Compostables · Disposable Food Service Containers
Tellus Compostable Clamshell Container Pack of 100
Lower concern. Compostable materials typically avoid PFAS.
Compostable clamshells are usually made from plant-based polymers like PLA that do not require PFAS coatings. No brand PFAS disclosure found, but material class poses lower risk than fluorinated alternatives.
Shop Compostables on Amazon →Material
compostable biopolymer, likely PLA or similar
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
Category baseline
food packaging is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Tellus clamshells are made from compostable biopolymer, most likely polylactic acid (PLA) derived from corn starch or sugarcane. PLA does not require Teflon-type coating (unlike some non-stick cookware) and avoids the heavy metal concerns of ceramic glazes. The material is designed to break down in industrial composting within 90-180 days, reducing long-term leaching risk compared to conventional plastics that persist for decades.
The brand's record and disclosure
Compostables (the parent brand) maintains minimal public disclosure on ingredient sourcing or third-party testing. No recalls or safety controversies are documented in FDA records or consumer safety databases for this product line. The brand's silence on PFAS and chemical additives is typical of the compostable packaging sector but limits transparency; no independent certifications (e.g., Cradle-to-Cradle, OK Compost) are publicly confirmed for this specific SKU.
How it compares in its category
Compostable clamshells perform better than polystyrene foam (EPS) on chemical risk; no phthalates, BPA, or antimicrobial additives are typical in PLA formulations. Versus conventional #1 (PET) rigid containers, PLA avoids antimony catalysts used in some PET synthesis. Performance trade-off: PLA has lower heat tolerance (softens above 50-60 degrees Celsius) and can absorb flavors from fatty or oily foods over time, though this is a functional issue, not a direct safety hazard.
If you buy it
Do not use these containers for hot foods or liquids above 50 degrees Celsius; PLA will warp and may leach oligomers (low-molecular-weight polymer fragments) into warm foods. Store away from direct sunlight and heat, as UV and temperature accelerate PLA degradation. If you compost, ensure your facility accepts PLA; many municipal programs reject it, and backyard composting does not reach the 58-60 degree Celsius threshold needed. Replace if clouding, cracks, or visible warping appear; these are signs of polymer breakdown.
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.”
Oligomer leaching from PLA hydrolysis
PLA can hydrolyze (break down through water exposure) at elevated temperatures or over long storage, releasing low-molecular-weight oligomers. Risk is low for room-temperature storage and short-term use; becomes relevant if containers are stored in warm, humid conditions or reused repeatedly for hot foods.
Microplastics from fragmentation
If PLA clamshells are damaged, UV-exposed, or improperly disposed of (e.g., landfilled instead of composted), they can fragment into microplastics over months to years. Industrial composting prevents this; landfill or ocean disposal creates long-term microplastic risk.
Additive contamination (plasticizers, release agents)
PLA-based food containers typically do not require phthalates or BPA-class plasticizers. Mold-release agents (silicone or mineral oil derivatives) may be present in trace amounts; no health incidents or documented leaching are on record for compostable clamshell products.
Heat-induced deformation and contact with food
PLA softens and warps significantly above 50 degrees Celsius. Using these containers for hot takeout or microwaving can cause deformation that traps food residue and increases surface area for microbial growth; not a chemical hazard but a hygiene concern.
Degradation byproducts in non-industrial settings
If containers are composted in backyard or non-certified facilities, incomplete decomposition may produce lactic acid accumulation and odors but no established toxins. Conventional disposal (landfill or incineration) avoids breakdown entirely, meaning no beneficial end-of-life but also no accelerated hazard.
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 Disposable Food Service Containers
Compostables
Eco-Products Compostable Clear Clamshell Hinged Food
Compostable resin (PLA/PBAT blend, plant-based)
Lower concern. Compostable clamshell with PFAS-free claim and certifications.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
More disposable food service 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.