Low Tox Lunchboxes: Back to School 2022
UPDATED August 2022
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I think it might be slightly more challenging to find a truly low tox lunchbox… simply because so many contain PFAS based DWR to make them water/ stain resistant, plastics and/or antimicrobials. But, I also think considering these are items being used every single day they are super important (although food containers, which come into direct contact with food - unless you are buying a bento box style lunchbox- are more important in my option. You can read my post on LOW TOX FOOD CONTAINERS here) to source as low tox as possible.
This year I included three tiers.
TIER 1: These are the best from a health/ low tox perspective AND environmental perspective. This means these are made of inert materials that will absolutely not leach anything and are environmentally friendly. Here you will find lunchboxes made of stainless steel, silicone (which environmentally not that great BUT will last many years and are inert) organic cotton and linen. BTW If you are interested in the stainless steel options that are more expensive do consider this: my oldest sons stainless steel lunchboxes has been used from Kinder and he is entering 6 grade! 7 years! So while sometimes they are a large investment upfront … in the long run some of these could save you money too
TIER 2: If the lunchboxes in Tier 1 are not in your budget or if you cant find them or - simply- if your child really doesnt want them, then the lunchboxes in tier 2 are good options. Good, not great. Environmentally these are made of synthetic materials like PEVA and PET (read more below) which are ‘better than’ but truly not the best materials. Considering food wont come into direct contact with these lunchbags I think it is ok to use these lunchbags (with truly low tox food containers like these)
TIER 3: I would avoid these. These either contain PFAS based DWR, PVC, antimicrobials are are simply made of plastic. With better options (from a toxicity perspective and an environmental perspective) available I see no need to buy these. This list (in the image at the top of the blog post) is short as it is not meant to single out these brands just showcase what to look for.
AVOID:
PVC
😲Why: PVC (vinyl) is considered one of the most toxic plastics for children & the environment since it constantly releases a cocktail of chemicals including phthalates (endocrine disrupting chemical linked to birth defects, decreased sperm count & damaged sperm, increased risk of developing behavioral problems, premature birth and asthma) dioxins ( carcinogens), PCBs ( long-term expo associated with cancer, endocrine disorders, reproductive troubles & cognitive and behavioral problems in children) & even lead ( a proven potent neurotoxin ), among other harmful chemicals
🌿Better alternative: cotton canvas or polyester or nylon (polyester & nylon are plastics & are bad for the 🌎, so try to choose recycled polyester) or stainless steel
water/stain resistant finishes coated with PFAS DWR
😲Why:PFAS chemicals are linked to testicular & kidney cancer, thyroid disease, obesity, weakened immunity & more- they stay in our bodies & 🌎 for a very long time.
If your lunchbox or backpack is water proof, if water beads up on the surface & is not absorbed, make sure to read the description and/or ask the manufacturer specifically if any “PFAS BASED DWR are used”
🌿Better: Canvas that an be water proofed with Otter Wax or other natural waxes, nylon & polyester that are “naturally” water resistant or stainless steel (can be placed in dishwasher daily)
’antibacterial’ labels
😲Why? Common antimicrobial chemical, like those in the popular Microban, are linked to skin irritation, allergy susceptibility, growth of drug-resistant bacteria or “superbugs”& hormone disruption
ALL plastics
I prefer to avoid all plastics in lunchboxes- particularly in bento style lunch boxes where the plastic comes in direct contact with food. Even “safer” plastics like PP, for example, have been found to leach antibacterial additives . Some plastics labelled as BPA free could contain other bisphenols that are just as bad…. and - of course- plastics are just not good for the environment and unlikely to last long- meaning they will end up being thrown out at the end of the school year (if not sooner) whereas other materials like stainless steel will last years.
QUESTIONABLE MATERIALS COMMONLY USED
These materials are “better than” the ones I just spoke about but truthfully arent the best. However, if a stainless steel or cotton /canvas lunchbox isnt available or in the budget I would then recommend these materials as a second option.
PEVA (EVA)
PEVA is usually used as a alternative to PVC and is ‘better than’ PVC but honestly not super well studied nor great. wheather you should get a product with PEVA will depend on what it will be used for. The main differences between PVC and PEVA is that PEVA does not contain chlorine (which can create carcinogenic dioxins). PEVA will still off gas harmful VOCs (although PEVA lunchboxes I have seen havent had any obvious odors). Again, overall better than a PFAS based DWR finish and a PVC lining..... Is it the greenest? no.... BUT somewhere in the middle.
Recycled PET
PET (a hard plastic but also polyester fabric) can be used in many forms because it is a common plastic that can be recycled. The catch is that in recent years it has been found to potentially leach arsenic and in fabrics could give off microplastics when washed... Depending on its use we would worry about these leaching.... so - for example- PEt in a water bottle I would recommend avoid because when exposed to heat any chemicals leaching would migrate to the water you would drink.
PET in polyester fabric generally have the antimony that is used in the production of PET fibers "chemically bound" to the PET polymer so the PET fabric does contain antimony but should not leach onto your body (but it will leach in the dying process into water which could pollute nearby water sources with antimony which is why sustainability practices are important). Environmentally, considering the huge plastic waste problem we have at a planetary level, making some products out of recycled PET can be seen as a good thing environmentally speaking. Again, depending on the use you might feel comfortable with this (I would avoid recycled PET in items little kids will likely place in mouth and in clothing kids will use directly on skin….. but backpacks, lunchboxes and even coats could be ok)
BEST OPTIONS
1. Fluf Canvas Lunch Bag, from $18
Made of GOTS organic cotton canvas with a 100% polyester water resistant lining
many fit Planet Box lunchboxes!
2. Sugarbooger Kiddie play pack, From $21
Made of a laminated cotton canvas exterior, with wipe-clean insulated lining, PFAS free
3. So Young lunch poche, From $46 or smaller lunch box from $32
Made of a linen/Cotton exterior fabric (machine washable)
4. Life Without Plastic’s Wool Insulated Organic Cotton Lunch Bag, from USD $45.00
Made of 100% unbleached certified organic cotton canvas and insulated with 100% wool sewn in for insulation. Features an inside certified organic cotton lining that can be snapped out to wash.
LunchBots Large Cinco Stainless Steel Lunch Container , From $43
Made of stainless steel, bento style lunch container
PlanetBox SHUTTLE Bento Lunch Box with 2 Compartments , from $52
The smaller of the two bento box Planet Box’s This one is also made with stainless steel- super easy to wash.
Planet Box ROVER STAINLESS STEEL LUNCHBOX, sale: $48
Made with stainless steel- super easy to wash. (out of stock in planet box website, Amazon and The Tot)
PLEASE NOTE: some PLanet Box carrying cases used to contain PFAS based DWR . Today all of the Bags that they sell as of 8/2022 on their website DO NOT contain DWR
Bentgo Stainless steel & Silicone lunchbox Available in my Amazon store and Target
Made of stainless steel and silicone this bento style lunchbox is a great alternative.
Austin Baby Co Available at The Tot and my Amazon store
Made from 100$ food grade silicone
GOOD OPTIONS
These companies have confirmed no PFAS based DWR and no PVC used. They might use recycled PET and/or PEVA
LUNCHBOTS lunchbags, available on Amazon
The liner is PEVA and the fabric is polyester canvas with polyurethane backing. No PFAS are knowingly added.
Backpacks and lunchboxes are free of all PFAS/ PFOS/ PFOA/ DWR/ C6/ C8.. Lunchboxes are poly canvas and the lining is PEVA. These do not have any waterproofing coating. 90% of these bags are made from recycled materials
Made of recycled polyester, these do not contain PFAS based DWR
Made of either 100% cotton or recycled cotton (depending on the model) it has an insulated PEVA lined interior & slip pocket for ice packs,
An insulated lunch bag, made from recycled PET (things like plastic bottles). The company confirms the recycled plastic they use is free from BPA (sadly, no one tests for other bisphenols) and do not contain a PFAS based DWR
Lunchbots Insulated Duplex Bag Available at my Amazon store
The liner is PEVA and the fabric is polyester canvas with polyurethane backing. “no PFAS are knowingly added” per the company.
Wildkin Lunchboxes available at Target
No PFAS - the lunchboxes use a PEVA material
QUESTIONABLE
COMPANIES THAT HAVE NOT YET CONFIRMED IF THEY DO NOT USE PFAS (hopefully they will respond to my multiple emails and messages and I will be able to update this list)
CROCODILE CREEK
Have not confirmed no PFAS
POTTERY BARN KIDS
Have not confirmed no PFAS
Shell is made of “ tough 600-denier polyester” I dont love that the interior is PEVA.