Plano · Jewelry Cases & Organizers
Plano StowAway Waterproof Stow 4-Pack
Waterproof storage boxes; coating composition undisclosed by brand.
Plano's waterproof stowaway boxes use unspecified waterproof coatings. Brand provides no PFAS information, raising moderate concern for treated plastics.
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
plastic storage containers with waterproof treatment
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
Plano StowAway containers are injection-molded polypropylene (PP) with an applied waterproof treatment or sealant on seams and closure mechanisms. The specific waterproof coating composition is not publicly disclosed by Plano, which is the primary safety concern for this product line. Polypropylene itself is considered lower-risk for food contact at room temperature, but the undisclosed coating introduces uncertainty about leaching potential under stress, moisture, or temperature changes.
The brand's record and disclosure
Plano, a manufacturer of fishing and outdoor storage products, has not published detailed material safety data sheets or waterproof coating ingredient lists for consumer-level StowAway containers. The company does not publicly commit to PFAS-free formulations or provide third-party testing results for waterproofing treatments. No formal recalls of this specific product line for chemical hazards have been documented in FDA or CPSC databases.
How it compares in its category
Plastic storage containers vary widely in hazard profile depending on interior use case and coating chemistry. Plano's opacity and lack of ingredient transparency put it behind brands that explicitly disclose PFAS-free waterproofing or provide material certifications. For dry outdoor storage (fishing tackle, tools, hardware), the risk is lower than if containers are used for food storage, where coating leaching becomes more plausible.
If you buy it
Reserve these containers for non-food items in dry storage (fishing gear, hardware, batteries, documents). Do not expose to prolonged direct sunlight, high heat, or hot water, as thermal stress may degrade the waterproof coating. Inspect seals and hinges annually for cracking or degradation; replace if coating visibly peels or becomes brittle. Do not store products with solvents, oils, or acidic contents in prolonged contact with the container.
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.”
Waterproof coating leachables (unknown chemistry)
The waterproof treatment composition is proprietary and undisclosed; typical waterproofing agents in plastic storage containers may include fluorinated compounds (PFAS), siloxanes, or acrylate polymers. Leaching risk increases with heat, moisture, or contact with fatty/acidic substances, but no direct testing for this product is publicly available.
Polypropylene polymer degradation
Consumer reports indicate that some Plano containers develop brittle, cracking seams or lids after 3-5 years of outdoor exposure. As plastic degrades, it may shed microparticles and potentially release residual monomers or processing additives, though risk is low for non-food storage.
Bisphenol-A (BPA) and other plastic additives
Polypropylene does not typically require BPA to achieve rigidity; however, Plano does not publicly certify BPA-free status, and trace processing catalysts or mold-release agents may persist. For dry storage this is minimal concern.
Seal/hinge material hazards
Closure mechanisms and gaskets are often silicone, TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), or rubber compounds. These materials can leach plasticizers or residual monomers, especially if exposed to oils or solvents; Plano does not specify gasket material or additives.
Mold and microbial growth if improperly stored
Even waterproof containers can trap moisture if sealed while damp; prolonged moisture in warm, dark conditions can promote mold or bacterial growth on interior surfaces. Regular inspection and drying before storage are essential.
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.