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 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
Plant-based paper (NoTree fiber); grease/moisture barrier coating unspecified
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What World Centric Compostable Containers is made of, ingredients and materials
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.
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.
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 ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
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 lower PFAS concern 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, lower concern than conventional plastic clamshells (no BPA/phthalates, no microplastics) but higher concern than alternatives with specified barrier technology (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 is not known about PFAS in this product?
- 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.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to World Centric Compostable NoTree Paper Rectangular Containers?
- 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.