Katom · Parchment Paper & Baking Liners
Member's Mark Unbleached Parchment Paper 410 sq. ft
Parchment paper typically uses silicone or wax; coating chemistry unclear.
Unbleached parchment paper avoids chlorine bleaching concerns. Grease-resistant coating source unstated; silicone and wax are common, but PFAS treatment possible in budget products.
The safe swap
Seventh Generation
Parchment Baking Sheets | 3 x 24 sheets
70/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned Good.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
unbleached paper with grease-resistant coating
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Category baseline
food packaging is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Coating degradation and particulate shedding
Unbleached parchment with undisclosed coating composition may shed microscopic particles of coating material or paper fiber, especially when heated above intended range or reused repeatedly. Risk increases if coating is silicone-based without food-grade certification.
Thermal decomposition of coating at high heat
If coating includes proprietary synthetics or low-grade polymers, exposure to temperatures above 420-450°F may cause decomposition, smoke, or release of volatile compounds. Standard parchment is rated for baking (350-420°F) but not broiler or direct flame use.
Microplastic/microparticle ingestion from degraded paper
Unbleached paper fibers can migrate into fatty or acidic foods (oils, vinegars, acidic meats) if coating is compromised. Frequency and quantity depend on reuse, storage conditions, and coating durability; poorly made budget parchment is higher risk.
Unknown synthetic additives in coating
Katom/Sam's Club does not publish coating chemical inventory. Unbleached parchment from budget suppliers has occasionally been tested and found to contain Teflon-type coating or other fluorinated compounds not listed on packaging, contributing to the PFAS Poor rating.
What’s reassuring
Mold or bacterial contamination in storage
No specific recalls or reports for Member's Mark parchment; however, unbleached paper is more hygroscopic (absorbs moisture) than bleached variants, increasing mold risk if stored in humid environments. Proper dry storage mitigates this.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Member's Mark unbleached parchment is paper treated with a grease-resistant coating to prevent food contact with raw paper fibers and enable non-stick release during baking. The coating chemistry is not publicly disclosed by Katom/Sam's Club; unbleached parchment papers typically use silicone or food-grade wax, but some budget products use proprietary blends that may include Teflon-type coating or other fluorinated compounds. Unbleached designation means no chlorine-based bleaching (reducing dioxin/furan residues), but does not guarantee absence of synthetic treatments or performance chemicals.
The brand's record and disclosure
Katom (Sam's Club private label) provides minimal ingredient transparency for parchment products; no public certifications (e.g., FDA clearance details, third-party testing) are readily available for this SKU. Sam's Club does not prominently disclose PFAS use or phase-out commitments in food-contact paper. No major recalls or safety actions specific to this product line are on record, but the silent stance on coating chemistry prevents independent safety verification.
How it compares in its category
Unbleached parchment from budget retailers (e.g., Sam's Club, Costco house brands) typically costs less than name-brand alternatives (Reynolds, If You Care) and often provides less detailed safety or material documentation. Premium or certified alternatives (e.g., If You Care chlorine-free, non-GMO verified) typically disclose coating type and may carry NSF or EU food-contact certification. Member's Mark sits in the mid-to-low transparency tier; no worse than many supermarket generics, but less reassurance than certified brands.
If you buy it
Use at temperatures below 420°F; parchment degrades and may smoke or decompose if exposed to high direct heat, risking particulate release. Replace paper every 12-18 months or after visible browning, warping, or grease saturation, as degraded coating may shed microparticles. Store in a cool, dry place away from humidity to prevent mold growth or coating breakdown. Do not reuse sheets more than 2-3 times; coating efficacy drops and unbleached fiber may shed into food.
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
- Katom has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Safer alternatives in Parchment Paper & Baking Liners
Seventh Generation
Parchment Baking Sheets | 3 x 24 sheets
bleached paper with silicone coating
Silicone coating degradation and microparticles
Limited concern
Heat-induced breakdown of paper fibers
Limited concern
Lower concern. PFAS-free claim backed by MADE SAFE cert.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Seventh Generation
Zulay Kitchen 200 Pcs Unbleached Non-Stick Baking Parchment Paper Sheets for Oven
unbleached cellulose paper, silicone coating
Silicone coating degradation at high heat
Limited concern
Migration of coating additives into fatty foods
Limited concern
Microplastic shedding during handling or cooking
Limited concern
Lower concern. Unbleached parchment with silicone coating; PFAS risk lower than conventional brands.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Seventh Generation
Parchment Paper Roll
wood pulp with silicone-based coating
Silicone coating degradation under high heat
Limited concern
Ink or printing chemical migration
Limited concern
Lower concern. Seventh Generation's PFAS-free claim is credible but unverified.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
More parchment paper & baking liners 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.