Plano · Jewelry Cases & Organizers
Plano 3700 Waterproof Stowaway Compartment Box
Waterproof storage box; coating type unspecified, PFAS risk unclear.
Plano does not disclose the waterproofing treatment used on this polypropylene compartment box. Waterproof coatings often contain PFAS, but without material transparency, actual risk cannot be assessed.
The safe swap
Zarges
zarges K470 Aluminum Storage Case 40845
85/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned its B.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
polypropylene with waterproof 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
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 Plano 3700 is injection-molded polypropylene (PP) with an applied waterproof coating of unknown composition. Polypropylene itself is a relatively stable plastic with no inherent BPA or phthalate content. The critical unknown is the waterproof layer: manufacturers typically use either polyurethane, acrylic, or Teflon-family coating (Teflon-type coating-family) coatings for water sealing. Without disclosure from Plano, whether this coating contains PFAS compounds or other potential leachates cannot be ruled out. PP can leach small amounts of oligomers under UV or heat stress, though the risk is low compared to other plastics.
The brand's record and disclosure
Plano Molding is a well-established US manufacturer of tackle boxes and storage containers with no major product safety recalls on record for leaching or chemical contamination. However, the company has not publicly disclosed its waterproofing chemistry or made commitments regarding PFAS avoidance in product coatings. This silence is common among storage-box manufacturers but represents a gap in transparency. No independent certifications (e.g., NSF, GREENGUARD) are marketed for this model.
How it compares in its category
Polypropylene storage boxes are industry standard and generally safer than PVC or polycarbonate alternatives for non-food storage. Most competitors (Rubbermaid, Iris, Quantum) use similar PP construction with proprietary waterproof coatings also undisclosed. The main differentiator is durability: Plano's reputation for sturdy, long-lasting boxes is solid. Uncoated or minimally coated PP boxes avoid waterproofing unknowns but sacrifice water resistance; fully sealed boxes with transparent coatings are convenient but introduce coating-leach risk.
If you buy it
Use this box for dry goods, tools, fishing tackle, or non-food storage away from direct sunlight and heat sources (store below 80°F if possible). Do not use for drinking water, food preparation, or items that will contact skin for extended periods. Inspect the coating annually for cracks, peeling, or cloudiness; replace if degradation is visible, as breakdown may increase leaching. Avoid prolonged contact with oils, solvents, or acidic liquids, which can degrade coatings; hand-wash with mild soap only.
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.”
Unspecified waterproof coating composition
Plano has not disclosed whether the waterproof layer uses Teflon-type coating, polyurethane, acrylic, or other compounds. PFAS risk cannot be quantified without this information. Coating degradation over time may release residues, though risk increases only with visible wear.
Polypropylene oligomer leaching
PP itself does not leach BPA or phthalates. Minimal oligomer leaching is possible under UV exposure or sustained heat above 120°F, but no public incidents of this box causing documented harm are on record.
Coating durability and replacement triggers
User reports indicate the waterproof coating can cloud, crack, or peel after 3-5 years of outdoor storage or UV exposure. Once coating integrity is lost, water ingress occurs and internal surface leaching risk rises; box should be retired at this point.
Improper use for food storage
This box is not food-grade certified. Use for consumables or drinking water is not recommended because coating leachates and PP breakdown products have not been tested for food safety compliance. Consumer misuse (e.g., lunch storage) represents a plausible exposure pathway.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 45% 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 Jewelry Cases & Organizers
Zarges
K470 Aluminum Storage Case 40845
Aluminum with rubber gasket/hinges
Bare aluminum case, lower PFAS concern.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
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Large 2-Layer KOR Kit
Aluminum or steel case with plastic/polymer interior fittings
Storage kit, lower concern.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
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Aluminium Eurobox 41l
Aluminium alloy, bare unpainted surface
Lower concern. Bare aluminium storage box with no known PFAS treatments.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
More jewelry cases & organizers 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.