Compose Review, Is Compose Non-Toxic?
PFAS Authority is a scoring system, not a laboratory. We do not test products ourselves. Grades are model-based, built from published ingredients, materials, certifications, brand disclosures and third-party lab results where they exist. See the rubric.
Across 5 graded products, Compose averages Poor (25/100). On disclosure, the brand says nothing publicly about PFAS. None of its products grade Good or better yet. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab results.
Graded and flagged Poor and Bad, we’d swap these
Compose
3 Compartment Compostable Hinged Clamshell Take Out Containers 9x9 / 20 Pcs
Compostable bioplastic (likely PLA or PBAT blend)
Monomer and oligomer leaching (PLA)
PLA can release lactic acid monomers and oligomers into fatty or acidic foods, especially…
Undisclosed additives in proprietary blends
Compostable blends often include plasticizers, colorants, and processing aids not listed…
Thermal degradation and fume release
Exposure of PLA to temperatures above 80°C can trigger thermal decomposition and emission…
Microplastics
Compostable containers can fragment into microplastics if stored in direct sunlight…
Lower PFAS concern, though grease-resistance method remains unclear.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Compose
8 3-Compartment Hinged Containers
Polypropylene (PP) hinged container, likely grease-resistant coating
Fluorinated coating compounds (undisclosed)
Grease-resistant coatings on food-contact PP are typically fluorinated (PFOA, PFOS, or…
Polymer leaching under heat or acid
Polypropylene can leach oligomers and residual monomers if exposed to microwave heat…
Coating wear and consumption
With repeated washing, stacking, and use, the fluorinated or polymeric coating can peel…
Microplastic generation during use
Any plastic container can shed microparticles through mechanical wear. The scale and…
Avoid until the brand discloses what chemicals make it grease-resistant.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Compose
Kraft PLA Lined Compostable #1 Take-Out Container 4.6" x 3.5" x 2.5"- (200/Case)
PLA (polylactic acid) with kraft paper liner
PFAS
Kraft-lined food containers commonly use fluorinated compounds for water and oil…
Thermal instability and leaching at elevated temperatures
PLA softens above 50-60°C and is not microwave-safe. Using these containers for hot foods…
Lower concern, but ask the manufacturer about the grease-barrier coating first.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Compose
3-Comp 200 Pack Compostable Disposable Food Containers with Lids
Compostable resin blend (likely PLA/PBAT) with grease-resistant coating
PFAS
Grease-resistant coatings on compostable food containers typically contain fluorinated…
PLA polymer migration at elevated temperatures
PLA has a lower glass transition temperature than conventional plastics (around 140°F)…
Avoid until the brand reveals its coating chemistry publicly.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Compose
ULINE Compostable Hinged Containers
Molded fiber/cardboard with grease-resistant coating
PFAS
Molded-fiber food packaging typically uses fluorochemical coatings for grease resistance.…
Coating degradation and microparticle release
Molded fiber coatings can wear, crack, or shed particles over time, especially if flexed…
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Industrial molded-fiber production sometimes uses formaldehyde-based binders or resins.…
Lack of transparency enabling informed choice
The brand's silence on coating composition is a documented gap in disclosure standards…
Avoid until the brand reveals what makes it grease-resistant.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Every grade uses the same public rubric. How grades work →