Footprint Review, Is Footprint 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, Footprint averages Good (58/100). On disclosure, the brand claims its products are PFAS-free (self-declared). 2 of its products grade Good or better. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab results.
Worth buying from Footprint Good or better, safest first
Footprint
Matter Compostable Food Storage Container 5ct
Plant-based fiber pulp (compostable)
Bacterial/fungal growth in cellulose matrix
Plant-based fiber is hygroscopic and can harbor microbial growth if stored in humid…
Microplastic generation or fiber shedding
Fiber containers may shed small cellulose fragments during handling or extended food…
Lower-concern choice, compostable fiber avoids traditional PFAS-coated paperboard.
⚠Risky category by default
Footprint
Fpn Compostable Takeout Boxes
Compostable fiber with water-resistant coating
PFAS
Alternative water-resistant coatings used in PFAS-free formulations are less studied than…
Mold or bacterial contamination
Fiber-based boxes can absorb moisture if stored improperly or in humid conditions…
Degradation of coating over time or temperature stress
Any water-resistant coating can degrade if exposed to repeated heat cycling, moisture, or…
Lower concern, brand explicitly claims PFAS-free with third-party backing.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Graded and flagged Poor and Bad, we’d swap these
Footprint
Fpn To Go Containers 3 Compartment Compostable Takeout Boxes 9x9 150 Pack
Molded fiber with plant-based water/grease barrier coating
Coating migration (plant-based barrier)
While plant-based barrier coatings are lower risk than PFAS, organic polymer migration…
Microbial contamination (molded fiber substrate)
Molded fiber is hygroscopic and can harbor bacteria or mold if exposed to moisture before…
Lower concern with plant-based barrier and brand commitment, though no independent lab verification available.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Footprint
Farmers Fiber Compostable Round Bowl
Molded fiber (wood pulp/plant-based); compostable coating
Coating degradation and moisture barrier loss
Plant-based compostable coatings degrade faster than plastic alternatives when exposed to…
Mold or microbial growth in storage
Molded fiber is organic plant material and can support mold growth if stored in damp…
Heat-related coating breakdown
Starch-based coatings soften above 80-90°C; direct microwave or contact with very hot…
Composting infrastructure dependency
Bowls certified as industrially compostable will persist as trash in landfills or…
Low concern. Compostable plant-based product without known fluorinated coatings.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Footprint
New Roots Kraft PLA-Lined Compostable #4 Take-Out Container 7 3/4" x 5 1/2" x 3 1/2" - 160/Case
PLA bioplastic with kraft paper lining
PFAS
Kraft linings in compostable containers often use water- and grease-resistant treatments…
PLA oligomer leaching
PLA containers are documented in peer-reviewed studies to release small quantities of…
Thermal degradation and structural failure
PLA softens and warps noticeably at temperatures above 55-60°C, well below typical…
Microplastic shedding from kraft fiber breakdown
Prolonged contact with liquids or mechanical wear can cause kraft fibers to separate and…
Lower concern, but verify coating composition directly with brand first.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Every grade uses the same public rubric. How grades work →