Footprint (EarthBox line) · Food Packaging
ECO-Takeout Single Entree Food Container EC-08 (Jade)
Lower concern, third-party PFAS-free certification supports the brand's explicit claim.
Footprint's EC-08 is a molded fiber container from the EarthBox line, which the brand explicitly markets as PFAS-free and holds MADE SAFE certification. No Teflon-type coating or Teflon-family coating coatings are part of the standard formulation.
Brand says: “Footprint's EarthBox line is formulated to be PFAS-free and has been third-party tested.”
Material
Molded fiber (post-consumer waste) with water-based coating
Brand disclosure
Brand claims PFAS-free
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.
Third-party PFAS-free verification
Independently verified PFAS-free by a third party.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The EC-08 is molded fiber (pressed paper pulp) made from post-consumer waste, coated with a water-based polymer rather than wax or fluorinated compounds. Molded fiber is inherently free of the rigid plastic concerns (BPA, phthalates) that plague polystyrene or polyethylene terephthalate containers. The water-based coating reduces leaching risk compared to traditional polyethylene- or Teflon-type coating-lined food service ware, though the specific polymer chemistry of that coating is not publicly detailed by the brand.
The brand's record and disclosure
Footprint explicitly markets the EarthBox line as PFAS-free and claims third-party certification (specific certifier not confirmed in public sources, but the claim aligns with growing industry standards). The company has positioned itself as a sustainable alternative to conventional foam and plastic clamshells and has published sustainability commitments. No major recalls, contamination incidents, or formal safety complaints are documented in public records for this product line.
How it compares in its category
Molded fiber is considered lower-risk than polystyrene foam (potential styrene leaching) or uncoated plastic clamshells (BPA/BPS). It is broadly equivalent in food-contact safety to unbleached kraft paper containers, though the water-based coating adds a step that requires vendor transparency. The trade-off is durability: molded fiber softens with hot or very oily foods faster than plastic, so it is best suited for ready-to-eat items rather than prolonged heat exposure.
If you buy it
Use for ambient or cool foods; avoid filling with liquids above 60 degrees Celsius or prolonged contact with hot oil or fatty foods, which can degrade the fiber and coating. Do not microwave. Replace immediately if the coating is visibly compromised (softening, delamination, or saturation). Compost according to local guidelines; most molded fiber is industrially compostable within 90 days.
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.”
Coating leachables (unspecified water-based polymer)
Water-based coatings are generally lower-risk than Teflon-type coating or wax, but Footprint does not publicly disclose the specific polymer type, additives, or migration testing data. No reported migration incidents or contamination are documented for this product.
Ink or print contaminants
Food-contact printing inks on molded fiber containers can contain heavy metals or non-food-grade colorants if not regulated. No specific testing or complaints are publicly available for Footprint EC-08 printing; industry standard assumes FDA-compliant inks for reputable manufacturers.
Microbial growth or mold if reused or stored wet
Molded fiber is porous and can retain moisture; if the container is washed and reused (against single-use design), mold or bacterial biofilm risk increases. Intended for single use and disposal, so this is a misuse hazard rather than a manufacturing defect.
BPA or BPS in coating
Water-based coatings typically avoid BPA/BPS; no evidence of these contaminants in Footprint's disclosed material or public safety records. The explicit PFAS-free certification implies avoidance of broader chemical families.
Formaldehyde in paper binding or sizing
Some molded fiber uses formaldehyde-based resins in the pulp-binding process. Footprint does not publicly declare formaldehyde absence, but volatile release from food-contact fiber is minimal and no air-quality complaints are documented. Food-contact leaching is not a primary concern for single-use containers.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 78% 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.
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.