Below, we break down exactly what that means for each product line, so you know precisely what you're bringing into your home.
Our Standards
Across every product we make, we hold to the same core commitments:
- We avoid known problem substances. This includes formaldehyde-based adhesives, PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) coatings, and synthetic dyes linked to skin sensitivity or off-gassing.
- We choose natural, traceable materials wherever possible, and work with suppliers who can document their sourcing.
- We prioritize third-party certifications (such as OEKO-TEX, GOTS, and FSC) over our own claims, because we'd rather you trust an independent standard than take our word for it.
- We disclose what we know, and we're upfront about what we don't. If we haven't tested for something, we won't claim it isn't there.
Cutting Boards
Our cutting boards are made from solid maple and black walnut, two hardwoods chosen for their density and durability as food-prep surfaces.
Adhesive: Boards are bonded with Titebond III, a water-based, solvent-free wood glue that is FDA approved for indirect food contact once fully cured. It's the industry standard for cutting board construction, chosen over cheaper alternatives specifically for food-contact safety and water resistance.
Finish: Boards are conditioned with a blend of beeswax and fractionated coconut oil (caprylic/capric triglyceride), a natural, food-grade oil that stays liquid and penetrates the wood without turning rancid the way whole coconut oil can. We maintain safety documentation for this ingredient on file, including a Safety Data Sheet confirming it is non-irritating and non-toxic under standard toxicological testing.
What we avoid: synthetic lacquers, PFAS-based stain repellents, and mineral oil derived from petroleum, a common but less transparent alternative used in cheaper cutting boards.
Certifications: [Insert once confirmed, e.g. FSC-certified wood sourcing]
Bath Towels
Our bath towels are made from 100% Turkish cotton, sourced from mills we've vetted directly. We chose Turkish cotton for its long-staple fiber, which produces a softer, more durable towel without needing synthetic softening treatments common in lower-quality cotton.
What we avoid: synthetic dyes with known sensitizers, chemical brighteners, and formaldehyde-based finishing treatments sometimes used to reduce wrinkling in mass-market towels.
Certifications: [Insert once confirmed with supplier, e.g. OEKO-TEX Standard 100, GOTS]
A Note on the Word "Nontoxic"
We take our name seriously, which is exactly why we want to be precise about what it means. No manufactured product, natural or otherwise, can be guaranteed to contain absolutely zero trace substances of any kind. What we can promise is that we've made deliberate, documented choices to avoid the substances most commonly associated with health concerns in home goods, and that we'll keep sharing that documentation with you as our product line grows.
If you have questions about the specific materials or finishes used in any of our products, or if you'd like to see supplier documentation, reach out to us anytime at support@nontoxicco.org.