Pyrex · Silicone Cutting & Prep Boards
Fiskars 24" x 36" Self-Healing Double-Sided Cutting Mat
Cutting mat, not cookware. Unclear polymer composition raises concern.
Product category mismatch: Fiskars mat is not Pyrex cookware. Self-healing mats often use vinyl or PVC; PFAS risk in polymer unknown without material spec. Contact brand for composition details.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
PVC or vinyl, self-healing polymer base
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
cookware 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
Fiskars self-healing cutting mats are typically PVC or vinyl-based polymers with plasticizer additives that allow the material to 'close' cuts when not in use. The exact formulation is proprietary and not disclosed by Fiskars. PVC and vinyl materials can leach plasticizers (including phthalates in some formulations) especially when in contact with oils, food residues, or if stored in warm conditions. Since this is a cutting surface that may contact fabric dyes, adhesives, or other craft materials, migration of base polymers or additives is a consideration, though this is not a food-contact item.
The brand's record and disclosure
Fiskars (owned by Stanley Black & Decker) has not publicly disclosed material composition, plasticizer type, or PFAS status for this cutting mat. No independent testing or recalls specific to this product are on record. Fiskars does not maintain a transparent sustainability or chemical disclosure policy for craft tools, limiting consumer ability to verify safety claims. The brand's silence on polymer identity suggests reliance on industry-standard PVC formulations without premium alternatives explicitly marketed.
How it compares in its category
Self-healing cutting mats are a niche product category; alternatives include rubber-based mats (often natural or synthetic rubber with fewer chemical concerns), glass cutting surfaces (inert but fragile), and fabric-friendly rotary boards. Fiskars dominates the affordable self-healing segment, but its lack of transparency is typical for the price point. Premium alternatives like Olfa or US Art Supply mats sometimes specify TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) instead of PVC, which may carry fewer plasticizer risks, though these cost more.
If you buy it
Store flat or rolled in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat, as warmth may increase plasticizer migration. Do not use for cutting food or food-contact surfaces. Wash after use with craft dyes, adhesives, or solvents to avoid accumulation on the surface. Replace every 3-5 years or when the self-healing property noticeably degrades; older PVC can become brittle and shed microparticles. Ensure adequate ventilation during use if the mat is newly unrolled, as off-gassing of volatile compounds is possible with new vinyl products.
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.”
Plasticizer leaching (phthalates or other additives)
PVC and vinyl cutting mats typically contain plasticizers to achieve flexibility and self-healing properties. Without Fiskars' disclosure of formulation, the specific plasticizer type is unknown; if phthalates or other endocrine-disrupting plasticizers are present, contact with skin oils or certain solvents could promote migration, though the risk is lower than for food-contact items.
Microplastic shedding during use and aging
As self-healing mats age and the polymer degrades, small particles may shed during cutting or handling. The magnitude depends on formulation and storage conditions. This is primarily a concern for inhalation or contamination of work surfaces rather than direct ingestion.
Volatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing
New PVC and vinyl cutting mats commonly release odors associated with unreacted monomers and plasticizers when unrolled, especially in warm conditions. This is well-documented for self-healing mats in general. Off-gassing typically decreases after initial exposure but can persist for weeks if stored in sealed environments.
Proprietary polymer composition uncertainty
Fiskars does not publish the exact polymer blend, stabilizers, or colorants used. This prevents independent hazard assessment and raises concerns about whether industry-standard (potentially outdated) formulations are in use or if newer, lower-chemical alternatives are employed.
Contact dermatitis or sensitization from dyes or additives
Individuals with sensitive skin or chemical sensitivities may experience irritation from contact with the mat surface, particularly if handling it frequently. This is rare but not formally ruled out without disclosure of dye and additive identity.
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.
More silicone cutting & prep boards 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.