Marcal · Grease-Resistant Deli & Butcher Paper
Marcal Pro 100% Recycled Paper Towels
Lower concern. Plain paper towels unlikely to contain intentional PFAS.
This product is 100% recycled paper with no reported water-resistance or grease-resistant treatment. Paper towels for general use carry lower PFAS risk versus food-contact packaging with water barriers.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
100% recycled paper fiber
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.
Residual contamination from recycled feedstock
Recycled paper can contain trace inks, adhesives, or processing chemicals from prior use. Marcal does not publish contamination testing results, so the degree of screening or purification is unknown.
Bacterial or mold growth during storage
Recycled paper is hygroscopic and can absorb moisture more readily than some treated alternatives. Storage in humid environments increases risk of microbial contamination before use.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No formaldehyde-releasing adhesives are known to be used in Marcal Pro. The product is marketed as simple recycled fiber, and no disclosure of synthetic binders has been found in available literature.
Source, ATSDR ↗Bleach or chlorine residues
Recycled fiber typically undergoes de-inking rather than chlorine bleaching, which reduces chlorine exposure compared to virgin-fiber paper towels. No bleach residue testing is disclosed by the brand.
Heavy metals
Modern soy and vegetable-based inks are used in most recycled paper production, and this product does not appear to be coated. No heavy metal contamination has been reported in Marcal Pro or the recycled paper towel category.
Source, FDA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Marcal Pro is 100% post-consumer recycled paper fiber with no coating, binder, or chemical treatment disclosed. Recycled paper can theoretically contain residual inks, adhesives, or contaminants from prior use, but food-contact paper towels are not designed to contact food directly for extended periods and are approved for incidental contact in the US. The absence of virgin bleaching chemicals and synthetic binders reduces exposure to chlorine derivatives and formaldehyde-based adhesives common in conventional paper towels.
The brand's record and disclosure
Marcal publishes sustainability claims prominently but does not publicly disclose chemical testing results, third-party certifications (such as FSC or EU Ecolabel), or supply-chain contamination audits. No recalls or safety warnings are on record for this product line. The brand is silent on PFAS, formaldehyde, or heavy metals testing, which is typical for paper towel manufacturers but limits independent verification of safety margins.
How it compares in its category
Recycled paper towels carry lower inherent risk than bleached virgin-fiber alternatives, which may retain chlorine residues or brightening agents. Uncoated paper (this product) avoids Teflon-type coating or plastic binders used in some premium brands. However, Marcal does not communicate testing depth as rigorously as some certified eco-brands, making direct hazard comparison difficult without independent lab data.
If you buy it
Use as intended, wiping hands, spills, and surfaces; avoid prolonged contact with hot oils or open flames. Paper towels are single-use and do not require maintenance or replacement beyond purchase cycles. Compost or recycle per local guidelines; do not assume food-grade status beyond incidental contact. Store in cool, dry conditions to prevent mold growth, which is a common issue with recycled paper products if exposed to humidity.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 78% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Marcal has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Better-graded alternatives in Grease-Resistant Deli & Butcher Paper
IDL Packaging
White Butcher Paper 18" x Natural Butcher Paper Roll for Meat and Fish
bleached paper, uncoated
Mold or microbial growth during storage
Limited concern
Brand PFAS statement on record, which we have not verified.
⚠Starting grade for this product type
IDL Packaging
White Butcher Paper 18" x 12000" Natural Butcher Paper Roll for Meat and Fish
bleached kraft paper, no specified coating
Ink or printing residue (if printed side contacts food)
Limited concern
Mold or microbial growth during storage
Limited concern
Brand PFAS statement on record, which we have not verified.
⚠Starting grade for this product type
If You Care
Parchment Baking Sheets
unbleached parchment paper, silicone coating
Silicone coating degradation under heat stress
Limited concern
Mold or microbial growth if stored damp
Limited concern
Brand no-added-PFAS claim and a 2021 lab result with no fluorine detected.
✓Lab test found no PFAS
More grease-resistant deli & butcher paper 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.