World Centric · Food Packaging
World Centric Compostable NoTree Paper Rectangular Containers
Avoid until the brand details its barrier-coating formula; waterproof paper often contains PFAS.
These plant-based containers claim compostability and PFAS-free status in some marketing, but the brand hasn't publicly specified what chemistry protects against grease and moisture. Oil-repellent paper coatings historically use PFAS compounds without third-party verification.
The safe swap
Earthwise
Earth-to-go Earth Bowl EB-32
85/100 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
Plant-based paper (NoTree fiber); grease/moisture barrier coating unspecified
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent treatments have historically contained PFAS chemicals.
No PFAS disclosure
The company has not publicly discussed PFAS in this product.
Category baseline
food packaging is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
PFAS
Unspecified grease barrier on food-contact paper typically contains fluorochemicals or other synthetic coatings; migration risk increases with heat, acidity, or fatty foods. Brand silence on this is atypical in a category where competitors advertise PFAS-free alternatives.
Source: ATSDR ↗Degradation and barrier failure
Plant-based fibers are more moisture-sensitive than plastic; if the coating delaminates or breaks down in humid storage or use, grease can saturate the paper and compromise food safety. No public data on shelf life or degradation timeline for this specific product.
Ink or printing additives
If containers have printed branding or labels, inks and adhesives may leach into food, especially hot or acidic items. World Centric does not specify ink type (soy-based vs. petroleum-based) in available materials.
What’s reassuring
Microbial growth in coating
Paper-based materials can harbor bacteria if not dried quickly after use; however, no recalls or reported incidents specific to World Centric containers. Standard food safety hygiene (rinse, dry, store cool) mitigates this risk.
BPA & bisphenols
Plant-based fiber itself does not contain BPA or BPS. However, if the barrier coating includes synthetic polymers (polyethylene, polystyrene) as a secondary layer, those could release trace endocrine disruptors. Coating composition must be confirmed.
Source: FDA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
World Centric NoTree containers are made from plant-based fiber (likely agricultural residue or sugarcane pulp) rather than virgin wood or plastic, which eliminates microplastic shedding and plastic-derived toxins. The critical unknown is the grease and moisture barrier coating applied to the paper; these coatings are typically fluorochemical-based (PFAS) or silicone. NoTree fiber itself is cellulose-based and poses minimal leaching risk for food contact at room temperature, but the coating's composition determines actual safety for fatty or hot foods.
The brand's record and disclosure
Compostable Coffee markets environmental credentials heavily but does not publicly disclose the specific chemistry of its grease-barrier coating, which is a significant transparency gap for food safety. The brand has no known recalls or regulatory actions on record for this product. However, the silent stance on PFAS or alternative barrier technology is a red flag; competitors in the compostable foodware space increasingly specify 'PFAS-free' or use wax-based barriers as a selling point, suggesting industry knowledge of consumer concern.
How it compares in its category
Compostable paper containers occupy a middle ground: safer than conventional plastic clamshells (no BPA/phthalates, no microplastics) but riskier than explicitly PFAS-free alternatives (some compostable brands now use silicone or plant-based wax). They are compostable under industrial conditions (typically 140F+, controlled moisture/microbes), which is a genuine environmental advantage over plastic, but this does not guarantee the coating is low-toxicity. Uncoated paper containers are available but unsuitable for greasy foods.
If you buy it
Use these containers only for dry foods or foods at room temperature; do not microwave or fill with hot liquids or fatty foods (pizza, fried items) until the coating is verified PFAS-free. Store in a cool, dry place; moisture exposure can degrade the barrier and increase leaching risk. Replace containers if they show visible wear, discoloration, or water spots. If the brand does not publish coating details within 6 months of inquiry, switch to a competitor with transparent PFAS-free certification (e.g., containers labeled 'PFAS-free' or 'plant-based wax barrier').
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- World Centric has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Safer alternatives in Food Packaging
World Centric
Compostable Fiber Compost-A-Pak Containers
Fiber-based (wood pulp/molded fiber), compostable coating
Proprietary coating chemical migration
Limited concern
Moisture and microbial growth in fiber matrix
Limited concern
Coating degradation under heat or fatty foods
Moderate concern
Recycling contamination if misdisposed
Limited concern
Lower concern with documented PFAS-free commitments, though independent lab confirmation on this specific product absent.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Vegware
Compostable Microflute Takeaway Box
Plant-based fiber (sugarcane bagasse microflute); water-based coatings
Coating degradation under heat and moisture
Limited concern
Lower concern; plant-based compostable packaging with stated PFAS-free positioning and limited independent verification.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Loliware
Compostable Hinged Deli Containers
Polylactic acid (PLA) bioplastic, plant-based coatings
PLA oligomer leaching
Limited concern
Microplastic generation on degradation
Limited concern
Lower PFAS concern; compostable bioplastic design avoids fluorine coatings.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
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.