Scott · Paper Napkins & Paper Towels
SCOTT Mega Cartridge Napkins,PK875: 6 PK
Lower-concern standard paper napkins; no known PFAS application, but manufacturer discloses nothing.
Scott Mega Cartridge Napkins are plain paper napkins with no disclosed water-resistance, stain-resistance, or specialized coating, the typical consumer napkin product. Standard paper napkins carry lower PFAS risk than greaseproof or treated foodservice papers, though Scott does not publicly confirm PFAS-free status.
Shop Scott on Amazon →Material
virgin fiber paper napkin, uncoated
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
food packaging is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Scott Mega Cartridge napkins are made from virgin wood fiber paper, uncoated and unbleached or minimally bleached depending on product line. Virgin fiber paper avoids recycled-content contamination risks (which can carry ink residues and heavy metals) and does not require synthetic coatings to perform. Napkins of this type are designed to be single-use and food-contact safe under normal conditions without chemical additives in the substrate itself.
The brand's record and disclosure
Scott (Kimberly-Clark subsidiary) does not publicly disclose PFAS testing or avoidance commitments for napkin products, which is typical of the tissue category but represents a transparency gap. The brand has no known recalls for chemical contamination in napkins. Scott has made selective commitments to ingredient transparency in personal care lines but does not extend this to tissue products, leaving PFAS status unknown.
How it compares in its category
Virgin fiber napkins are the baseline of the category and carry lower chemical burden than bleached/brightened variants or those with proprietary coatings. Scott's position is middle-of-market: comparable to store brands and other major tissue makers in ingredient opacity and chemical profile. Eco-certified napkins (FSC, chlorine-free) offer marginally higher transparency but at higher cost; Scott does not market these certifications for this line.
If you buy it
Use napkins as intended: single-use, food-contact safe under room temperature. Do not use for hot oil or high-heat cooking surfaces as paper may char. Store in dry conditions to prevent mold; discard if visibly discolored or moldy. No special care required; standard disposal is appropriate. Bulk purchase (875 count) is economical but confirm storage space and shelf life expectations.
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.”
Chlorine residues (bleaching byproducts)
Standard tissue whitening uses chlorine or oxygen-based bleach. Scott does not disclose bleaching method for this product line. Residual chlorine or chlorine dioxide is typically minimal in finished napkins but not independently verified for this specific SKU.
Ink or dye transfer (if printed)
Scott Mega napkins are typically plain white or light color with minimal printing. If printed designs are present, food-contact safety depends on ink formulation, which is not disclosed. Risk is low for unprinted or minimally printed tissue.
Bacterial or mold growth in storage
Bulk napkins stored in humid or warm conditions can develop mold before use. This is a storage and handling issue, not a manufacturing defect. Proper dry storage eliminates this risk.
Formaldehyde or softening resins
Virgin fiber napkins do not require formaldehyde resins for strength. Scott does not list resin additives for this uncoated product, and no formaldehyde concerns have been reported in the tissue category for this type.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 78% 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 Paper Napkins & Paper Towels
Seventh Generation
White Napkins Lunch (12x250 CT)
virgin wood pulp napkins
Lower-concern choice; unbleached/chlorine-free virgin pulp napkins carry minimal inherent PFAS risk.
⚠Risky category by default
Bamboo
Grove Co. Tree-Free Napkins
Bamboo fiber, tree-free pulp
Lower concern: bamboo napkins lack grease-resistance features that trigger PFAS use; Grove Co.
⚠Risky category by default
Seventh Generation
100% Recycled Napkins 1-Ply
100% recycled paper (virgin fiber-free)
Lower-concern choice; plain paper napkins rarely require PFAS treatments.
⚠Risky category by default
More paper napkins & paper towels 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.