What a “Free-Of” Claim Should Mean

A free-of claim should mean no more than trace amounts, no harm typically associated with the substance, and no intentional addition.

Published November 2, 2026 · 3 min read · Topic: Materials, Labels & Claims · Materials & labels

Typical situation

A bag says it is “free of” a chemical, and you want to know whether the word has a defined meaning.

Main answer · berabags Editorial Team · Selection view

The Green Guides summary says marketers can make a free-of claim for a product that contains some amount of a substance if three conditions are met: the product does not have more than trace amounts or background levels; the amount present does not cause the harm that consumers typically associate with the substance; and the substance was not added to the product intentionally.

What the source says

A free-of claim can be made if the product has no more than trace amounts or background levels of the substance.
It can be made if the amount present does not cause the harm that consumers typically associate with the substance.
It can be made if the substance was not added intentionally.
It would be deceptive to claim that a product is free of a substance if it is free of one substance but includes another that poses a similar environmental risk.
It may be deceptive to claim a product is free of a substance that has never been associated with the product category.

What this means when you shop

Read what the claim names.
Look at which part of the bag it covers.
Ask whether a similar substance is used in its place.
Check for a test or certificate.

An example in practice

A listing might say a bag is free of a particular plastic. Ask whether the lining, the coating and the trim are included, and what material is used instead. If the answer is another similar material, the claim may say less than it seems to. If you cannot get an answer, treat the claim as unconfirmed.

Where this answer stops

The summary does not say what “trace” means in numbers. This article cannot tell you whether any product is free of a substance, and it is not legal advice.

Sources and further reading

FTC: Environmental Claims, Summary of the Green Guides

Three more perspectives

berabags Editorial Team · Selection view

Look at the substance and the part of the bag that the claim covers. A free-of claim about the main fabric may not cover the zip or the coating.

berabags Editorial Team · Risk view

A claim that a bag is free of one substance may say nothing about a similar one. Do not assume that it means “free of all harmful chemicals”.

berabags Editorial Team · Purchasing view

Ask for a certificate or test summary if the claim matters to you. A seller who makes the claim should be able to explain it.

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