Durable Packaging · Disposable Food Service Containers
EcoQuality Clamshell Take Out Boxes
Skip until coating ingredients are disclosed by manufacturer
Clamshell boxes often use grease-resistant coatings that may contain PFAS. Durable Packaging provides no public disclosure of coating composition or PFAS status, making assessment impossible.
The safe swap
Compostables
Eco-Products Compostable Clear Clamshell Hinged Food
100/100 safety
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Molded fiber/pulp with unspecified water-resistant coating
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
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.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
EcoQuality clamshells are molded fiber (recycled paper pulp), which avoids BPA, phthalates, and most plastic leaching risks. The concern lies in the water-resistant coating applied to the pulp: this is typically either wax, silicone, or fluorinated compounds (PFAS-containing). Durable Packaging has not publicly disclosed which coating is used. Molded fiber itself is chemically inert when uncoated; the coating determines food-contact safety.
The brand's record and disclosure
Durable Packaging does not publicly state coating composition or PFAS absence on product pages or sustainability materials reviewed. The brand markets clamshells as compostable and eco-friendly but offers no third-party certification (compostability claims are unverified for coated pulp). No major recalls or contamination incidents are on record for this specific product line. The silence on coating chemistry is the primary red flag.
How it compares in its category
Molded fiber clamshells are safer than conventional polystyrene foam or rigid PET/CPET plastics for most food contact scenarios, as they avoid plastic leaching entirely. However, they are less transparent on coating safety than competitors (e.g., some brands now label 'PFOA/PFOS-free' coatings). Paper-based competitors with disclosed coatings (e.g., wax-only) are comparable or slightly preferable if heat/grease resistance is lower priority.
If you buy it
Use for room-temperature and warm (not hot/oily) foods; avoid microwaving or prolonged contact with acidic or fatty foods, which may stress the coating. Replace clamshells if coating shows peeling, crazing, or visible wear. These are single-use items; do not reuse for food storage. Contact Durable Packaging to request coating safety data sheet (SDS) before purchase; a lack of transparency should prompt switching to certified 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.”
Fluorinated water-resistant coating (PFAS-class)
Standard industry practice for molded fiber food packaging uses wax, silicone, or fluorinated compounds. Durable Packaging does not disclose which; if fluorinated, migration to fatty or acidic foods is possible at low levels. See separate PFAS grade (25/100).
Microplastics from coating degradation
Molded fiber with intact coatings does not shed microplastics. Risk only occurs if coating delaminates or peels during use or composting; no documented incidents specific to this brand.
Heavy metals or contaminants in recycled pulp
Recycled fiber clamshells can theoretically accumulate lead or cadmium from post-consumer waste, but food-contact grade pulp is screened. No contamination reported for Durable Packaging products; risk is inherent to material class, not brand-specific.
Adhesives or inks from printing
Printing on exterior of clamshells uses food-safe inks as standard; interior contact is minimal. No reports of ink migration for this product.
Formaldehyde or phenol resins in coating binders
Some pulp coatings use phenol-formaldehyde or melamine resins to improve water resistance. Without ingredient disclosure, presence cannot be ruled out. Off-gassing risk is low for unheated storage but increases if clamshells are microwaved or exposed to high heat.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 35% 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
Hefty
Food Storage Containers with Lids
Polypropylene (PP) plastic container with lids
Lower concern. Polypropylene containers unlikely to contain intentional PFAS.
⚠Risky category by default
Hefty
Clear Plastic Hinged Take-Out Containers
polypropylene (PP) plastic
Lower concern; no known PFAS risk from PP hinged containers.
⚠Risky category by default
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.