Pelican · Waterproof Camera & Gear Bags
Pelican 1560TP Protective Case
Protective case with lower PFAS concern; no waterproofing treatment disclosed.
The Pelican 1560TP is a rigid plastic protective case made primarily of polypropylene copolymer, an inherently PFAS-free material. No waterproof coating, stain resistance, or other surface treatments are disclosed by Pelican.
Shop Pelican on Amazon →Material
Polypropylene copolymer shell, foam core
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
other 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
The Pelican 1560TP shell is polypropylene copolymer, a thermoplastic chosen for rigidity, impact resistance, and chemical inertness. Polypropylene does not leach BPA, phthalates, or other endocrine disruptors under normal storage conditions because it lacks the chemical structure that enables such migration. The foam core (typically polyurethane or closed-cell polyethylene) is inert when sealed and not heated; polypropylene's high melting point (160°C+) means domestic use poses no volatilization risk.
The brand's record and disclosure
Pelican is a legacy manufacturer in protective equipment with no public record of chemical safety certifications (e.g., ISO 14001, Cradle to Cradle) or third-party testing disclosures. The company has not published formal statements on PFAS use or phase-out timelines. No significant product recalls related to material toxicity have been documented for their cases. Silence on PFAS treatment is notable given waterproof competitor products often contain fluorinated coatings, but Pelican's standard cases lack explicit water-repellent claims.
How it compares in its category
Polypropylene rigid cases are the safest material choice in protective storage compared to vinyl (phthalate risk), nylon with fluorinated coatings (PFAS exposure), or degrading rubber seals. The Pelican 1560TP design relies on mechanical sealing and gaskets rather than chemical surface treatments, reducing chemical exposure vectors. Competitors using polyester, PVC, or treated fabrics carry higher documented hazard profiles; polypropylene's inertness is an advantage in this category.
If you buy it
Store the case at room temperature away from direct sunlight to prevent UV-induced brittleness and microcracking over years of use; polypropylene can become friable if degraded. Do not expose to temperatures above 70°C for extended periods, as this may accelerate seal material degradation. Inspect rubber gaskets annually for cracks or hardening; replace if visible; gasket failure is the primary maintenance trigger, not the shell itself. Avoid prolonged contact with strong solvents (acetone, xylene) which can soften polypropylene, though normal household chemicals pose no risk.
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.”
Microplastics from abrasion and degradation
Polypropylene shells can shed microparticles if interior surfaces are abraded by stored items or if UV exposure causes surface crazing over 5-10 years; however, cases are not in direct contact with food or water sources in typical use, limiting exposure pathway.
Rubber gasket and seal degradation
Pelican cases use elastomeric seals that can harden, crack, or off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) if stored in high heat or direct sunlight; degraded seals lose waterproofing and may release odors. This is a mechanical failure, not chemical toxicity, but indicates replacement need.
Off-gassing from foam core or adhesives
No recalls or documented complaints of VOC or formaldehyde emission from Pelican 1560TP foam cores have been established. Closed-cell foam and polypropylene adhesives are low off-gas materials at room temperature, unlike open-cell polyurethane.
Heavy metals in pigments or coatings
Polypropylene resin and standard colorants used in rigid cases do not typically contain lead or cadmium; no industry-standard testing has flagged Pelican cases for metal leaching. This hazard class is relevant to ceramic cookware or glazed items, not plastic shells.
Bacterial or mold growth in sealed storage
If the case is sealed with high humidity or organic material inside, the polypropylene shell itself will not harbor pathogens, but trapped moisture can foster mold in stored contents. This is a storage practice issue, not a material 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.
More waterproof camera & gear bags 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.