#9 White 5.5x4.5" Grease Resistant Bags (2,000/Case)
Wait for Westrock to disclose coating chemistry; grease-resistant food packaging commonly contains PFAS.
Westrock's grease-resistant bag coating is not identified in public product specifications. Grease-resistant food-contact papers historically rely on PFAS-based treatments, and the brand makes no PFAS-free claim or third-party certification.
The safe swap
Duro Bag Manufacturing
Duro Bag 25 lb Short Heavy Duty Kraft Grocery Bag
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
Paper/kraft with grease-resistant coating (type 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.
Category baseline
PFAS exposure happens more often with clothing products.
No PFAS disclosure
The company has not publicly discussed PFAS in this product.
PFAS
Westrock has not disclosed whether the coating is PFAS-based. Industry standard for grease resistance in kraft bags historically relies on fluorochemicals; without confirmation otherwise, PFAS leaching into fatty foods is a reasonable concern, particularly during storage or if the coating is abraded.
Source: ATSDR ↗Coating breakdown and microparticle migration
Grease-resistant coatings on paper can degrade with age, moisture, or mechanical stress. If the coating flakes or peels, small particles may migrate into packaged foods. No specific degradation data for Westrock's formulation is publicly available.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Some grease-resistant coatings release volatile compounds during manufacture or storage. Residual solvent exposure is typically low for the end user but has not been independently tested for these specific Westrock bags.
Source: ATSDR ↗What’s reassuring
Ink or adhesive contaminants from printing
If the bags are printed (e.g., with branding or barcodes), ink-based heavy metals or volatile organics are possible but not documented for this specific product. Standard food-grade inks are regulated, but composition depends on supplier and is rarely disclosed at the SKU level.
Allergen or contamination retention in porous paper
Kraft paper itself can harbor dust, mold spores, or residues from recycled fiber. The grease-resistant coating may reduce permeability but does not eliminate this baseline risk. Proper storage and handling minimize concern.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
These are kraft paper bags with an applied grease-resistant coating. The coating formula is not specified by Westrock in available product documentation. Grease-resistant food packaging almost universally relies on either fluorochemical (PFAS-based) or silicone coatings; without disclosure, the PFAS content cannot be ruled out. The paper substrate itself is neutral, but the coating is where chemical leaching risk concentrates, especially when in contact with fatty baked goods, oils, or foods stored at elevated temperatures.
The brand's record and disclosure
Westrock is a major paper and packaging manufacturer with no published commitment to PFAS-free food packaging. The company has not voluntarily disclosed the chemistry of grease-resistant coatings across its product line. No public statement positions Westrock ahead of or behind industry standards on fluorochemical phase-out. This silence is significant: competitors in the foodservice packaging space have begun to disclose or eliminate PFAS in response to regulatory and consumer pressure, making Westrock's non-disclosure a notable gap.
How it compares in its category
Standard kraft bakery bags with grease-resistant coating occupy a middle tier of transparency. Some manufacturers (notably compostable and certified-sustainable brands) now offer PFAS-free alternatives using silicone or other non-fluorinated barriers, though these are typically at premium pricing. Bulk commodity suppliers like Westrock rarely lead on chemical transparency; their products are generally assumed to use conventional fluorochemical coatings unless stated otherwise. For budget-conscious buyers, these bags perform as expected; for those prioritizing chemical safety, the lack of disclosure is a red flag.
If you buy it
Use these bags for dry or moderately moist baked goods with minimal oil exposure. Avoid extended contact with greasy pastries, fried items, or foods stored warm. Do not microwave or heat foods inside the bags. Replace bags immediately if the coating shows flaking, tears, or breakdown. Store unopened cases in cool, dry conditions; humidity can accelerate coating degradation. Consider these a temporary-use product pending Westrock's disclosure of coating chemistry or a switch to a manufacturer with transparent, PFAS-free 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
- Westrock has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Safer alternatives in Bakery Bags
Duro Bag Manufacturing
Duro Bag 25 lb Short Heavy Duty Kraft Grocery Bag
Unbleached kraft paper
Mold or microbial growth on stored paper
Limited concern
Lower concern as uncoated kraft is unlikely to contain PFAS, though Duro offers no transparency.
⚠Risky category by default
Duro Bag Manufacturing
Duro Bag 71010 Heavy-Duty Kraft Grocery Bag
kraft paper, uncoated or minimal treatment
Mold and microbial contamination
Limited concern
Lower PFAS concern; uncoated kraft bags rarely need fluorinated water or grease barriers.
⚠Risky category by default
If You Care
5 1/4" x 7 1/2" Kraft Bakery Bag w/ Clear Front
Kraft paper with unbleached cellulose; clear window (likely cellulose film or polyester); no added fluorinated treatment
Ink and dyes on printed surfaces
Limited concern
Cellulose film window degradation and microparticles
Limited concern
Adhesive or glue residues (window seal)
Limited concern
Mold and bacterial growth if moisture intrusion occurs
Limited concern
Lower concern as kraft plus clear window design avoids typical PFAS treatment.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
More bakery bags 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.