Biotrem · Food Packaging
Avant Grub Biodegradable Take Out Food Containers
Lower PFAS concern for the core material, but coating composition lacks transparency.
Biotrem's Avant Grub containers use plant-fiber (bagasse) as the primary material, which itself poses lower intrinsic PFAS risk compared to synthetic polymers. However, the brand does not publicly disclose details about coatings or grease-resistant treatments applied to the containers.
Shop Biotrem on Amazon →Material
Plant-based fiber (bagasse/sugarcane pulp), biodegradable coating
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
food packaging is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Biotrem Avant Grub containers are molded from bagasse, a fibrous residue left after sugarcane processing, which is inherently free of synthetic polymers and less prone to leaching than petroleum-based plastics. The bagasse is bound together and coated with a proprietary 'biodegradable' layer intended to provide grease and moisture resistance. However, the specific chemical composition of this coating is not disclosed publicly, making it impossible to rule out synthetic additives, cross-linked polymers, or processing aids that could migrate into food under certain conditions.
The brand's record and disclosure
Biotrem has not published detailed material safety data sheets, independent testing results, or specific claims about PFAS-free formulations for these containers. The brand markets the product primarily on biodegradability and sustainability rather than food-safety transparency. No major recalls or safety incidents are publicly documented for this product line, but the lack of proactive chemical disclosure is a notable gap compared to competitors who voluntarily test for and certify PFAS absence.
How it compares in its category
Plant-based fiber containers occupy a middle ground: they avoid the BPA/phthalate risk of conventional plastic takeout boxes and the potential heavy-metal leaching of some ceramic-coated alternatives, but they lack the regulatory oversight and third-party testing standard of established paper-based containers. Compared to uncoated paper, the added coating layer introduces uncertainty; compared to silicone or stainless steel reusables, they are disposable and less durable. Biotrem's silence on coating chemistry puts them behind transparent competitors like some Footprint or Notpla products.
If you use it
Use these containers for cold or room-temperature foods only; do not microwave or fill with hot liquids, as heat may accelerate migration of coating additives. Keep containers dry before use and store in cool, dark conditions to slow degradation. Do not reuse for multiple meals or long-term storage. If you notice visible degradation, discoloration, or off-odors, discard immediately. For hot-food service or frequent reheating, choose glass or stainless steel alternatives.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Undisclosed coating leachables (unknown synthetic additives or polymer components)
The proprietary 'biodegradable' coating composition is not publicly available. Without independent testing, potential leaching of plasticizers, binders, or cross-linking agents under heat or prolonged contact cannot be excluded.
BPA/BPS or other bisphenol compounds in coating
No public data confirm or deny the presence of BPA or BPS in the coating formulation. Bagasse itself does not contain these, but coating composition remains opaque.
Formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing resins in adhesive or coating
Plant-fiber binding and coating may rely on formaldehyde-based resins for structural integrity. Biotrem does not disclose this, and food-contact formaldehyde migration is a documented risk in some uncoated fiber containers.
Accelerated degradation and fiber fragmentation at elevated temperature
Bagasse fiber is moisture and heat sensitive. Microwaving or filling with hot food will cause rapid softening, loss of structural integrity, and potential release of coating particles or fiber fragments into food.
Microplastic or fiber particle shedding during use and breakdown
While the container is designed to biodegrade, in-use abrasion, heat, or improper storage may shed fine bagasse fibers or coating fragments, which could be ingested if not visible in food.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Food Packaging
World Centric
Compostable Fiber Compost-A-Pak Containers
Fiber-based (wood pulp/molded fiber), compostable coating
Lower-concern choice; compostable fiber with documented PFAS-free commitments, though independent lab confirmation on this specific SKU is absent.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Vegware
Compostable Microflute Takeaway Box
Plant-based fiber (sugarcane bagasse microflute); water-based coatings
Lower-concern choice; plant-based compostable packaging with transparent PFAS-free positioning, though lab test availability is limited.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Loliware
Compostable Hinged Deli Containers
Polylactic acid (PLA) bioplastic, plant-based coatings
Lower PFAS concern; compostable bioplastic design avoids legacy fluorine coatings typical in food packaging.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
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.