Burt's Bees is a familiar name in personal care, known for its natural bee-derived formulas and eco-friendly branding. Many shoppers wonder who is behind the brand and how its ownership aligns with its green reputation.
This overview clarifies the corporate structure, history, and current stewardship of Burt's Bees, using a detailed profile table and thematic sections to guide you through the key facts.
| Entity | Role / Relation to Burt's Bees | Key Detail | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Clorox Company | Parent company (majority owner) | Acquired Burt's Bees in 2007 | Provides scale, global distribution, and resources |
| Burt Shavitz | Founder (named in brand) | Started beeswax candles and body care in 1984 | Established natural storytelling and product ethos |
| Roxanne Quimby | Co-founder and early visionary | Partnered with Shavitz, expanded product line | Drove early growth and brand identity |
| Henkel Consumer Goods | Former owner (early stake) | Sold stake to Clorox in 2007 | Preceded current ownership structure |
| Clorox Global Brands | Portfolio unit | Manages Burt's Bees alongside Glad, Pine-Sol | Aligns marketing, compliance, and sustainability initiatives |
The Clorox Company Ownership Structure
Since 2007, Burt's Bees has been a brand within Clorox Global Brands, a division of The Clorox Company. This relationship means that a large, publicly traded conglomerate oversees formulation, sourcing, and commercial strategy while the brand maintains distinct product positioning.
The ownership structure affects everything from ingredient policies to retail placement, because decisions are made at the corporate level yet executed by specialized teams focused on natural personal care.
History and Founding Story
The story begins with beekeeper Burt Shavitz and photographer Roxanne Quimay, whose collaboration turned small-batch beeswax candles into a body care line. Their original partnership emphasized handmade quality and locality, shaping the brand narrative around nature and craft.
As demand grew, the company scaled rapidly, leading to sale to Clorox. The acquisition preserved much of the product philosophy while adding resources for research, certification, and environmental programs.
Brand Identity and Natural Positioning
Burt's Bees continues to highlight beeswax, plant-derived ingredients, and recyclable packaging. The brand leans on icons such as the bee logo and yellow tube to communicate simplicity and trust, even under corporate ownership.
Marketing emphasizes transparency about supply chains, responsible beekeeping, and measurable goals around carbon and water use, reflecting how ownership supports sustainability ambitions at scale.
Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility
Under Clorox, Burt's Bees has expanded commitments around ingredient sourcing, waste reduction, and community engagement. Goals include protecting pollinators, using renewable energy, and minimizing environmental impact across operations.
These initiatives are integrated into product development and packaging updates, showing how ownership can drive resources into long-term sustainability projects that align with consumer expectations.
Key Takeaways on Burt's Bees Ownership
- Owned by The Clorox Company through its Clorox Global Brands division
- Founded by Burt Shavitz and Roxanne Quimay with a focus on beeswax-based, natural products
- Acquired by Clorox in 2007, providing scale and resources for quality and sustainability
- Brand identity remains centered on nature, pollinator protection, and simple formulations
- Corporate ownership enables expanded environmental programs and responsible sourcing commitments
FAQ
Reader questions
Is Burt's Bees still owned by its founders?
No, Burt's Bees was founded by Burt Shavitz and Roxanne Quimay, but it has been owned by The Clorox Company since 2007.
Does Clorox change Burt's Bees product formulas?
Clorox maintains Burt's Bees as a distinct brand with its own natural-focused formulas, generally preserving original ingredient preferences while supporting quality and safety standards.
How does ownership affect Burt's Bees sustainability efforts?
As part of Clorox Global Brands, Burt's Bees gains access to broader sustainability programs, supply chain expertise, and environmental goals that enhance its pollinator and packaging initiatives.
Where are Burt's Bees products manufactured under current ownership?
Production takes place in multiple locations, including facilities in the United States and internationally, allowing the brand to meet global demand while adhering to its sourcing standards.