Do food-contact paper wraps and boxes contain PFAS?
Yes. A 2026 study found PFAS in several commercially available food-contact paper products, including short-chain PFAS used in coating materials.
What food-contact paper is
Food-contact paper includes wrappers, bakery bags, paperboard boxes, and some takeout packaging. These products can be treated so grease and water do not soak through.
Some grease-resistant coatings use PFAS, a large family of fluorinated chemicals. PFAS can persist in the environment and build up in people over time.
What the research says
A 2026 study in Sci Total Environ tested commercial composts, soil amendments, biosolid fertilizers, and 5 common food-contact paper products. The paper products contained PFAS, with the highest levels seen for PFHxA, PFBA, and PFHxS.
This study did not measure how much PFAS moved from paper into food. It does show that food-contact paper can be a PFAS source that deserves scrutiny.
What you can do
Do not store hot or greasy food in paper packaging longer than needed. Move leftovers into glass containers when you get home. At home, use glass storage instead of coated paper or plastic wrap for leftovers.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| PFAS in commercially available organic amendments and food-contact paper products. | Sci Total Environ | 2026 |