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Richlite cutting boards are made from a durable thermoset composite of FSC® Certified paper and resin, permanently fused under high heat and pressure. This process creates a solid, non-separable material where cellulose fibers and resin are bonded. Unlike plastic cutting boards made from thermoplastics, Richlite does not melt, soften, or shed microplastic particles; even under heavy use.

Independent testing by FILAB (France) confirmed that Richlite boards do not release microplastics during normal cutting or washing. Any particles found were natural cellulose fibers, similar to dietary fiber, and not synthetic plastic.

Plastic (poly) boards are made from thermoplastic polymers like HDPE, the same type of material used in plastic garbage bags and plastic bottles/containers. These boards shed microplastics with every cut. Richlite is made from 65% natural paper fiber and thermoset resin, giving it a knife-friendly surface that stays smooth and durable even under heavy use.

Think of thermoplastics like a stack of LEGO® bricks; each piece can break apart into individual polymer particles over time. In contrast, Richlite’s thermoset resin permanently crosslinks these “pieces,” creating a solid, unified structure that cannot be separated. When combined with natural cellulose fibers, the resin and paper bond into a single, durable composite. This unique material is stable, long-lasting, and does not shed microplastics, making Richlite cutting boards a safer and more sustainable choice for food prep.

No. Richlite cutting boards are engineered to withstand high heat from pots, pans, and other kitchen tools. In contrast, plastic cutting boards made from HDPE begin to soften around 230°F (110°C) and can melt at approximately 266°F (130°C); temperatures that are easily reached in a busy kitchen. Imagine slicing a steak on an HDPE board that just came off a 500°F (260°C) grill. Richlite’s thermoset composite resists heat deformation, making it a safer and more durable choice for professional and home kitchens.

Richlite’s superior heat resistance comes from its thermoset polymer matrix, which forms permanent crosslinks that prevent heat deformation.

Unlike plastic cutting boards, Richlite won’t soften, flow, or release microplastics; even when exposed to high temperatures. Its knife friendly surface keeps knife marks open and easy to clean, supporting long-term hygiene and food safety in both professional and home kitchens. In contrast, knife marks made in HDPE plastic boards will close over time and trap food particles along with bacteria.

Richlite cutting boards typically last 3–5 times longer than traditional plastic (poly) boards. This extended lifespan helps reduce kitchen waste and replacement costs, making Richlite a smart investment for both home cooks and professional chefs.

Thanks to thermoset composite structure, Richlite resists gouging and heat damage. It maintains a smooth, professional grade cutting surface for years, contributing to lower plastic consumption and a more sustainable kitchen environment.

No. Richlite contains No Added Urea Formaldehyde (NAUF) and Richlite’s formaldehyde emissions test at <0.001 ppm, far below the EPA and CARB limit of 0.05 ppm. It’s also GREENGUARD Gold Certified for indoor air quality, making it safe for both home and commercial environments.

From a materials perspective, Richlite’s thermoset resin fully cures during production, leaving a stable, crosslinked structure that doesn’t off-gas formaldehyde or other volatile organic compounds.

Richlite does not intentionally add PFAS, PFOS, PFOA, or other perfluorinated compounds. This compliance aligns with U.S. EPA and European regulations, as well as emerging state-level restrictions.

Supplier documentation and formulation control confirm the absence of PFAS, ensuring Richlite remains safe for direct food contact and environmentally responsible from manufacture through disposal. See the independent PFAS Statement for details.

Yes, Richlite cutting boards are NSF® Certified for food contact, meeting strict hygiene and safety standards for commercial and residential kitchens.

Unlike many plastic boards, Richlite also tested free from detectable microplastic release, combining professional-grade performance with proven food safety. It’s knife-friendly surface supports cleanability and resists moisture penetration.

If a small fragment were to break off a Richlite cutting board, it’s primarily made of cellulose fiber; not plastic. Similar to wood fiber, it’s not harmful if accidentally ingested and simply passes through the body like dietary fiber. In fact, cellulose is a common food-grade ingredient used as a thickener in many processed foods. This makes Richlite a safer, non-toxic alternative to plastic cutting boards, especially in high-use kitchen environments. Richlite’s thermoset structure prevents plastic-like shavings. Unlike HDPE, which can produce microplastic particles, Richlite’s crosslinked material stays intact even under repeated knife strikes.

Richlite is made from recycled and/or FSC®-certified paper, ensuring responsible forestry and renewable sourcing. It lasts years longer than typical plastic boards, reducing waste and replacement frequency — a practical sustainability advantage for chefs and consumers alike.

Beyond renewable materials, Richlite is manufactured using Waste-to-Energy technology, diverting production byproducts from landfills and converting them into clean power. It is GREENGUARD Gold Certified for indoor air quality, contains No Added Urea Formaldehyde (NAUF), and is verified to release no detectable microplastics. Richlite also carries a third-party verified Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), which transparently reports its lifecycle environmental impact, from raw material sourcing to end-of-life disposal; according to ISO 14025 standards. With these certifications and a proven low-emission process, Richlite stands as one of the most environmentally advanced and durable food-prep surfaces available.