Kleenex · Paper Napkins & Paper Towels
Kleenex 1-Ply Paper Towel, 9-3/10 x 9-2/5 Inch - Package of 150
Lower concern, plain paper towels are unlikely PFAS vectors, but Kleenex provides no PFAS transparency.
Kleenex 1-ply paper towels are uncoated cellulose with no waterproofing, grease-resistance, or nonstick treatments typical of PFAS use. The brand does not disclose PFAS practices. Standard paper towels carry lower PFAS risk than treated food packaging or durable-goods coatings, though confirmation from Kleenex would strengthen confidence.
Shop Kleenex on Amazon →Material
virgin bleached wood pulp, uncoated
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
Kleenex 1-ply paper towels are virgin bleached wood pulp with no plastic coating, ink, or chemical treatment advertised. The lack of a moisture barrier or sizing chemicals means minimal leachable compounds transfer to food or skin contact. Bleaching uses chlorine-based or oxygen-based processes; residual bleach byproducts (dioxins, chloroform) are heavily regulated in tissue manufacturing and typically present only in trace amounts far below food-contact limits.
The brand's record and disclosure
Kimberly-Clark (Kleenex parent) does not publish PFAS content data for tissue products, despite pressure from environmental groups on water-resistant grades. The company holds ISO 14001 environmental certification and complies with FDA food-contact paper rules but remains silent on PFAS use in pulping or bleaching. No product recalls or chemical contamination incidents involving standard Kleenex paper towels appear in public records.
How it compares in its category
Single-ply uncoated paper towels are among the lowest-chemical options in the category; multi-ply or 'select-a-size' versions may include sizing agents and strengthening resins. Recycled-content or eco-branded alternatives often disclose fewer chemicals but carry higher contamination risk if sourced from mixed waste. Standard white bleached towels like this one are chemically simpler than colored, patterned, or scented variants.
If you buy it
Store in a dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent mildew growth, which can harbor bacteria if the roll remains damp. Paper towels should not contact raw meat for extended periods; use dedicated cutting boards instead. Replace rolls if visible mold, off-odor, or yellowing appears. No special handling required; standard household waste disposal is appropriate.
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.”
Bleach byproducts (dioxins, chloroform)
FDA-regulated tissue manufacturing limits residual bleach species to trace levels; no detected contamination specific to Kleenex products in public records. Exposure via paper towel contact is negligible.
Formaldehyde-release resins
Single-ply uncoated towels do not require strength-enhancing urea-formaldehyde resins used in some tissue grades. No formaldehyde release reported for this product type.
Bacterial or mold growth
Damp storage or high-humidity environments can promote microbial growth on any paper product; this is a use and storage issue, not a manufacturing hazard specific to Kleenex.
Optical brighteners or dyes
Kleenex standard white towels typically use small amounts of optical brighteners (fluorescent whitening agents) approved for food contact; no azo dyes or restricted colorants are known in plain white grades.
Sizing chemicals or coating contaminants
Uncoated 1-ply towels contain minimal sizing; higher hazard exists in water-resistant or lotion-infused variants not present in this product.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 82% 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 Paper Napkins & Paper Towels
Seventh Generation
White Napkins Lunch (12x250 CT)
virgin wood pulp napkins
Lower-concern choice; unbleached/chlorine-free virgin pulp napkins carry minimal inherent PFAS risk.
⚠Risky category by default
Bamboo
Grove Co. Tree-Free Napkins
Bamboo fiber, tree-free pulp
Lower concern: bamboo napkins lack grease-resistance features that trigger PFAS use; Grove Co.
⚠Risky category by default
Seventh Generation
100% Recycled Napkins 1-Ply
100% recycled paper (virgin fiber-free)
Lower-concern choice; plain paper napkins rarely require PFAS treatments.
⚠Risky category by default
More paper napkins & paper towels 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.