Glue Stick (30-Pack)
30-pack of glue sticks with polypropylene barrel and PVA glue. Elmer's is the most popular school glue brand in the US.
How scores are calculated
Materials (40%): How plastic-free the product is — raw materials, construction, and coatings.
Packaging (20%): Is the product packaged in plastic? Is it recyclable?
Transparency (20%): Does the brand disclose ingredients, sourcing, and manufacturing?
Durability (20%): How long does it last? Longer-lasting products reduce plastic waste over time.
This is a rating of this specific product only — not the company. Other products from this brand may score differently.
Last updated: April 6, 2026
Office and school supplies contain a surprising array of toxic chemicals: phthalates in plastic binders and folders, formaldehyde in pressed wood furniture, PFAS in stain-resistant fabrics, and BPA in thermal receipt paper. Children are particularly vulnerable to chemical exposure from school supplies they handle daily.
Why We Rated It This Way
Elmer's glue sticks use PVA — a relatively safe synthetic polymer. The polypropylene barrel is the main concern. For school use, this is an acceptable choice, but reducing single-use plastic packaging is an area for improvement.
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