“Build your product with integrity, stand behind it 100%, and success will follow.”
- George G. Blaisdell
“Build your product with integrity, stand behind it 100%, and success will follow.”
- George G. Blaisdell
These words from founder George G. Blaisdell established the ethos of Zippo Manufacturing Company and still guide the organization today. For us, “building our product with integrity” goes beyond crafting the most durable and dependable lighters in the world; it also demands that we do so with respect for our community, our customers and the world around us.
Zippo prides itself on producing reliable, reusable and long-lasting products - most notably. of course, is the iconic Zippo windproof lighter, which has been made in Bradford, PA, USA since our founding.
Disposability seems increasingly to be the norm these days: something stops working, the components can't be replaced and the entire product is ultimately tossed in the trash. Not only has the windproof lighter stood the test of time for over 90 years, but its rugged construction, replaceable components and refillable nature have undoubtedly saved millions of lighters from landfills around the globe. And, our legendary lifetime guarantee, "It works or we fix it, free,'' ensures that each windproof lighter can be used and enjoyed for generations - reducing the need for plastic alternatives even further.
Zippo has never charged a single penny for the repair of its iconic windproof lighter.
Each lighter passes through 4-6 sets of human hands on its journey from raw material to finished product, ensuring that each of our stringent quality standards is met.
Our dedicated Repair Clinic handles hundreds of lighters every year, returning each lighter to its owner in first-class working condition free of charge, regardless of age or condition.
Because we manufacture every windproof lighter at our facility in Bradford, PA, we have direct control over (and awareness of) exactly how much raw material we use and are hence able to recycle any scrap metal we generate. In fact, the majority of the material used in our manufacturing process contains recycled scrap metal.
Our suppliers play a crucial role in our mission to generate sustainable value both within and outside our operations. Through this collaboration, we drive positive change for our stakeholders, the environment and society as a whole - achieving greater impact together than we could individually.
Zippo is also proud to belong to the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT), which works to protect the supply chain, identify security gaps and implement specific security measures and best practices.
Over 1 million pounds of scrap metal recycled annually (2021-2023 report).
Virtually all raw material used to manufacture our windproof lighters contains recycled metal.
Strict supply chain management to ensure responsibly sourced material.
Zippo proudly and strictly adheres to all federal regulations regarding responsible energy consumption, emissions and disclosures – environmental standards that often deter other companies from operating in the USA. Other efforts to reduce our carbon footprint at our facilities consist of reclaiming cardboard shipping materials and scrap metals; reprocessing used waste oils to reduce emissions; and updating our HVAC systems to significantly reduce both our annual electrical and water usage.
Installed in 2022, our closed loop cooling system saves 5.5M gallons of water annually.
Upgraded compressor systems save more than 1.4M kWh annually.
LED lighting upgrades in our facilities to save further on energy consumption.
Over the last five years, we’ve committed to removing a significant amount of plastic from our packaging and launched our first plastic-free packaging program in 2019 (consisting of 30% post-consumer recycled fibers) as a benchmark for future products.
Eliminating plastic flock from windproof lighter blister packaging saves hundreds of pounds of plastic annually.
Starting in 2024, removing printed instruction manuals from domestic windproof lighter blister packaging projected to save 1,200 pounds of paper annually.
Several of our key product lines come exclusively in recyclable, plastic-free packaging.
Zippo’s efforts globally would all be for naught without a steadfast commitment to its hometown of Bradford, PA. The people of Zippo have been the company’s strength, pride and source of optimism for the last 90+ years. Now in its fourth generation of family ownership, Zippo remains a pillar in its community not only as an employer but also as a steward for education, development and enrichment in Bradford and beyond.
Zippo is also committed to the health and safety of its employees across all facilities and meets or exceeds all standards set forth by OSHA, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), American Petroleum Institute (API) and Department of Transportation (DOT) for responsible and effective manufacturing, storage and transport practices.
ISO 9001 Certified Quality Management System.
20 dedicated employee volunteers who maintain CPR/AED training in case of emergency.
Zippo partnered with WOODCHUCK USA in 2019 to combat deforestation by planting a tree for every Zippo x Woodchuck lighter purchased. To date, more than 125,000 trees have been planted around the world. Learn more about the initiative at zippo.com/buyoneplantone.