38Poor

Compostables Ltd Review, Is Compostables Ltd 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 4 graded products, Compostables Ltd averages Poor (38/100). On disclosure, the brand says nothing publicly about PFAS. 1 of its products grade Good or better. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab results.

Worth buying from Compostables Ltd Good or better, safest first

Responsible Products 32 oz Compostable Bowl Sugarcane Fiber

Compostables Ltd

Responsible Products 32 oz Compostable Bowl Sugarcane Fiber

Sugarcane fiber (bagasse)

PFAS Grade70Good
Overall Grade48Poor
⚠️

Mold and microbial growth if stored improperly

Sugarcane fiber is hygroscopic and can retain moisture, creating conditions for mold or…

70
🍳

Coating or waterproofing additives (if present)

Some bagasse bowls use petroleum-based or synthetic polymer coatings to improve water…

70
🫧

Fiber degradation and particle shedding under heat or mechanical stress

Bagasse fiber can fragment or shed small particles if exposed to temperatures above its…

70
🏷️

Lead

Industry-wide issue: many bagasse products marketed as compostable fail to meet…

45

Lower PFAS concern, though brand transparency is needed.

Risky category by default

Graded and flagged Poor and Bad, we’d swap these

Dart Compostable Molded Fiber Dinnerware ProPlanet Seal

Compostables Ltd

Dart Compostable Molded Fiber Dinnerware ProPlanet Seal

molded fiber (likely kraft pulp) with unspecified water-resistant coating

PFAS Grade30Poor
Overall Grade10Bad
🍳

Water-resistant coating composition (unspecified)

Molded fiber dinnerware typically requires hydrophobic treatment. Without disclosure, the…

70
🍳

Coating migration into food

Any water-resistant surface on molded fiber can potentially leach components into food…

70
🫧

Fiber degradation and microparticle release

Repeated washing, microwave use, or physical wear can cause the fiber substrate to shed…

70
🍳

Bacterial or mold growth in damaged coating

If the water-resistant coating cracks or peels, the exposed kraft pulp becomes absorbent…

70

Avoid without coating disclosure, molded fiber food packaging often relies on PFAS water barriers.

Waterproof or stain-proof treatment

Matter Compostable Fiber Disposable Bowls

Compostables Ltd

Matter Compostable Fiber Disposable Bowls

compostable fiber with unspecified waterproof coating

PFAS Grade25Poor
Overall Grade3Bad
♾️

PFAS

Compostable fiber bowls commonly use Teflon-family coating or fluorocarbon-based water…

45

Non-fluorinated coating degradation and leachates

If the coating is non-fluorinated (e.g., polyurethane or wax-based), long-term hydrolysis…

70
🫧

Microplastic or fiber shedding

Compostable fiber bowls can shed microfibers, especially if the coating degrades or the…

70
💨

Formaldehyde / VOCs

Plant fiber bowls often use formaldehyde-releasing adhesives or resins during…

70

Medium-high risk. Skip until coating is disclosed.

Waterproof or stain-proof treatment

Round Compostable Molded Fiber Bowl - 24 oz.

Compostables Ltd

Round Compostable Molded Fiber Bowl - 24 oz.

Molded fiber (pulp) with unspecified water-repellent coating

PFAS Grade25Poor
Overall Grade13Bad
♾️

PFAS

Unspecified coating chemistry is typical of PFAS-based formulations; no brand disclosure…

70
🫧

Coating degradation and microparticle release

Molded fiber coatings can flake or leach binders under heat, moisture, or mechanical…

70
💨

Formaldehyde / VOCs

Fiber molding adhesives and coating binders may contain low levels of formaldehyde…

70

Avoid until the brand discloses what coating chemistry was used.

Waterproof or stain-proof treatment

Every grade uses the same public rubric. How grades work →