BioPlus TERRA #1 Natural Kraft Compostable Paper Takeout Box, 4.375 x 3.5 x 2.5
Lower concern for kraft base; coating composition remains opaque.
Natural kraft paper is a lower-risk base material, but the brand hasn't disclosed what water or grease-resistant coating is used inside. Many compostable food boxes apply undisclosed fluorine-based treatments without third-party verification.
The better-graded swap
Bagasse
Bagasse Hinged Container 3-Compartment, PFAS Free 200pc
95/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned Excellent.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Natural kraft paper, compostable coating (unspecified)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
You may also be interested in
Top-graded picks in the categories readers replace first, every one scored on the same rubric.
- polypropylene filter housing, carbon/sediment cartridge
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Bacterial growth in spent cartridges
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Aquasure
Premier Series 75 GPD Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
- RO membrane, carbon filters, stainless steel housing
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Bacterial and microbial growth in housing and filters
4 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Avocado
Vegan Mattress
- organic cotton, natural latex, coconut coir, recycled steel coils
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Heavy metals
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
What BioPlus TERRA #1 Natural Takeout Box, is made of, ingredients and materials
BioPlus TERRA boxes are natural kraft paper (unbleached or minimally processed cellulose) with an undisclosed compostable coating to provide grease and moisture barriers. Kraft paper itself is low-hazard and widely used for food contact, but the coating formulation is the critical unknown. Biotrem does not publicly specify whether this coating contains wax, plant-based polymers, or other additives, making independent risk assessment incomplete. The coating's thermal and chemical stability under realistic use (hot foods, acidic items, oils) cannot be verified from available information.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Coating leaching (unknown formulation)
Biotrem does not disclose the chemical identity of the compostable coating. Under heat or with fatty/acidic foods, undisclosed polymers or additives could leach into food, but no specific incidents are reported for this brand.
Microplastics
If the coating is a synthetic polymer marketed as 'compostable,' it may shed particles during use or if exposed to hot conditions; home composting may not fully break it down, leaving residue.
Source, EPA ↗What’s reassuring
BPA & bisphenols
No evidence Biotrem uses BPA or phthalate plasticizers in this product; however, the opacity of the coating formula means this cannot be ruled out definitively without independent testing.
Source, FDA ↗Formaldehyde / VOCs
Kraft paper production typically avoids formaldehyde, and compostable coatings are usually formaldehyde-free by design. No reports of formaldehyde content in BioPlus TERRA boxes.
Source, ATSDR ↗Allergen transfer from coating solvents or residues
Compostable coatings may contain trace solvents from manufacturing; Biotrem provides no allergen or sensitivity guidance, and no adverse reports exist on record.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Biotrem markets sustainability and compostability but provides minimal chemical transparency about coating ingredients or third-party safety certifications on product pages. No public statements found addressing PFAS avoidance or testing results for this line. The company holds compostability certifications (likely EN 13432 or equivalent) but these focus on degradation, not food-contact safety or chemical leaching. No recalls or health controversies are on record for this specific product.
How it compares in its category
Kraft takeout boxes occupy a middle ground, lower concern than polystyrene or PET plastics (which have documented leaching risks), but higher concern than molded fiber or uncoated paperboard alternatives. Most compostable paper boxes include either food-grade wax or synthetic polymer coatings; Biotrem's silence on composition makes direct comparison difficult. Competing brands (e.g., World Centric, Footprint) typically disclose coating type and provide FDA Food Contact Substance compliance statements that Biotrem does not prominently advertise.
If you buy it
Use for room-temperature or warm (not hot-oil-saturated) foods; coating durability at high temperatures is unverified. Avoid prolonged contact with acidic foods (tomato-based, citrus) which may weaken unknown polymer coatings. Do not microwave; heat can degrade compostable coatings and potentially mobilize coating components into food. Home compost at 50+ degrees Celsius if certified; standard curbside composting may not reach sufficient temperatures, leaving microplastics of coating material.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 62% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Fold-Pak has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to BioPlus TERRA #1 Natural Kraft Compostable Paper Takeout Box, 4.375 x 3.5 x 2.5?
- Plant-based fiber pulp (compostable)
- A third party reports verifying it as PFAS-free
- Microbe/mold growth if stored damp
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Eco-Products
Eco Products WorldView Compostable Take-Out Containers EP-SCRC32
- Plant-based fiber (compostable sugarcane bagasse)
- A third party reports verifying it as PFAS-free
- Bleaching agents and processing residues
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Eco-Products
WorldView Sugarcane Take-Out Containers
- Sugarcane bagasse (post-consumer fiber)
- A third party reports verifying it as PFAS-free
- Cellulose fiber degradation and food contact
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
More food packaging grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.