Updated in 2025
In a healthy home, I personally would not consider shelf and drawer liners made of:
- PVC (polyvinyl chloride, aka vinyl) including fabric backed with PVC, or paper coated in PVC, due to the VOCs and plasticizers, including potentially phthalates.
- I also wouldn’t consider SBR rubber (which is higher in VOCs)
- Or cork (which is usually pressed together with a polyurethane or formaldehyde adhesive that offgasses a fair amount well)
I consider polyethylene and polypropylene to be safe eco-friendly plastics, especially for this application.
EVA could be safe if phthalate-free.
Other non-toxic or natural options include paper, fabric, acrylic-coated wallpaper, and wood veneer.
The following options are made for shelves, drawers (kitchen and other rooms), dressers, and wire carts. Some can be used in the refrigerator.
I would consider all of these options safe for kitchens, kids’ rooms, and nurseries.
All of the options here are unscented.
This article contains affiliate links, upon purchase I earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
What I Avoid:
- Added PFAS
- Bisphenols
- Phthalates
- Anti-microbial treatments unless you know it’s a natural, non-toxic type
- Flexible PVC or PVC coatings due to the odor/off-gassing
- Recycled plastic due to the risk of contaminants like bisphenols, flame retardants, phthalates and metals
1. Silicone Drawer Liners
Silicone is very grippy – it’s good for drawers, cabinets, refrigerators, freezers, desks, or anywhere where you want things to grip to it.
Silicone liners are non-toxic, I find I need to air it out for a few hours when it’s brand new. They do not contain an adhesive.
I like these translucent-white ones which are made from food-grade silicone and have a high degree of heat resistance.
This bright blue one is from Amazon as well (though does not say food safe).
Silicone is not made with bisphenols or phthalates.
Silicone does usually contain trace amounts of Cadmium which is a contaminant of the colorants or manufacturing process, according to Tamara Rubin who has tested silicone.
However, when used as a shelf liner I would not be concerned about this.
Buy translucent-white silicone liners or bright blue silicone liners from Amazon.
The only plastics that contain bisphenols are nylon, polycarbonate and epoxy (and about 3/4 of polycarbonate contains bisphenols, source).
2. Polyethylene (PE/PET) Liners
Polyethylene (PE) is easier to slide items across and so it’s better for kitchen shelves.
There are polyethylene options at the Container Store and the one pictured is from Amazon.
Polyethylene, including PET (polyethylene terephthalate/polyester), HDPE (high-density polyethylene), and LDPE (low-density polyethylene) are not known to contain BPA or phthalates (source).
PE generally does not have an odor, and depending on how flexible it is is often a good plastic for the chemically sensitive.
PE is widely used in applications where a food-safe, or food-contact-safe, plastic is needed.
Buy polyethylene liners from Amazon or the Container Store.
3. Liners for Wire Shelves
These liners are a thicker and sturdier plastic used to add a stable layer to wire shelves.
Polypropylene (PP) is one of the safest plastics.
Gorilla Grip specifically states that their liners are made from PP.
PP plastics are not known to contain BPA (source). Phthalate are not intentionally added but could be found in trace amounts (source).
Rigid PP is odorless and does not off-gas VOCs. It’s used in many food storage applications.
Buy polypropylene shelf liners from Amazon.
4. Paper, Cloth & Wallpaper
When I was a child we used paper to line our kitchen cabinet shelves and drawers, so I’m partial to this plastic-free look.
Some of the old-school ones are actual paper and they are harder to find. (This one is not coated with PVC and is free of added PFAS).
Many of the paper ones are now backed or coated with PVC. And many are scented now, so be sure to check. They could also contain PFAS to make them more waterproof.
You can use an actual wallpaper, and a non-toxic wallpaper glue if you prefer that look. Check out the best non-toxic brands here.
Spoonflower (pictured) makes a PVC-free, PFAS-free peel-and-stick wallpaper. Their wallpapers made of acrylic plastic have cute designs and work as shelf liners on many surfaces.
You can also use fabric to line shelves but you normally find this backed with PVC to make it stay in place.
Buy non-PVC peel-and-stick wallpaper from Spoonflower.
Buy PVC-free, PFAS-free liner from the Container Store.
(In terms of “contact paper” that is usually used to line the exterior of cabinets or countertops, I have only seen that come in PVC vinyl. And that does off-gas VOCs as well as contain plasticizers of concern – often phthalates).
5. Wood
For bedroom shelves or drawers, you can use a wood veneer liner.
This cedar liner is only wood, though the reviews describe it as finicky.
I would not use cork shelf liners as the standard glue used to press the cork together off-gasses too much, in my opinion, to make it a truly non-toxic option.
Buy real cedar wood liner from Amazon.
6. EVA Plastic Liners
EVA doesn’t contain bisphenols like BPA but it can contain phthalates so make sure it says phthalate-free.
IKEA makes EVA liners; IKEA has phased out phthalates in food contact items (I would expect this to apply here), also they have been well ahead of other companies in removing chemicals like phthalates whenever there is an easy alternative, and there is here.
This is the only brand that I could find that has made a statement that their EVA liners don’t contain phthalates.
EVA foam does have a slight odor but non-foam EVA has practically no odor or off-gassing.
EVA is used in medical and food packaging applications and can be labeled food safe.
Corinne Segura is an InterNACHI-certified Healthy Homes Inspector with certifications in Building Biology, Healthier Materials and Sustainable Buildings, and more. She has 10 years of experience helping others create healthy homes. You can book a consult here.
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Ana
Hi Corrine!
Thanks for this helpful post. Just wanted to share that I purchased the product linked in the “2. Polyethylene (PE/PET) Liners” section and what I received (via Amazon from the company TEZZ) is an EVA product, not polyethylene.
The Amazon product page does list the item as being “BPA-free” “Food grade” and Nontoxic,” though it does not say anything about phthalates.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
thank you so much for sharing, that link used to say PE but no longer does. I updated the link to one that does but I would trust the container store on this one since PE is rare here.
Ana
Thank you! I returned the Amazon EVA one and went with the Container Store option!
Caitlin
Hi! thanks for this research. I ordered three rolls from Amazon via the link that you linked above for silicone liner. What I received says “silica gel multifunctional cabinet mat.” The product looks like what you linked but the label is confusing. From a quick internet search, silica gel is not the same as silicone and I’m concerned about any chemicals present. Any thoughts? Thank you!
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
Sometimes products from china are labeled silica gel because that closer to how silicone would be translated literally from chinese. or because Silica gel is amorphous silicon dioxide. so the word silicon is in there. Also silca is a filler in silicone so i think it’s just labeled wrong.
if it looks like the pictures, flexible, rubbery, not cracking when you fold it etc it’s silicone. I dont think silica gel can be made into a mat.
Caitlin
Many thanks Corinne! the product is flexible, rubbery and does not crack when folded. It does indeed look like what you linked. Appreciate the quick response. Lining my drawers this week.
Ana
Hi Corrine!
What do you think about craft tissue paper to line drawers? I use plain white acid-free tissue paper, but read somewhere that they might have chemicals? Would PFAS-free parchment paper be a better option? Is the silicone coating a concern at all if we put the parchment paper in our undies drawer?
Thanks in advance for your help!
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
I don’t know exactly which of those two is better but I think they are both good. silicone should be fine if it doesn’t have PFAS
Eli
Hello Corinne,
Thank you so much for writing this helpful article.
Is the “DripGuard” by Gorrilla Grip a safe option? I bought a 20 foot roll a while back for my kitchen shelves. On Amazon, the material is listed as vinyl. It does say BPA free though.
Thank you!
-Eli
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
I talk about vinyl/PVC in the article
Brooke
Hi Corinne!
Have you ever reviewed Glotoch shelf liner?
Thanks so much!
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
See the EVA section, i dont think there are any major differences between EVA brands
Brooke
Thank you!
Sharon M Bookwalter
Do Hersvin EVA shelf liners contain PFAS?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
I wouldnt expect a solid plastic product to contain PFAS as it’s not necessary
Lindsey Hendrixson
Hello! Would you mind weighing in on the safety of NuWallpaper’s peel and stick wall paper (I found on Amazon)? Hoping to find a non-toxic option at a lower price point than Spoonflower, if possible. Thank you!
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
if it’s vinyl I wouldnt use it myself, if not vinyl then it’s probably fine
Melissa Roth
Hi Corinne,
I know this is an old post, but what are your thoughts on this Con-tact Brand Premium Shelf Liner (clear) that is sold at Costco? I can’t see what it’s made of, but it says it’s non-adhesive, Prop 65 compliant, phthalates and BPA free.
https://www.costco.com/con-tact-brand-premium-shelf-and-drawer-liner%2c-4-pack.product.100836675.html
Thank you so much!
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
this article is updated frequently, go with one of the options in the post. the majority of other options are PVC which offgasses even if phthalate free (and contains other plasticizers)
Desira Matisz
In am looking for a shelf liner that not only does not out-gas and is made of non-toxic materials, but one that is also non toxic in its manufacturing process and not harmful to the environment when thrown out.
A big ask, but I like to start with the safest product for everyone, which is usually to impossible, and go from there to the next least toxic products, and so on the line.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
Natural wood and paper would be the safest bets all around though my website only focuses on indoor air quality and safe products for the chemically sensitive. If you have drawers that you want to look really nice you might even be able to use Marmoleum.
TRACEY HOUSER
Just when I think there is something I am searching for in my home that you probably have not covered, you did! Thank you so much…you truly are amazing and have been a huge help making decisions for a healthier / less toxic home.
Myra
IS THIS ALUMINUM FREE ??Con-Tact Brand Metal FX Creative
Covering, Self-Adhesive Drawer Liner,
Silver(stainless steel look)
Debra
Is there an option that’s not made in China?
Christy G
Thank you for this post! Saves me time on researching which liners off gas, etc. Also, the links to products are very helpful!
Duffy
Will any of the recommended shelf liners NOT offgas in glass door kitchen cabinets? We currently have ribbed clear shelf liners and the cabinets with wood doors that don’t have sun shining through them have no smell but the cabinets with glass doors smell pretty strong. Can you recommend a non toxic product that won’t smell when exposed to sun through the glass doors?
Thank you
Meisha
Hi there! I am trying to find a nontoxic, reasonably priced shelf and drawer liner. I love all of the wallpaper options from Spoonflower, but it’s a little too pricey for how much I need to buy. I came across Clear Classic Easy Liner from Duck Brand. They state it is made of 80% Ethyl Vinyl Acetate (EVA) and 20% PE. Is this a safe choice? Thanks so much!
Corinne
Yes, I mention both EVA and PE in the post.
Meisha
Thank you!!!
Kathy
Do you have any recommendations for shelf liners that would go on a shelf where there are kitchen lights underneath? My lights are creating quite a bit of heat on this shelf where I plan to store some freeze dried or dehydrated food in glass jars for easy access, so it’s just one shelf. I really don’t want the heat transfer on my food. I thought of those garden knee pads as they are thick, but I’m not sure what they are made of and the jars wouldn’t slide over them. Any ideas? Thank you!
Corinne
The thicker polypropylene options made for wire carts might be enough of a thermal break. But if that’s not enough put down something insulative like cork or foam.
Debbie M
I lean toward the silicone liner but not many choices and it’s spendy which I can’t do right now. Do you think it would be ok to use parchment paper? I have in the past. Things do slide around and it has to be replaced eventually because it’s paper and will wrinkle with the slightest amount of moisture which also means you can’t wipe it down. But it’s very inexpensive!
Corinne
I have no problem using parchment paper which is coated in silicone in drawers or on kitchen shelves
anonymous
Hello , I am actually looking for a shelf liner , and though I read that you prefer EVA and PET . I searched up about PET and EVA and seems like they both are toxic and specially EVA when exposed to heat . Could you pls elaborate how these options are really safe
JEN
I bought some PET shelf liners and they have a strong plastic smell, which also makes me think they are off gassing.
JEN
The PET products like the Con-tact brand also don’t seem to be environmentally friendly. At least most of their products, aside from their EviroLiner range.
Corinne
Con-tact brand is PVC that is why it smells and is offgasing.
meredith stacy
I have Con-tact brand paper in various spots in my house. I recently tested it for lead and the white Con-tact paper has more leachable lead than I’ve ever seen on any product ever and I’ve been testing lead for several years. I plan on replacing with something more environmentally friendly, but I need to get the word out as this is a serious problem. I’ve contacted the EPA and the CEH in the past, but do you have any suggestions how to quickly notify consumers to test their Con-Tact paper & remove and replace it if lead is present?
Corinne
Wow interesting. What did you test it with? You might see if Tamara Ruben can post about the results. The problem is we have a liability issue if we didn’t test ourelseves.
Kat
Wow, I suspected there might be lead in older ConTact paper but shocked you found it in a newer plain white one. I now use wax paper for lining pantry shelves, drawers etc. Wax paper turns out to be the easiest and best non toxic liner for every room in my home.