International Paper · Grease-Resistant Paper Goods
Natural Kraft Paper Roll
Lower concern. Bare kraft paper rarely requires PFAS treatment.
Natural kraft paper is cellulose-based with no evident water or grease barrier coating. No PFAS disclosure from brand, but bare kraft lacks typical PFAS triggers.
Shop International Paper on Amazon →Material
kraft paper, unbleached cellulose
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
Natural kraft paper is produced from wood pulp via the kraft process, which uses mechanical and chemical pulping without bleaching agents. This product contains cellulose fibers, lignin, and minimal additives. Unbleached formulations avoid chlorine-based bleaching residues and optical brighteners, making them chemically simpler than whitened alternatives. The brown color and texture are natural byproducts of minimal processing.
The brand's record and disclosure
International Paper is a major global kraft producer with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications, indicating quality and environmental management systems. The company does not publicly disclose PFAS content or testing for kraft paper rolls, but this silence reflects typical industry practice rather than known concealment. No major recalls or contamination incidents are on record for their unbleached kraft paper in food contact applications. Third-party certifications (e.g., FSC, compostability) are product-line dependent and should be verified on packaging.
How it compares in its category
Unbleached kraft paper is considered one of the safest food-contact paper options, with lower chemical burden than bleached white kraft, coated papers, or recycled grades. Bleached alternatives carry residual chlorine compounds and brightening agents; recycled papers risk de-inking solvent residues. Natural kraft sits between plastic films (PFAS and migration risk) and compostable films (variable additives). For short-contact dry foods, it is the baseline low-hazard choice.
If you buy it
Use kraft paper for ambient-temperature dry foods (flour, grains, baked goods) or as a wrapping layer; avoid prolonged contact with fatty or acidic foods, which accelerate minor cellulose breakdown and odor transfer. Do not use in microwave or as a cooking surface; kraft paper has low thermal tolerance (flash point around 450 degrees Fahrenheit). Store rolls in dry conditions to prevent mold; replace if visible discoloration, mold, or musty smell develops. Compost used paper if certified compostable; otherwise recycle.
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.”
Ink and printing residues (if printed)
Some kraft rolls carry printed branding or labeling using water-based or soy inks; heavy metals (lead, cadmium) in pigments are regulated but not always tested by suppliers. Verify ink safety certification if direct food contact is intended.
Mineral oil and processing residues
Kraft pulping uses minimal additives compared to coated papers. No established reports of mineral oil or solvent residues in unbleached kraft rolls from reputable manufacturers.
Microorganism growth (storage-dependent)
Paper is hygroscopic and can support mold, bacteria, or insects if stored in humid or warm conditions. This is a use and storage issue, not inherent to the product material.
Chlorine residues
Unbleached kraft explicitly avoids chlorine bleaching. Bleached alternatives would carry trace dioxins or other chlorine byproducts; this product does not.
Dioxins and furans
These are byproducts of chlorine bleaching. Unbleached kraft paper production does not use chlorination and has no reported dioxin contamination in food-contact applications.
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.
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.
More grease-resistant paper goods 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.