Sofia Martinez
Celestial Seasonings tea bags contain polypropylene fibers, a type of plastic that is not compostable. In addition, the brand previously used plastic overwrap on its tea boxes, which served as a tamper-evident method for box closure. However, in 2024, Celestial Seasonings announced that it would remove the plastic overwrap from over 130 of its tea boxes, eliminating an estimated 165,000 pounds of plastic waste annually. The brand has also reduced the thickness of its plastic outer freshness wrapper to decrease material usage. While Celestial Seasonings has taken steps to reduce plastic waste, it is important to note that their tea bags may still contribute to plastic pollution in compost and landfills.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic in tea bags | Polypropylene fibers |
| Plastic overwrap | Eliminated in 2024 |
| Plastic outer freshness wrapper | Thickness reduced |
| Plastic shrink wrap | Discontinued in May 2020 |
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What You'll Learn
- Celestial Seasonings tea bags contain polypropylene fibres
- The plastic overwrap on Celestial Seasonings tea boxes has been discontinued
- Wax liner inside Celestial Seasonings boxes protects tea bags
- Celestial Seasonings tea bags are not biodegradable
- Plastic in tea bags will not biodegrade and should not be composted
Celestial Seasonings tea bags contain polypropylene fibres
The discovery of plastic in Celestial Seasonings tea bags has been a concern for environmentally conscious consumers, who worry about the impact of microplastics on the environment and human health. Tea drinkers have expressed surprise and dismay at learning they may have been unknowingly ingesting microplastics and nanoparticles of plastic for years. This has led to a growing movement towards plastic-free tea bags and a preference for loose-leaf tea, which is often seen as a more environmentally friendly alternative.
In response to these concerns, Celestial Seasonings has taken steps towards reducing its plastic waste. In 2024, the company announced that it would be removing the plastic overwrap from its tea boxes, a change expected to eliminate 165,000 pounds of plastic waste annually. This follows an earlier decision in 2020 to discontinue the outer shrink wrap on some of its products. Celestial Seasonings has also emphasised its commitment to social responsibility, stating that it packages its teas in natural fibre, pillow-style tea bags and uses recyclable paperboard for its outer boxes.
While Celestial Seasonings has made efforts to reduce its plastic usage, the presence of polypropylene in its tea bags means that they are not a fully plastic-free option for consumers. For those seeking plastic-free alternatives, some brands offer tea bags made from compostable materials like abaca pulp or plant-based polymers that are fully biodegradable. These options ensure that tea drinkers can enjoy their favourite beverage without contributing to plastic pollution or ingesting microplastics.
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The plastic overwrap on Celestial Seasonings tea boxes has been discontinued
Celestial Seasonings has discontinued the plastic overwrap on its tea boxes, a move that is expected to eliminate 165,000 pounds of plastic waste annually. The Boulder, Colorado-based specialty tea company has replaced the plastic overwrap with glue dots and a perforated thumb opening to ensure secure closure. This change follows studies that assessed the impact on sensory profile, benefit delivery, and shelf life.
The plastic overwrap was initially used as a tamper-evident method for box closure, and its removal is part of Celestial Seasonings' commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. The company's parent company, Hain Celestial, has set a goal to eliminate excess and non-recyclable materials by 2030.
While Celestial Seasonings has taken steps to reduce plastic waste, it is important to note that their tea bags contain polypropylene fibers, which are not compostable. This means that while the outer packaging of the tea boxes is now plastic-free, the individual tea bags still contribute to plastic waste.
The presence of plastic in tea bags has been a growing concern for environmentally conscious consumers. Many companies have responded by releasing statements claiming that their tea bags are plastic-free, while others are transitioning to compostable materials. Some manufacturers are using polylactic acid (PLA), a plant-based plastic polymer, which is compostable in industrial facilities.
Celestial Seasonings' decision to discontinue the plastic overwrap on its tea boxes is a positive step towards reducing plastic waste and encouraging other brands to reevaluate the necessity of outer plastic packaging.
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Wax liner inside Celestial Seasonings boxes protects tea bags
While Celestial Seasonings tea bags contain polypropylene fibres and are not compostable, the brand has taken steps towards sustainability. Celestial Seasonings has removed the plastic overwrap from its tea boxes, a change that will eliminate 165,000 pounds of plastic waste annually. The company has also updated its packaging design with a perforated thumb opening and installed machinery that applies glue dots to box openings to ensure secure closure.
The inside of Celestial Seasonings boxes features a wax liner that protects the tea bags. This wax liner is not made of plastic, and the brand has taken measures to reduce plastic usage in its outer freshness wrapper. The artful outer boxes are made with 100% recycled paperboard, including 35% consumer waste, and can be recycled again when empty.
The parent company, Hain Celestial, has set a 2030 goal to eliminate excess and non-recyclable materials. This aligns with the brand's commitment to social responsibility and producing high-quality teas that are good for customers and the world.
Despite these efforts, some consumers have expressed disappointment in the removal of the plastic overwrap, perceiving it as a decrease in quality. However, Celestial Seasonings assures that the new packaging design maintains the same great taste and product benefits without the plastic waste.
It is worth noting that the presence of plastic in tea bags is a prevalent issue across the industry, and many companies are working towards becoming plastic-free. The public's growing concern about the environmental and health implications of microplastics in beverages has prompted changes, with some brands transitioning to plastic-free tea bags or compostable alternatives.
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Celestial Seasonings tea bags are not biodegradable
Plastic in tea bags, even if invisible to the naked eye, will not biodegrade. If you are unsure whether there is plastic in a tea bag, it belongs in the trash. Celestial Seasonings tea bags contain polypropylene fibres and are not compostable. In 2024, Celestial Seasonings removed the plastic overwrap from its tea boxes, a change that will eliminate an estimated 165,000 pounds of plastic waste annually. The company also reduced the thickness of its plastic outer freshness wrapper to reduce material usage.
While Celestial Seasonings has taken steps to reduce its plastic waste, its tea bags are not biodegradable. Polypropylene is a type of plastic used to seal tea bags and provide structure. It is invisible and widespread, and it is impossible to tell whether a tea bag contains it.
Some companies have released statements that their tea bags are plastic-free, while others are employing PLA (polylactic acid, a plant-based 'plastic' polymer) compounds that are compostable at industrial composting facilities. However, Celestial Seasonings has not released any statements regarding plastic-free tea bags.
To avoid using non-biodegradable tea bags, consumers can switch to loose-leaf tea, which is often cheaper and generates less waste. There are also some plastic-free tea bag options available, such as Sugimoto Organic Sencha Tea with Matcha and Genmaicha, which are made in Japan. For consumers in the US, Smith Tea from Portland is another plastic-free option.
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Plastic in tea bags will not biodegrade and should not be composted
Plastic in tea bags, even if invisible to the naked eye, will not biodegrade and should not be put into either your backyard or an industrial composting system. If you are unsure as to whether or not there is plastic in your tea bag, it belongs in the trash.
Celestial Seasonings tea bags contain polypropylene fibres, which are not compostable. The company has, however, taken steps to reduce its plastic waste. In 2024, Celestial Seasonings removed the plastic overwrap from its tea boxes, a change that is estimated to eliminate 165,000 pounds of plastic waste annually. The company has also reduced the thickness of its plastic outer freshness wrapper to reduce material usage. In 2020, Celestial Seasonings discontinued the outer shrink wrap on its Fruit Tea & Herbal Tea sampler cartons.
Many tea drinkers are surprised to learn that they may have been unknowingly ingesting billions of micro- and nanoparticles of plastic for years. While most tea bags are made from natural fibre materials, such as unbleached paper or abaca pulp, many also contain polypropylene. This plastic is generally used for sealing the bag and/or providing structure (called thermoplastic lining). These invisible plastic glues are widespread, and it is impossible to tell whether a tea bag contains them just by looking at it.
Fortunately, greater public concern for the environmental and human health implications of microplastics in tea has led to changes across the industry. Many companies have released statements sharing that their tea bags are plastic-free, while others are employing PLA (polylactic acid, a plant-based 'plastic' polymer) compounds that are compostable at industrial composting facilities.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Celestial Seasonings tea bags contain polypropylene fibers.
No, Celestial Seasonings tea boxes used to have a plastic overwrap. However, the company recently removed the plastic covering from more than 130 of its teas, eliminating an estimated 165,000 pounds of plastic waste annually.
No, the tea bags are not biodegradable as they contain plastic. Therefore, they should not be put into a compost bin.
Yes, there are several plastic-free tea options available, such as Sugimoto Organic Sencha Tea with Matcha and Genmaicha, Smith Tea, and Barry's Tea.
