, achieving pay equity across gender globally and races/ethnicities in the U.S. The company maintains 50% female representation and 25% representation of people of color on its board of directors, demonstrating leadership in corporate diversity.
America's Safest Companies: The Clorox Company was named among America's Safest Companies in 2024, recognizing the company's strong commitments to environmental, social, and governance through its IGNITE strategy. This award reflects Clorox's comprehensive approach to safety, sustainability, and corporate responsibility.
Clorox Bleach Recalls & Controversies
Clorox Bleach has maintained a strong safety record but has faced some product recalls and controversies, primarily related to other products in the Clorox portfolio rather than the core Clorox Bleach line.
Pine-Sol Recall (2023): In October 2023, Clorox recalled approximately 37 million Pine-Sol cleaning products due to potential bacterial contamination. The recalled products included Pine-Sol scented multisurface cleaners in lavender clean, sparkling wave, and lemon fresh scents, along with CloroxPro and Clorox Professional Pine-Sol products. The recall was initiated after testing identified the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria in certain products produced between January 2021 and September 2022. While this recall affected the Pine-Sol brand rather than Clorox Bleach specifically, it impacted consumer confidence in the broader Clorox cleaning product portfolio.
Environmental Impact Concerns: Like all bleach products, Clorox Bleach has faced scrutiny regarding its environmental impact, particularly concerns about chemical runoff into water systems and the effects of sodium hypochlorite on aquatic ecosystems. Environmental groups have raised concerns about the widespread use of bleach products and their potential impact on water quality and marine life.
Safety and Usage Concerns: Clorox Bleach has faced ongoing discussions about proper usage and safety, particularly regarding ventilation requirements, potential damage to fabrics and surfaces, and safety concerns around storage in households with children and pets. While not controversies in the traditional sense, these concerns represent ongoing challenges in consumer education and product safety communication.
Competition from Natural Products: Clorox has faced market challenges from the growing consumer preference for natural and eco-friendly cleaning products. Some consumers have questioned the use of chemical-based cleaning products, leading to increased competition from brands marketed as natural or environmentally friendly alternatives.
Regulatory Compliance: Clorox operates in a highly regulated industry and must maintain compliance with various environmental and safety regulations. The company has faced ongoing regulatory requirements related to product formulation, labeling, and environmental impact reporting.
Brands Owned by The Clorox Company
- Brita - German water filtration brand providing water pitchers, filters, and water filtr...
- Burt's Bees - American personal care brand specializing in natural and organic skincare, lip c...
- Formula 409 - American multi-purpose cleaner and degreaser brand known for its effective clean...
- Glad - American food storage and waste management brand providing plastic wrap, food st...
- Hidden Valley - American food brand known for its ranch dressing and salad dressings, offering v...
- Kingsford - American charcoal and grilling fuel brand known for its charcoal briquettes, gri...
- Pine-Sol - American cleaning products brand known for its pine-scented multi-surface cleane...
Clorox Bleach Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Leading brand recognition and trusted reputation for disinfection and cleaning
- +Effective whitening and stain removal capabilities for laundry and household surfaces
- +Strong disinfectant properties proven to kill bacteria, viruses, and germs
- +Wide availability and extensive distribution in retail channels worldwide
- +Versatile applications for laundry cleaning, surface disinfection, and household sanitation
- +Strong backing from public health recommendations during disease outbreaks
- +Parent company resources for research, development, and global distribution
Considerations
- -Harsh chemicals can damage fabrics and surfaces with improper use or overexposure
- -Strong fumes require proper ventilation during use, which may be inconvenient
- -Environmental concerns about chemical runoff and impact on water systems
- -Safety concerns around storage and handling, especially in households with children and pets
- -Limited appeal to consumers seeking natural, eco-friendly cleaning alternatives
- -Regulatory requirements and restrictions on certain uses and concentrations
- -Competition from natural cleaning brands and alternative disinfection methods
Frequently Asked Questions About Clorox Bleach
Sources & Further Reading
- The Clorox Company Official Responsibility Page -
- Clorox Clean World Environmental Initiatives -
- Barron's 2024 Most Sustainable Companies -
- EPA Safer Choice Program -
- CPSC Pine-Sol Recall Information -
- Clorox Climate Action Plan -
- EHS Today America's Safest Companies 2024 -
- Clorox EcoClean Product Information -
- Clorox Company Investor Relations -
- NYSE: CLX Stock Information -
Where to Buy
Disclosure: We may earn commission from purchases
Clorox Bleach on AmazonCompetitors to Clorox Bleach
These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.
| Brand | Parent Company | Country | Founded | Market Position | Primary Market | Gender Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pepsico | Israel | 1903 | Mass market | Global | Unisex |
Learn More About Competitors
Competitive Analysis
Market Positioning: Clorox Bleach competes with 1 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.
Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.
Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.
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