Plano · Jewelry Cases & Organizers
Plano Waterproof StowAway Utility Box
Skip until coating composition disclosed by Plano.
Plano does not disclose waterproof coating type or PFAS status for this utility box. Waterproof treatments often contain PFAS, but without material transparency, risk level 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
Plastic with waterproof coating, composition unspecified
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 boxes are injection-molded polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE) plastic with an unspecified waterproof coating or surface treatment. The base plastic is food-contact compliant in most jurisdictions, but the coating composition is the critical unknown. Without disclosure, the waterproof layer could contain PFAS, other fluorochemicals, or reactive adhesives that pose off-gassing or leaching risks, especially if the box is flexed, heated, or aged.
The brand's record and disclosure
Plano is a legacy manufacturer of tackle and storage boxes with no public PFAS policy or coating transparency statement on record. The company has not disclosed whether its waterproof treatments contain fluorinated compounds or provided third-party test data for chemical composition. This silence is a red flag for a product explicitly marketed for waterproofing, since many commercial water-resistant coatings historically relied on PFAS.
How it compares in its category
Utility boxes in this price range typically use untreated polypropylene or polyethylene as baseline, with a subset adding wax, silicone, or fluorinated coatings for water resistance. Plano's positioning as a waterproof box implies added surface treatment, placing it higher risk than uncoated alternatives. Competitors like Rubbermaid or weatherproof boxes with silicone-only treatments offer comparable function with lower chemical ambiguity.
If you buy it
Use only for non-food dry storage (fishing tackle, hardware, tools, craft supplies). Do not microwave, dishwash, or expose to direct heat above 50°C, as these can accelerate coating degradation and potential leaching. Inspect the box annually for cracks, peeling, or discoloration; replace if the waterproof layer deteriorates. Keep out of reach of children and do not store items intended for skin contact or ingestion without a protective barrier.
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 composition (PFAS or alternative fluorochemicals)
Plano has not disclosed what chemical achieves the waterproof function. Many commercial plastic coatings of this era used PFAS; alternatives (silicones, waxes) are less hazardous but unconfirmed here.
Microplastics from coating wear and flexing
Repeated flexing of the box walls or peeling of the waterproof layer can shed microplastics into stored contents. Risk is low for non-food use but increases if contents contact skin or food preparation surfaces.
Leaching of coating additives into stored items
If the box houses oily, acidic, or alcohol-based materials (e.g., fishing lures, lubricants), the coating may leach plasticizers or curing byproducts. No test data on record for Plano boxes under these conditions.
Off-gassing from curing or aging
New plastic storage boxes may emit slight volatile organic compounds from residual monomers or curing agents. Plano boxes are not documented to have odor complaints, but ventilation during unboxing is prudent for chemically sensitive individuals.
Polypropylene/polyethylene base degradation over time
UV exposure and temperature cycling will embrittle the plastic matrix over years; degradation accelerates coating failure. This is typical for all outdoor plastic boxes and not specific to Plano, but accelerates other hazards.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 35% 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
Zarges
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.