Solo · Disposable Food Containers
Dart Container Corporation Solo Disposable Food Containers
Grease-resistant coating raises PFAS concern; brand silent on composition.
Solo foam containers use water and grease-resistant treatments typical of disposable foodware. Brand provides no PFAS disclosure or testing data; coating composition remains opaque.
The safe swap
Lakeland
Sustainables 3 Compartment Hinged Lid To Go Food Container
70/100 safety
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Polystyrene foam with grease-resistant coating
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
food packaging 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
Solo disposable food containers are made from expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam, a petroleum-derived plastic with low melting point (around 100°C / 212°F). The grease-resistant coating applied to the foam surface is the primary concern: Solo has not publicly disclosed the chemical composition of this coating, which raises flags because fluorinated compounds (PFAS) are industry-standard for grease resistance in food packaging. Even without PFAS, polystyrene itself can leach styrene monomer, a possible human carcinogen, especially when exposed to heat, acidic foods, or fats.
The brand's record and disclosure
Dart Container Corporation (Solo's parent) has maintained public silence on PFAS use in their food-contact coatings despite growing industry scrutiny since the mid-2010s. The company has not published ingredient lists, safety data sheets for coatings, or third-party testing results for PFAS presence. This lack of transparency is notable because major competitors and industry groups have begun disclosing PFAS status or committing to phase-out timelines. Solo containers carry no special certifications for chemical safety (e.g., no third-party validation of coating safety).
How it compares in its category
Polystyrene foam containers sit at the lower end of transparency in disposable food packaging. Compostable alternatives (like bagasse or molded fiber) avoid both PFAS and styrene leaching concerns, though they typically lack grease resistance without coatings of their own. Paper-based containers with chlorine-free bleaching are also widely available. Solo containers' main advantage is low cost and insulation; the trade-off is chemical uncertainty and styrene leaching risk, especially for hot foods or prolonged storage.
If you buy it
Reserve Solo containers for cold foods and beverages only; never microwave, pour boiling liquids, or store acidic or fatty hot foods in them. Replace immediately if containers show visible cracks, yellowing, or brittleness, as degradation increases leaching. For hot takeout meals, hot beverages, or reheated food, choose molded fiber, rigid plastic (polypropylene), or ceramic alternatives. Do not store greasy or oily foods for extended periods, as the grease-resistant coating's stability under stress is unknown.
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.”
Styrene monomer leaching
Polystyrene foam can release styrene, a possible carcinogen, when exposed to heat (>60°C), fats, or acidic foods. Solo containers lack published thermal or chemical migration data, so actual leaching rates under real-use conditions are unquantified.
Grease-resistant coating composition (undisclosed)
Solo has not disclosed the chemical identity of the coating. Industry standard for grease-resistant food contact coatings includes fluorinated compounds; without transparency, PFAS presence cannot be ruled out and is a reasonable concern.
Microplastics from physical degradation
Foam containers are mechanically fragile and degrade easily during use, transport, and disposal. Breakdown may release polystyrene particles into food or the environment, though human ingestion risk from food-contact scenarios is not formally quantified.
Polystyrene off-gassing (volatile organics)
Expanded polystyrene naturally off-gasses low-molecular-weight hydrocarbons, especially when warm or new. Concentrations are typically low but can accumulate in poorly ventilated spaces or confined storage.
No manufacturer guidance on safe use limits
Solo does not publish recommended maximum storage duration, temperature limits, or food types safe for these containers. Consumers are left to infer safety from general polystyrene properties, which differ among formulations.
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 Disposable Food Containers
Lakeland
Sustainables 3 Compartment Hinged Lid To Go Food Container
Molded fiber/pulp (plant-based)
Lower concern. Molded fiber food containers unlikely to contain PFAS.
⚠Risky category by default
Lakeland
Hefty Food Service Containers Rectangle 9 3/4" x 5" x 3 1/4" 125 ct
Polypropylene (disposable food containers)
Lower concern, but brand discloses nothing about PFAS.
⚠Risky category by default
Rubbermaid
TakeAlongs Food Storage Containers 10 Piece Set
polypropylene plastic containers with lids
Lower concern; basic plastic food storage with no known PFAS triggers.
⚠Risky category by default
More disposable food containers 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.