Who Owns Rubbermaid?
Rubbermaid is owned by Newell Brands, a publicly traded American multinational consumer goods company. Newell Brands trades on NASDAQ under ticker NWL and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Parent Company
Rubbermaid
Acquired
1999
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Who Owns Rubbermaid?
- Parent Company: Rubbermaid
- Ownership Type: Wholly owned
- Acquisition Year: 1999
- Company Type: Privately Held
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| Rubbermaid | Rubbermaid | Wholly owned |
History of Rubbermaid
- Founded: 1933
- Founders: James R. Caldwell
- Acquired by Rubbermaid: 1999
Rubbermaid was founded in 1933 by James R. Caldwell in Wooster, Ohio. Caldwell had purchased the Wooster Rubber Company, which had been producing rubber balloons and toy balls, and pivoted the business toward household rubber products. The company's first product was a rubber dustpan, introduced in 1934, which sold for 39 cents and was an immediate commercial success.
The name "Rubbermaid" was chosen to reflect the company's focus on rubber household products, combining "rubber" with "maid" to suggest a helpful household companion. The brand's early product line expanded to include rubber dishpans, drain boards, sink mats, and other household items that leveraged the durability and flexibility of rubber.
Through the 1940s and 1950s, Rubbermaid became one of the most recognized household brands in the United States. The company's products were sold through hardware stores, variety stores, and department stores, and the brand developed a reputation for quality and durability that distinguished it from cheaper alternatives. Rubbermaid's growth during this period was driven by post-war consumer spending on household goods and the expansion of American suburban homeownership.
In the late 1950s and 1960s, Rubbermaid began transitioning from rubber to plastic as the primary material for its products. Advances in plastic manufacturing technology made plastic more cost-effective and versatile than rubber for many household applications, and Rubbermaid invested in plastic injection molding capabilities. The transition to plastic allowed Rubbermaid to expand its product range significantly, introducing storage containers, trash cans, laundry baskets, and other products that became household staples.
Rubbermaid went public in 1955, listing on the New York Stock Exchange. The company grew rapidly through the 1960s and 1970s, expanding its product line and distribution. By the 1980s, Rubbermaid had become one of the most admired companies in the United States, appearing on Fortune magazine's list of America's Most Admired Companies for multiple consecutive years.
The company expanded into commercial and institutional markets through the 1980s and 1990s, developing the Rubbermaid Commercial Products line for businesses, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions. This expansion diversified Rubbermaid's revenue base beyond the consumer household market.
In 1994, Rubbermaid faced a significant operational challenge when a sharp increase in resin prices, driven by a shortage of polypropylene, compressed the company's margins. The company's response, which included price increases that some retailers resisted, damaged relationships with key retail partners including Walmart. The episode highlighted the risks of dependence on a single raw material and the challenges of maintaining retailer relationships in the consumer goods industry.
Newell Company acquired Rubbermaid in a $5.8 billion merger in 1999, creating one of the largest consumer goods companies in the United States. The combined company was named Newell Rubbermaid. The merger gave Newell access to Rubbermaid's strong consumer brand and commercial products business, while Rubbermaid gained access to Newell's manufacturing efficiency and retail relationships.
Following the 2016 acquisition of Jarden Corporation, Newell Rubbermaid was rebranded as Newell Brands, reflecting the expanded portfolio that now included brands such as Coleman, Calphalon, Graco, and Yankee Candle alongside Rubbermaid and Sharpie.
By 2025, Rubbermaid had maintained its position as one of the most recognized brands in household storage and organization, competing with Tupperware (Regent LP), Ziploc containers (SC Johnson), and store-brand alternatives in the food storage segment, and with Sterilite and other brands in the general storage and organization segment.
About Rubbermaid
Who owns Rubbermaid?
Rubbermaid is owned by Newell Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: NWL), a consumer goods company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Newell Brands acquired Rubbermaid through its 1999 merger with Rubbermaid Incorporated for approximately $5.8 billion. Newell Brands also owns Sharpie, Coleman, Yankee Candle, and numerous other consumer brands.
Who founded Rubbermaid?
Rubbermaid was founded in 1933 in Wooster, Ohio by James R. Caldwell, who purchased the Wooster Rubber Company and began producing rubber household products. The company's first product was a rubber dustpan. The name "Rubbermaid" was coined to reflect the rubber material and the household applications of the products.
What does Rubbermaid make?
Rubbermaid makes plastic storage containers (Brilliance, Roughneck), cleaning tools (Reveal mops and brooms), outdoor storage, laundry products, and commercial cleaning equipment (through Rubbermaid Commercial Products). The brand's products are sold through mass merchandisers, home improvement retailers, grocery stores, and commercial distributors.
Where is Rubbermaid headquartered?
Rubbermaid's parent company, Newell Brands, is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Rubbermaid's original headquarters were in Wooster, Ohio, where the company was founded in 1933. Rubbermaid products are manufactured in the United States and other countries.
Is Rubbermaid publicly traded?
Rubbermaid itself is not publicly traded. It is a brand owned by Newell Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: NWL), which is publicly listed on NASDAQ. Newell Brands also owns Sharpie, Paper Mate, Coleman, Yankee Candle, and numerous other consumer brands.
What is Rubbermaid Commercial Products?
Rubbermaid Commercial Products (RCP) is a division of Rubbermaid that produces commercial-grade cleaning carts, waste containers, food storage, and other equipment for foodservice, healthcare, hospitality, education, and other commercial customers. RCP products are sold through commercial distributors and direct sales channels rather than retail stores.
- Founded: 1933
- Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Company Type: Privately Held
- Revenue: part of Newell Brands (approximately $7.9 billion group FY2024)
Where Is Rubbermaid Made / Based?
- Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Manufacturing / Operations: United States, Canada, Mexico, Various international locations
Rubbermaid Sustainability & Ethics
Rubbermaid operates under Newell Brands' comprehensive sustainability framework, focusing on environmental responsibility in product design, manufacturing operations, and ethical business practices. As one of Newell Brands' flagship brands, Rubbermaid participates in company-wide sustainability initiatives while maintaining its commitment to durable, practical solutions for home and commercial organization.
Sustainability Excellence Awards Recognition: For the second consecutive year in 2024, the Rubbermaid Commercial Products team in Winchester, Virginia, won Newell Brands' gold Sustainability Excellence Award. The team expanded their waste reduction program, resulting in over 600 tons of material diverted from landfills and significant annual cost savings. The site partnered with other Newell manufacturing sites to collect 45,000 lbs. of regrind material and recycle it for production, avoiding a $250,000 expenditure to purchase virgin plastic resin.
Water Conservation and Resource Management: The Rubbermaid Commercial Products team adopted a new water treatment mechanism that saves 1.5 million gallons of water annually. This innovation demonstrates the brand's commitment to resource conservation and sustainable manufacturing processes that reduce environmental impact while maintaining product quality.
Love Sustainability Journey Initiative: Rubbermaid Commercial Products launched the Love Sustainability Journey, a comprehensive vision and roadmap that guides their commitment to sustainable operations and contributes to Newell's Corporate Citizenship goals. The initiative details global, tangible commitments across five key areas: Products, Certification and Innovation, Packaging, Operations, and Culture and Education.
Packaging and Waste Reduction Goals: Rubbermaid supports Newell's sustainability goals, including reducing landfill waste by 90 percent and sourcing 100 percent of paper-based packaging from certified, verified, or recycled sources by 2025. The brand implements innovative product and packaging design choices that minimize environmental impact while maintaining functionality and durability.
Renewable Energy and Operational Efficiency: The Love Sustainability Journey includes investing in renewable energy sources and streamlining operational efficiency to reduce carbon footprint. Rubbermaid manufacturing facilities implement energy-saving measures and sustainable practices that contribute to Newell Brands' overall environmental targets.
Sustainable Product Innovation: Rubbermaid focuses on designing products that contribute to resource protection and waste reduction. As a global leader in cleaning, hygiene, and waste management products, Rubbermaid products play an important role in helping consumers and businesses reduce their environmental impact through better organization and resource management.
Culture and Education: Rubbermaid emphasizes educating stakeholders about sustainability best practices and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility. The Love Sustainability Journey promotes transparent conversation around sustainability and encourages incremental gains through quantifiable targets.
Ethical Manufacturing Standards: Rubbermaid adheres to Newell Brands' values of Truth, Transparency, Teamwork, and Trust in all operations. The company invests in sustainable solutions not only because it's the right thing to do, but because it's imperative to the long-term value and viability of resources, people, communities, and the business.
Transparency and Accountability: Rubbermaid provides transparent reporting on sustainability progress and maintains open communication about environmental initiatives and goals. The brand encourages stakeholder engagement and feedback on sustainability practices.
Awards & Recognition
Rubbermaid has received extensive recognition throughout its 90+ year history for product innovation, quality, and sustainability leadership. The brand's awards reflect its position as a trusted name in home and commercial organization solutions and its continued commitment to meeting consumer needs through innovative design and reliable performance.
Newell Brands Sustainability Excellence Awards: Rubbermaid Commercial Products has won Newell Brands' Sustainability Excellence Awards for multiple consecutive years, including the gold award in 2024. This recognition highlights the brand's leadership in waste reduction, water conservation, and sustainable manufacturing practices. The 2024 award specifically honored the Winchester, Virginia team for diverting over 600 tons of material from landfills and implementing water-saving measures.
Consumer Product Testing Recognition: Rubbermaid products consistently receive high ratings from major consumer testing organizations. The Rubbermaid Brilliance containers have been recognized by leading product review publications for their shatter-resistant Tritan plastic construction and airtight sealing capabilities. The Rubbermaid Premier set has performed well in comprehensive testing by organizations like Wirecutter for food storage solutions.
Good Housekeeping and Consumer Reports Recognition: Rubbermaid products frequently appear in Good Housekeeping's testing evaluations and Consumer Reports ratings for home organization and food storage solutions. The brand's containers are often recommended for their durability, practicality, and value in comprehensive product comparisons.
Industry Innovation Awards: Rubbermaid has received recognition for innovation in product design, particularly in areas like modular storage systems, commercial cleaning solutions, and waste management products. The brand's ability to combine practical functionality with thoughtful design has earned it praise from design and industry organizations.
Commercial Products Recognition: Rubbermaid Commercial Products has been acknowledged for its contributions to professional cleaning and facility management through initiatives like the "Behind the Scenes of Clean" campaign. This annual program recognizes custodians and cleaning professionals, highlighting Rubbermaid's role in supporting essential workers who maintain safe and clean environments.
Product Design and Engineering Awards: Throughout its history, Rubbermaid has received numerous awards for product design excellence, including recognition for ergonomic design, material innovation, and user-friendly features. The brand's focus on solving real-world organization challenges has resulted in patented designs and industry-leading solutions.
Brand Trust and Reliability Recognition: Rubbermaid has been consistently ranked among the most trusted brands in home organization and storage solutions. Consumer surveys and brand perception studies frequently cite Rubbermaid for its reliability, durability, and consistent quality across product lines.
Sustainability Leadership Recognition: Beyond internal company awards, Rubbermaid has been recognized by external organizations for its sustainability initiatives, including waste reduction programs and environmentally responsible manufacturing processes. The Love Sustainability Journey has been acknowledged as a comprehensive approach to corporate environmental responsibility.
Longevity and Heritage Recognition: Rubbermaid's 90+ year history and continued relevance in the home organization market have earned it recognition as an iconic American brand that has successfully adapted to changing consumer needs while maintaining its core values of quality and practicality.
Rubbermaid Recalls & Controversies
Rubbermaid has maintained a relatively strong safety record throughout its long history, though the brand has faced some product-related controversies and legal challenges, particularly related to product safety claims and material composition. These issues reflect the broader challenges faced by consumer goods companies in ensuring product safety and accurate marketing claims.
Class Action Lawsuit Over Safety Claims: Rubbermaid faced a nationwide class action lawsuit alleging that the company falsely advertised its TakeAlongs food storage containers as microwave-safe and freezer-safe. The lawsuit claimed that the containers did not perform as advertised under these conditions, potentially misleading consumers about product capabilities. This legal action highlighted the importance of accurate product testing and clear communication about product limitations.
BPA and Material Safety Concerns: Rubbermaid has faced questions about the presence of bisphenol A (BPA) in some of its plastic products, particularly commercial food storage containers. While many Rubbermaid products are BPA-free, some commercial containers have been found to contain BPA, leading to consumer concerns about chemical safety. The company has worked to address these concerns by expanding its BPA-free product lines and providing clearer material information to consumers.
Product Performance and Quality Issues: Throughout its history, Rubbermaid has occasionally faced consumer complaints about product performance, particularly regarding lid sealing effectiveness, container durability, and microwave performance. Some users have reported difficulties with lid sealing on certain Rubbermaid Premier containers, though overall product testing has generally shown positive results.
Manufacturing and Supply Chain Challenges: Like many large consumer goods companies, Rubbermaid has faced occasional manufacturing quality control issues and supply chain disruptions that have affected product availability and consistency. These challenges have sometimes resulted in consumer frustration but have generally been addressed through improved quality control processes.
Environmental Impact of Plastic Products: As a major manufacturer of plastic products, Rubbermaid has faced scrutiny regarding the environmental impact of its products, particularly concerns about plastic waste and microplastic pollution. The company has responded through sustainability initiatives like the Love Sustainability Journey and increased use of recycled materials.
Competition and Market Share Challenges: Rubbermaid has faced increasing competition from both traditional competitors and new market entrants in the home organization space. Some consumers have raised concerns about whether Rubbermaid products maintain their quality standards while competing on price with budget alternatives.
Labeling and Marketing Accuracy: Beyond the specific class action lawsuit, Rubbermaid has occasionally faced criticism about marketing claims and product labeling accuracy. The company has worked to improve transparency about product capabilities and limitations to avoid misleading consumers.
Current Status and Resolution: Rubbermaid continues to address these challenges through improved product testing, clearer marketing communications, and expanded sustainability initiatives. The brand maintains strong consumer trust and continues to be recognized for product quality and innovation, while working to resolve safety and accuracy concerns through proactive quality control and transparent communication.
Regulatory Compliance: Rubbermaid maintains compliance with relevant safety regulations and standards, including FDA requirements for food contact materials and Consumer Product Safety Commission guidelines for consumer products.
Rubbermaid Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Over 90 years of brand heritage in the US household products market creates consumer recognition that store brands cannot replicate
- +Broad product range spanning food storage, trash cans, laundry, cleaning, and organization allows the brand to serve multiple household needs
- +Rubbermaid Commercial Products extends the brand into the institutional and commercial market, diversifying revenue beyond consumer retail
- +Newell Brands' retail distribution relationships ensure premium shelf placement at every major US retailer
- +The brand's reputation for durability and quality supports premium pricing relative to private-label alternatives
Considerations
- -Newell Brands has faced significant financial challenges following the 2016 Jarden acquisition, including declining net sales and debt reduction pressure
- -Intense competition from store-brand storage products at significantly lower price points erodes Rubbermaid's market share in price-sensitive segments
- -Growing consumer concern about plastic waste and single-use plastics creates reputational pressure for plastic-focused household brands
- -Dependence on Newell Brands' strategic priorities means Rubbermaid's investment levels are subject to corporate-level resource allocation decisions
- -Competition from Tupperware (now under Regent LP), OXO, and Ziploc containers in the food storage segment
Frequently Asked Questions About Rubbermaid
Sources & Further Reading
- Newell Brands Official Website -
- Newell Brands Sustainability Excellence Awards 2024 -
- Rubbermaid Love Sustainability Journey -
- Rubbermaid Commercial Products Sustainability -
- Good Housekeeping Food Storage Container Testing -
- Consumer Reports Food Storage Ratings -
- Wirecutter Best Food Storage Containers -
- Your Best Digs Food Storage Container Reviews -
- Class Action Lawsuit Coverage -
- Newell Brands Corporate Citizenship Report -
- Rubbermaid Product Safety Information -
- Consumer Product Safety Commission Database -
- BPA Information and Plastic Safety -
- Reddit Consumer Discussions -
- Newell Brands Investor Relations -
Where to Buy
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Rubbermaid on AmazonCompetitors to Rubbermaid
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| Clorox | USA | 1963 | Mass market | Global | All-ages |
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Competitive Analysis
Market Positioning: Rubbermaid 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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