Rubbermaid · Silicone Cutting & Prep Boards
Figmint Nonslip Cutting Mat Set
Skip; nonslip coating composition undisclosed and unverified.
Rubbermaid provides no information on the nonslip coating material or PFAS content. Nonslip coatings often contain PFAS; without disclosure or testing, risk cannot be assessed.
The safe swap
Trudeau
Trudeau Glass Drying Mat
90/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned its A.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
rubber or PVC base with unspecified nonslip coating
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Non-stick, chemistry undisclosed
Marketed non-stick without stating the coating chemistry.
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
Figmint cutting mats use a rubber or PVC base (likely natural rubber or synthetic PVC compound) with an unspecified nonslip coating. The base materials themselves have long histories in food-contact applications, but the critical unknown is the nonslip layer: manufacturers often use silicone, elastomer blends, or coated polymer surfaces to achieve grip. Rubbermaid has not disclosed the exact formulation of this coating, which is the primary point of concern for potential leachables.
The brand's record and disclosure
Rubbermaid (owned by Newell Brands) does not publicly disclose detailed material safety data or composition for its nonslip cutting mat coatings. The company has no known major product recalls specific to cutting mats, and maintains general food-contact certifications, but provides limited transparency on coating chemistry or PFAS use. No formal third-party certifications (e.g., FDA verification of coating safety) are advertised for this product line.
How it compares in its category
Rubber and PVC cutting mats are standard in this category; Figmint is mainstream and competitively priced. Competitors like OXO and Epicurean offer similar products, though some brands (notably Epicurean) provide more explicit material transparency. Uncoated or silicone-sealed wood or composite alternatives eliminate coating uncertainty entirely, though they lack nonslip properties and are less durable.
If you buy it
Hand-wash only; do not place in dishwasher or expose to prolonged heat above 60C, as coating degradation is possible with temperature cycling. Inspect the mat regularly for peeling, cracks, or surface wear; discard if the nonslip layer delaminates or shows visible damage. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Replace every 3 to 5 years or sooner if nonslip properties degrade.
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.”
Coating leachables (unidentified nonslip layer)
The specific chemistry of the nonslip coating is undisclosed. While no adverse events are on record for this product, uncharacterized polymer or elastomer coatings can theoretically leach oligomers or additives under acidic food contact or heat; risk level depends on coating identity, which Rubbermaid has not made public.
PVC chlorine leaching (if base is PVC)
If the base is PVC rather than rubber, chlorine-related leachables are theoretically possible, but food-contact PVC formulations are regulated and no documented incidents exist for cutting mats in this class. Risk is low if product meets food safety standards, though composition confirmation would eliminate this ambiguity.
Coating degradation and microplastic shedding
Over time and with repeated washing or knife scoring, the nonslip coating may shed particles. Whether these are true microplastics or harmless elastomer fragments is unknown without coating specification. Visible wear is the practical indicator; inspection and timely replacement mitigate this concern.
Migration under acidic food contact
Acidic foods (vinegar, citrus, tomato-based products) left on the mat can accelerate leaching of coating additives. Rubbermaid does not specify safe contact times or recommend prompt rinsing; extended contact with acidic foods is a theoretical risk point.
Allergen or irritant off-gassing (new product)
New rubber or PVC mats may release minor volatile compounds (rubber smell) for a few hours to days after unpacking. This is typical and not hazardous, but sensitive individuals (asthma, chemical sensitivity) may prefer to air out the mat in a ventilated space before kitchen use.
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 Silicone Cutting & Prep Boards
Trudeau
Glass Drying Mat
Glass
Glass drying mat has minimal PFAS risk; bare glass material is inherently safe.
⚠Risky category by default
KitchenAid
Classic Nonslip 2-Piece Cutting Board Set
plastic composite, no nonstick coating
Lower concern. Bare plastic cutting boards rarely treated with PFAS.
⚠Risky category by default
Cuisinart
13" Semi-Transparent Polymer Cutting Board
semi-transparent polymer (likely polyethylene or polypropylene)
Lower concern. Bare polymer cutting board unlikely to contain PFAS.
⚠Risky category by default
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.