Full-Fold Dispenser Napkins vs 100% Recycled Paper Napkins: which is safer?

100% Recycled Paper Napkins is the clear pick. Scott Full-Fold Dispenser Napkins carries a failing PFAS grade, and we never recommend buying a failing product.

Scott Full-Fold Dispenser Napkins

Scott

Full-Fold Dispenser Napkins

PFAS grade

Poor 25/100

Overall grade

Bad 0/100

Verdict

Skip

Hazard flags

⚑ 3

Material

virgin and recycled fiber with grease-resistant coating

Confidence

62%

LikelyPFAS in grease-resistant coating

PossibleCoating degradation and microfiber shedding

PossibleBleach residues (if chlorine-bleached fiber)

Our pick

100% Recycled Paper Napkins

Seventh Generation

100% Recycled Paper Napkins

PFAS grade

Good 70/100

Overall grade

Good 62/100

Verdict

Buy

Hazard flags

⚑ 2

Material

100% recycled paper

Confidence

82%

PossibleTrace metals and contaminants from recycled feedstock

PossibleMicrobial growth (mold, mildew) in storage

Where these two actually differ

  • We flag PFAS in grease-resistant coating, Coating degradation and microfiber shedding and Bleach residues (if chlorine-bleached fiber) on the Scott and not on the Seventh Generation.
  • We flag Trace metals and contaminants from recycled feedstock and Microbial growth (mold, mildew) in storage on the Seventh Generation and not on the Scott.
  • The Scott is virgin and recycled fiber with grease-resistant coating where the Seventh Generation is 100% recycled paper, which is most of the difference in these two grades.
  • The gap is 45 points, wide enough that this is not a close call, and the Seventh Generation is the one to buy.

Both products run through the same public rubric, which covers materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls, plus a beyond-PFAS hazard analysis. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests. How grades work →

More paper napkins & paper towels, see the full ranking