Marcal Review, Is Marcal Non-Toxic?
Across 5 graded products, Marcal averages Good (70/100). On disclosure, the brand says nothing publicly about PFAS. 5 of its products grade Good or better. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab results.
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.
Worth buying from Marcal Good or better, best-graded first
Marcal
100% Premium Recycled Kitchen Roll Towels
recycled paper fiber, no coating disclosed
Contaminant carry-over from recycled fiber source
Recycled paper can theoretically carry trace legacy chemicals from prior consumer product…
Microbial growth if stored improperly
Paper towels absorb and retain moisture; damp rolls stored in warm kitchens can support…
Lower concern; bare recycled paper has minimal PFAS risk.
⚠Starting grade for this product type
Marcal
Pro 100% Recycled Paper Towels
100% recycled paper fiber
Residual contamination from recycled feedstock
Recycled paper can contain trace inks, adhesives, or processing chemicals from prior use.…
Bacterial or mold growth during storage
Recycled paper is hygroscopic and can absorb moisture more readily than some treated…
Lower concern. Plain paper towels unlikely to contain intentional PFAS.
⚠Starting grade for this product type
Marcal
100% Recycled Hardwound Roll Paper Towels
100% recycled paper fiber
Ink or printing chemical transfer from recycled feedstock
Recycled paper may contain residues from prior printing inks or coatings on collected…
Bacterial or mold growth during storage
Paper is biodegradable and hygroscopic; if stored in damp conditions, mold or bacterial…
Lower concern. Unbleached recycled paper has minimal PFAS risk.
⚠Starting grade for this product type
Marcal
250HC Kitchen Roll Towels
virgin paper fibers, no stated coating
Microplastic generation
Paper towel fibers can shed lint or micro-particles during use, particularly when wet…
Bacterial or mold growth during storage
Paper towels can harbor bacteria or mold if stored in humid, warm, or damp conditions…
Paper towels, lower concern.
⚠Starting grade for this product type
Marcal
PRO 100% Recycled Folded Paper Towels
100% recycled wood fiber paper
Bleach residues and chlorine compounds
Recycled paper is de-inked using solvents and some residual chlorine from original…
Ink and toner particles (from recycled feedstock)
De-inking processes remove most inks, but trace mineral or organic pigment residues can…
Mold and bacterial growth
Uncoated paper wicks moisture; if stored in damp conditions or left wet, mold and…
Lower concern. Recycled paper towels rarely use PFAS coatings.
⚠Starting grade for this product type
Marcal and PFAS, common questions
- Does Marcal have PFAS?
- We graded 5 Marcal products, averaging Good (70/100). 5 grade Good or better. Grades are model-based estimates built from published materials, ingredients and disclosures, not lab tests.
- Is Marcal non-toxic?
- Marcal 100% Premium Recycled Kitchen Roll Towels is the highest-graded Marcal product we have scored, at 70/100. It depends on the product line rather than the brand, so check the grade of the exact item you are buying.
- Which Marcal products are lower concern for PFAS?
- The highest-graded Marcal products we have scored are Marcal 100% Premium Recycled Kitchen Roll Towels, Marcal Pro 100% Recycled Paper Towels, Marcal 100% Recycled Hardwound Roll Paper Towels. That is our model-based estimate from materials and public disclosure, not a lab test.
Every grade uses the same public rubric. How grades work →