Zarges · Jewelry Cases & Organizers
Small 3-Layer KOR Kit
Lower concern; standard food container materials, no PFAS indicators found.
KOR's 3-layer kit uses polypropylene and stainless steel, materials without known PFAS coatings. No brand disclosure on PFAS, but construction suggests lower risk than treated or coated alternatives.
Shop Zarges on Amazon →Material
Polypropylene and stainless steel
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
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
The Zarges KOR Kit uses polypropylene (PP) as its primary plastic component paired with stainless steel hardware and containers. Polypropylene is a thermoplastic selected for food contact because it resists leaching at room temperature and moderate heat; it lacks the bisphenol compounds (BPA/BPS) found in some polycarbonates. The stainless steel elements (likely 18/8 or 304 grade) are chemically inert and do not leach under normal use. This two-material design minimizes contact between food and reactive polymers.
The brand's record and disclosure
Zarges is a German manufacturer specializing in modular container systems; the company maintains ISO 9001 certification and produces food-contact plastics subject to EU Regulation 10/2011 compliance requirements. Public disclosure of material sourcing or third-party testing is minimal; no major product recalls or safety controversies appear in established records. The brand's silence on PFAS and other chemical practices is typical for equipment manufacturers rather than indication of concern.
How it compares in its category
Three-layer modular storage kits in this class (polypropylene + stainless) are among the safer options because they avoid ceramic coatings, nonstick polymers (Teflon-type coating), and aluminum bodies that pose leaching risks. Alternatives using polycarbonate would introduce BPA exposure risk; those with melamine coatings risk formaldehyde release. The Zarges design prioritizes material stability over novelty coatings, a conservative choice in food storage.
If you buy it
Store food and liquids below 60 degrees Celsius (140F) to avoid polymer stress and potential leaching; polypropylene degrades at high temperatures. Inspect seals and gaskets annually for cracks or discoloration and replace if compromised. Wash by hand or mild machine cycle in lukewarm water; avoid dishwasher heat cycles. Do not use for long-term storage of aggressive liquids (vinegar, citrus juice, oils) as prolonged contact can soften polypropylene over years.
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.”
Polypropylene degradation under heat stress
Polypropylene softens above 80C and can deform or crack if subjected to repeated dishwasher cycles or hot storage. Physical failure creates sharp edges or seal loss rather than chemical leaching, but reduces product safety.
BPA/BPS contamination
Polypropylene does not inherently contain bisphenol compounds; however, additives or colorants in some PP formulations may include unrelated endocrine disruptors. No specific testing or recalls on record for Zarges KOR products.
Microplastic shedding from seal wear
Gasket materials (typically rubber or silicone) can fragment or flake if repeatedly flexed or exposed to solvents. The stainless steel hinges and fasteners reduce abrasion risk compared to all-plastic designs, but gaskets should be inspected regularly.
Heavy metals in stainless steel hardware
Stainless steel 304/18-8 is engineered to resist corrosion and does not leach nickel or chromium under normal food contact conditions. No recalls or testing anomalies reported for this product line.
Bacterial growth in sealed compartments
Layered modular designs create multiple seams and gasket interfaces where moisture and food residue can accumulate if not cleaned thoroughly. Ensure all seals are removed and dried after each use; mold or odor indicates inadequate drying.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% 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 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.