Alexei Volkov
Tea is one of the most popular beverages worldwide, with tea bags being a convenient way to brew a cup. However, the presence of plastic in tea bags has sparked concerns among environmentally and health-conscious consumers. While some tea brands have switched to plastic-free tea bags, others are still in the process of transitioning. Tetley, a prominent tea company, has acknowledged the presence of a small amount of plastic in their tea bags, but they are working towards more sustainable production methods. This topic explores the efforts of Tetley and other tea brands to address the issue of plastic in tea bags, offering insights into the challenges and alternatives in the quest for a perfect, eco-friendly cup of tea.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do Tetley tea bags contain plastic? | Yes, but only 1% of the tea bag. |
| Which tea bags contain plastic? | Pyramid tea bags, including some Tetley tea bags, contain plastic. |
| How to identify plastic tea bags? | Pyramid tea bags that do not tear easily usually contain nylon or propylene. |
| Are there any plastic-free alternatives? | Stash tea bags, Pukka tea bags, Teapigs tea bags, and Lyon's tea bags are some alternatives that do not contain plastic. |
| What are the concerns with plastic tea bags? | Heat can cause chemicals from plastic to leach into beverages, releasing potential carcinogens and endocrine disruptors. |
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What You'll Learn
Tetley tea bags contain 1% plastic
Many tea drinkers are surprised to learn that most tea bags contain plastic. In fact, tea bags can contain up to 25% plastic. A viral BBC video from 2017 brought this issue to light, revealing that heat can cause chemicals from plastic to leach into hot drinks, releasing carcinogens and endocrine disruptors.
Tetley tea bags are 99% plastic-free, but still contain 1% plastic. This small amount of plastic is used to ensure the bags remain closed. Tetley claims that they continually seek to work with their suppliers to improve and explore the most sustainable production processes and methods. They have stated that they are in the process of switching from plastic heat-sealed tea bags, and by early 2025, all Tetley tea bags in supermarkets had switched to PLA-based bags.
Tetley's string and tag tea bags, used in Tetley Black and Green Tea (excluding All Rounder), are made from a natural fiber woven paper, mostly Abaca fiber and short wood fibers. These tea bags do not contain any plastic and can be home composted, although Tetley recommends removing the aluminum staple if present.
Tetley's Round Tagless tea bags, used in the All Rounder blend, are primarily (75%) made from cellulose fibers (plant matter), with the remaining 25% made from food-safe plastic.
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Matcha Green Tea tea bags are made of Polyethylene Terephthalate
Plastic is used in tea bags to provide stability and prevent them from falling apart during the brewing process. However, due to the potential release of microplastics when exposed to hot water, the use of plastic in tea bags has been scrutinized. Nylon or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are commonly used in tea bags by manufacturers. Nylon is a synthetic polymer that is not biodegradable, and it releases microplastics into your tea when exposed to heat. Similarly, PET is a plastic resin commonly used in food containers and water bottles. It is also not biodegradable and can release microplastics when heated. These microplastics can end up in your drink, posing potential health risks.
Matcha Green Tea tea bags from Tetley are made of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), a type of plastic resin. Tetley tea bags are 99% biodegradable, but due to the manufacturing process, they contain a small amount of plastic to keep the bags closed. Tetley is actively researching plant-based options and testing their compatibility to transition to plastic-free materials.
Some tea brands, like Lipton, offer tea bags made from biodegradable PLA material, while others, like The Tea Spot, use plant-based biodegradable sachets made from sugar cane fibers. These alternatives ensure that tea drinkers do not consume harmful plastics or microplastics.
It is worth noting that the production of plastic tea bags contributes to climate change due to the significant energy and resources required, including fossil fuels. Additionally, the manufacturing process produces waste, including greenhouse gases and toxic chemicals. Switching to compostable tea bags is an eco-friendly choice that can lead to a more sustainable future.
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String and Tag tea bags are made from natural fibre woven paper
Tea bags are made from various materials, each chosen for its properties to contain tea leaves and release flavour and aroma during steeping. Paper tea bags are usually made from a blend of wood and vegetable fibres, including abaca leaves and cellulose. The paper is lightweight and porous, allowing water to flow through and steep the tea leaves.
String and Tag tea bags, used in Tetley Black and Tetley Green Tea (excluding All Rounder), are made from natural fibre woven paper. They are mostly made from Abaca fibre and short wood fibres. Although not specifically tested for biodegradability or compostability, used tea bags can be home composted. However, Tetley recommends removing the aluminium staple if present. The staple is made from an aluminium alloy that is used primarily in food production due to its absence of toxicity. Using a staple instead of adhesive also allows Tetley to avoid using plastic in the bag composition.
Tetley tea bags are 99% biodegradable, but due to the manufacturing process, they do contain a very small amount of plastic to ensure the bags remain closed.
The filter paper used to produce tea bags with a string and tag attached does not need to contain plastic polymer fibres. These tea bags can be folded and secured with a knot or a staple. However, many tea bag producers choose to use paper with plastic fibres for added strength. The string is usually made from cotton and is stuck on rather than sewn in.
Tea bags made from paper will rip more easily and will disintegrate if left to steep for too long. If your tea bag seems remarkably resilient, it likely contains some plastic fibres.
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Tetley tea bags are 99% biodegradable
Plastic in tea bags has been a concern for tea drinkers for some time. A viral BBC video from 2017 revealed that tea bags contain plastic, and that heat can cause chemicals from the plastic to leach into tea, releasing carcinogens and endocrine disruptors.
Tetley's string and tag bags, used in Tetley Black and Green Tea (excluding All Rounder), are made from a natural fiber woven paper, mostly Abaca fiber and short wood fibers. The company does not specifically test these bags for biodegradability or compostability, but they can be home composted if the aluminum staple is removed.
Tetley's Round Tagless tea bags, used in the All Rounder blend, are primarily (75%) made from cellulose fibers (plant matter), with the remaining 25% made from food-safe plastic.
In early 2025, Tetley switched to PLA-based bags across all box sizes, after years of stating that they were in the process of switching from plastic heat-sealed tea bags.
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Tetley is switching to plastic-free tea bags
Plastic pollution is a pressing environmental concern, and plastic waste is found in almost every corner of the planet. Even in places as remote as the Arctic and the peaks of Mount Everest, plastic waste is present. Plastic waste is also found in the human body, with microplastics being consumed through food and drink. Tea drinkers may be surprised to learn that many tea bags contain plastic, with some containing up to 25% plastic. This plastic can leach chemicals, including carcinogens and endocrine disruptors, when exposed to hot water during the brewing process.
Tetley, a major tea company, has historically used plastic in its tea bags. Their tea bags are made from food-grade PET filter materials (Polyethylene Terephthalate), and the company has stated that their tea bags are 99% biodegradable. However, due to the manufacturing process, a small amount of plastic is necessary to ensure the bags remain closed. Tetley has recognised the importance of sustainable sourcing and has been working with suppliers to improve sustainability and explore alternative production methods.
In response to consumer demand and a growing awareness of plastic pollution, Tetley is now transitioning to plastic-free tea bags. This process began with their big-selling Tetley Original 120s and 240s tea bags, and as of early 2025, all boxes in supermarkets have switched to PLA-based bags. PLA, or polylactic acid, is a plant-based polymer that is sometimes referred to as bioplastic. This switch to PLA-based bags is a positive step towards reducing plastic waste and the potential health risks associated with plastic in tea bags.
While Tetley's move towards plastic-free tea bags is commendable, it is worth noting that even PLA-based bags may not be a perfect solution. Some environmentalists argue that PLA can still contribute to environmental harm, particularly when it ends up in landfills. Additionally, some companies that claim to be "plastic-free" may use terms like "polymer" or "hydrocarbon" instead of "plastic," which can be misleading. It is important for consumers to be aware of these nuances and continue advocating for truly sustainable and safe alternatives.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Tetley Tea bags contain a very small amount of plastic, about 1%. This is used to ensure the bags remain closed. However, their string and tag bags, used in Tetley Black and Tetley Green Tea (excluding All Rounder), are made from natural fibres and do not contain any plastic.
Plastic is used in the manufacturing process to ensure the tea bags remain closed for consumers to use.
Tetley Tea bags are 99% biodegradable. The string and tag bags can be home composted, but the aluminium staple should be removed.
