Maya Ellison
Barry's Tea, an independent family-owned Irish company, has faced scrutiny for the presence of plastic in its tea bags. In 2018, an Uplift campaign was initiated, and the company pledged to transition to compostable bags. Despite this, Barry's Tea continued to use non-biodegradable tea bags containing polypropylene, a type of plastic. This sparked controversy, particularly among environmentally conscious tea enthusiasts. Following protests, Barry's Tea announced that they were working towards eliminating plastic from their tea bags, with varying reports on the success of these efforts. Some sources indicate that Barry's Tea has transitioned to plastic-free tea bags, while others suggest that certain varieties, such as Barry's Gold Blend, still contain significant amounts of plastic. The company has made sustainability commitments, including the use of recyclable boxes printed with vegetable-based inks, and has expressed ongoing progress in its sustainability journey.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic content in tea bags | Barry's Tea admitted that their tea bags contain plastic. A study found that the Gold Blend tea bags contained 0.08g of plastic, while the Decaf tea bags contained 0.06g of plastic. |
| Biodegradability | Barry's Tea pledged to remove plastic from their tea bags in 2018 and transition to biodegradable tea bags. As of 2021, their black tea range, fruit teas, herbal teas, and green teas are biodegradable. |
| Compostability | The tea bags can be put in a food waste bin for industrial composting. For those without access to industrial composting, the used tea can be composted in a personal compost heap, while the tea bag can be disposed of in the refuse bin. |
| Packaging | The boxes that the tea bags come in are recyclable and printed with vegetable-based inks. |
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What You'll Learn
Barry's Tea bags contain plastic
Barry's Tea, an independent family-owned Irish company, has faced criticism for the presence of plastic in its tea bags. In 2018, an Uplift campaign was initiated, urging the company to address this issue. Despite their pledge to create compostable bags, protests outside their headquarters in 2021 highlighted ongoing concerns.
The controversy surrounding Barry's Tea bags revolves around the use of non-biodegradable materials, specifically polypropylene, a type of plastic. This has sparked outrage among environmentally conscious tea lovers, as these tea bags contribute to the growing problem of microplastics in the environment when disposed of in compost bins.
A study conducted by students in Cork revealed varying levels of plastic content in different blends of Barry's Tea. The Gold Blend tea bags were found to contain approximately 0.08 grams of plastic, or just under 50% plastic by weight, making them the most plastic-heavy variety. Other blends, such as Barry's Decaf and Bewley's Original, had lower plastic content at 0.06 grams or around 34% plastic by weight.
In response to the backlash, Barry's Tea has made efforts to transition to plastic-free alternatives. They have invested in redesigning their machinery, and as of 2021, their black tea range produced in Cork is now biodegradable. Additionally, their Fruit, Herbal, and Green teas are also available in biodegradable tea bags. The company expressed their commitment to sustainability and delivering the finest quality teas.
While Barry's Tea has taken steps towards environmental responsibility, some consumers remain cautious. The presence of bioplastics or polyactic acid (PLA) in their tea bags has sparked debates about the potential release of nanoplastic particles during steeping and their impact on intestinal health. However, Barry's Tea maintains that their tea bags do not contain any nano or microplastics, and they are proud of their progress in sustainability.
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The company pledged to remove plastic
Barry's Tea, an independent family-owned Irish company, has been under scrutiny for its tea bags' plastic content since an Uplift campaign was started in 2018. The company pledged to design a compostable bag suitable for brown bins, and in 2021, they announced that they were going completely plastic-free.
In 2019, it was revealed that Barry's Tea bags contained plastic. This information came to light through a study conducted by students from St. Mary's High School in Midleton, Cork, who investigated the plastic content of various tea bags as part of the BT Young Scientist Awards. The study found that Barry's Gold Blend tea bags contained 0.08g of plastic, while their Decaf blend contained 0.06g. This sparked a controversy, particularly among environmentally conscious tea lovers, as tea bags containing plastic contribute to the growing problem of microplastics in the environment when placed in compost bins.
Following the findings of the student-led study and pressure from Uplift members, Barry's Tea promised to remove the plastic from their tea bags in 2018. However, no concrete action was taken initially. In response, Uplift campaigners delivered a 13,000-signature petition to the company's headquarters in Cork, urging them to address the issue.
Finally, in August 2021, Barry's Tea announced that they were going completely plastic-free. They stated that their tea bags would now be biodegradable, and consumers could put them in food waste bins for industrial composting. This change applied to their black tea range produced in Cork and their Fruit, Herbal, and Green teas.
Barry's Tea's journey towards sustainability extends beyond their tea bags. The company also uses recyclable boxes printed with vegetable-based inks, and they have made significant investments in redesigning and developing their machinery to align with their sustainability goals.
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Plastic tea bags harm the environment
Plastic tea bags are a major contributor to environmental harm. Firstly, they release billions of microplastic and nanoplastic particles into the tea during the steeping process. These particles can have harmful effects on the environment, as evidenced by a study that found that the breakdown of polylactic acid (PLA) bioplastic tea bags negatively impacted earthworms, causing harm to their health, growth, reproduction, and burrowing behavior. This indicates potential ecological risks when these biodegradable products are released into soil ecosystems.
The presence of microplastics in tea bags also poses health concerns for humans. More than 20% of plastic compounds used globally have been classified by the European Union as concerning due to their persistence, accumulation in human fatty tissues, and/or toxicity. Consuming tea made with plastic tea bags can result in the ingestion of these microplastics, which may have negative health consequences, including endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, and interference with neurodevelopment.
Additionally, the improper disposal of plastic tea bags can contribute to environmental harm. When plastic tea bags are incorrectly placed in compost bins, the plastic chemicals can be absorbed by plants and re-enter the food chain. To avoid this, it is recommended to separate the tea leaves from the plastic bag and dispose of the bag in the trash. However, this does not mitigate the overall environmental impact of the plastic waste.
Some tea companies, like Barry's Tea, have acknowledged the presence of plastic in their tea bags and have made commitments to sustainability. Barry's Tea has introduced biodegradable tea bags for their black tea range and Fruit, Herbal, and Green teas. They also use recyclable materials for their tea boxes and vegetable-based inks for printing. However, it is important to note that their loose tea is packaged in non-recyclable foil bags.
To reduce the environmental harm caused by plastic tea bags, consumers can opt for loose leaf teas or tea brands that offer biodegradable or plastic-free tea bags. By making conscious choices and supporting environmentally friendly products, individuals can play a role in mitigating the negative impact of plastic tea bags on the environment and human health.
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Biodegradable tea bags are available
Tea bags are commonly made of filter paper or food-grade plastic, or occasionally silk. Barry's Tea, an independent family-owned Irish company, previously admitted that there was plastic in their tea bags. However, they have been on a sustainability journey for some time and have made progress. Their tea boxes are 100% recyclable and printed using vegetable-based inks, and the plastic over-wrap on the boxes is also recyclable.
Barry's Tea has been working towards making their tea bags biodegradable. Since September 2021, their entire black tea range has been biodegradable, and all of their Fruit, Herbal, and Green teas are now also biodegradable. The tea bags in their 80s and 160s boxes are biodegradable, and they aim to make all of their tea bags biodegradable.
Some people choose to compost their tea bags, but it is important to note that not all tea bags are biodegradable. Barry's Tea recommends opening the used tea bag, composting the tea leaves in a personal compost heap, and putting the tea bag in the refuse bin if industrial composting is not available.
There are alternative options available for those seeking biodegradable tea bags. Some companies offer biodegradable tea bags made from unbleached paper that are fully biodegradable and compostable. These tea bags are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic tea bags. Additionally, some brands like PG Tips offer biodegradable tea bags, and German brands like Teekanne and Messmer are also recommended for plastic-free tea bags.
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Barry's Tea is switching to PLA tea bags
Barrys Tea is an independent family-owned Irish company that sources tea from government agencies and Rainforest Alliance Certified farms. In 2018, the company pledged to remove the plastic from their tea bags, following pressure from Uplift members. However, no concrete action was taken until 2021. In August 2021, Barrys Tea announced that they were going completely plastic-free, with all of their black tea range, fruit teas, herbal teas, and green teas now available in biodegradable tea bags.
The switch to PLA tea bags is a significant step towards sustainability for Barrys Tea. PLA, or polylactic acid, is a type of bioplastic made from plants, typically derived from the sugars in corn starch, cassava, or sugarcane. It is a biodegradable material that can be broken down and composted, reducing the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and compost heaps. This is especially important for tea bags, as they are commonly disposed of in compost bins, contributing to the growing problem of microplastics in the environment.
While the switch to PLA tea bags is a positive move, it is important to note that PLA is not without its drawbacks. Studies have shown that PLA tea bags can release nanoplastic particles when steeped, which can have potential health and environmental implications. In addition, the complete biodegradation of PLA requires specific conditions that may not always be met in commercial and domestic composting facilities, leading to the release of PLA microplastics into the environment.
Despite these concerns, Barrys Tea's switch to PLA tea bags is a welcome change that aligns with the company's sustainability goals and values. By investing in the redesign and development of their machinery, Barrys Tea has demonstrated its commitment to reducing plastic waste and providing environmentally friendly products to its customers. This move sets a positive example for other tea companies and contributes to a broader effort to reduce the impact of plastic pollution on the environment.
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Frequently asked questions
Barry's Tea has come under fire for its non-biodegradable tea bags, which contain polypropylene, a type of plastic. In 2018, the company pledged to remove the plastic in their tea bags, and since September 2021, all of their Fruit, Herbal, and Green teas are available in biodegradable tea bags.
A study by Secondary School students in Cork found that Barry's Gold Blend tea bags contained 0.08g of plastic, while Barry's Decaf, Bewley's Original, and Lidl's Knightsbridge Jasmine Green Tea contained 0.06g of plastic.
Barry's Tea states that their black tea range, produced in Cork, and their Fruit, Herbal, and Green teas are now biodegradable. The tea bags can be put in a food waste bin for industrial composting.
