EcoQuality · Disposable Food Containers
EcoQuality Clamshell Take Out Boxes
Skip until the manufacturer reveals coating ingredients.
This molded fiber clamshell has an unspecified water-resistant coating. Grease-resistant coatings often contain PFAS, but the brand won't disclose formula details.
The better-graded swap
Eco-Products
Eco-Products Compostable Clear Clamshell Hinged Food
100/100 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
Molded fiber/pulp with unspecified water-resistant coating
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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
Standard industry practice for molded fiber food packaging uses wax, silicone, or fluorinated compounds. Durable Packaging does not disclose which; if fluorinated, migration to fatty or acidic foods is possible at low levels. See separate PFAS grade (25/100).
Source, ATSDR ↗Formaldehyde / VOCs
Some pulp coatings use phenol-formaldehyde or melamine resins to improve water resistance. Without ingredient disclosure, presence cannot be ruled out. Off-gassing risk is low for unheated storage but increases if clamshells are microwaved or exposed to high heat.
Source, ATSDR ↗What’s reassuring
Microplastics
Molded fiber with intact coatings does not shed microplastics. Risk only occurs if coating delaminates or peels during use or composting; no documented incidents specific to this brand.
Source, EPA ↗Heavy metals
Recycled fiber clamshells can theoretically accumulate lead or cadmium from post-consumer waste, but food-contact grade pulp is screened. No contamination reported for Durable Packaging products; risk is inherent to material class, not brand-specific.
Source, FDA ↗Adhesives or inks from printing
Printing on exterior of clamshells uses food-safe inks as standard; interior contact is minimal. No reports of ink migration for this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
EcoQuality clamshells are molded fiber (recycled paper pulp), which avoids BPA, phthalates, and most plastic leaching risks. The concern lies in the water-resistant coating applied to the pulp, this is typically either wax, silicone, or fluorinated compounds (PFAS-containing). Durable Packaging has not publicly disclosed which coating is used. Molded fiber itself is chemically inert when uncoated; the coating determines food-contact safety.
The brand's record and disclosure
Durable Packaging does not publicly state coating composition or PFAS absence on product pages or sustainability materials reviewed. The brand markets clamshells as compostable and eco-friendly but offers no third-party certification (compostability claims are unverified for coated pulp). No major recalls or contamination incidents are on record for this specific product line. The silence on coating chemistry is the primary red flag.
How it compares in its category
Molded fiber clamshells present lower concern than conventional polystyrene foam or rigid PET/CPET plastics for most food contact scenarios, as they avoid plastic leaching entirely. However, they are less transparent on coating safety than competitors (e.g., some brands now label 'PFOA/PFOS-free' coatings). Paper-based competitors with disclosed coatings (e.g., wax-only) are comparable or slightly preferable if heat/grease resistance is lower priority.
If you buy it
Use for room-temperature and warm (not hot/oily) foods; avoid microwaving or prolonged contact with acidic or fatty foods, which may stress the coating. Replace clamshells if coating shows peeling, crazing, or visible wear. These are single-use items; do not reuse for food storage. Contact Durable Packaging to request coating safety data sheet (SDS) before purchase; a lack of transparency should prompt switching to certified alternatives.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 35% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- EcoQuality has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Better-graded alternatives in Disposable Food Containers
Eco-Products
Compostable Clear Clamshell Hinged Food
Compostable resin (PLA/PBAT blend, plant-based)
Thermal degradation and chemical release at use temperatures
Limited concern
BPI Certified Compostable certification on record.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Sustainables 3 Compartment Hinged Lid To Go Food Container
Molded fiber/pulp (plant-based)
Degradation and food contact integrity
Limited concern
Mold or bacterial growth from moisture retention
Limited concern
Lower concern, molded fiber food containers rarely contain PFAS.
⚠Starting grade for this product type
Rubbermaid
TakeAlongs Food Storage Containers 10 Piece Set
polypropylene plastic containers with lids
Microplastics
Limited concern
Leaching from lid components
Limited concern
Mold and bacterial growth in seals
Moderate concern
Lower concern, basic plastic food storage with no known PFAS triggers.
⚠Starting grade for this product type
More disposable food containers 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.