Maya Ellison
Tea is a very British tradition, with the UK Tea and Infusions Association reporting that 60.2 billion cups of tea are consumed in the UK each year. However, tea drinkers have been surprised to learn that many tea bags contain plastic. Plastic tea bags can release microplastics and nanoplastics into tea, posing health risks and contributing to environmental concerns. While some tea brands have shifted to plastic-free tea bags, others continue to use plastic in their packaging. This paragraph introduces the topic of plastic content in tea brands and sets the context for further discussion and analysis.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic content | Food-grade plastic like polypropylene, nylon, and bioplastics |
| Plastic use | Sealing tea bags, maintaining freshness of tea leaves, and packaging |
| Health risks | Endocrine system disruption, reproductive health issues due to hormone mimicry |
| Environmental impact | Conventional tea bags cannot completely decompose, adding plastic to the compost |
| Plastic-free alternatives | Loose leaf tea, compostable tea bags without plastic packaging |
| Brands with plastic | Traditional Medicines, Numi, Yorkshire Gold, Twinnings, Waitrose Duchy, Yorkshire Tea |
| Brands without plastic | Hampstead Tea, Republic of Tea, PG Tips |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic sealants and packaging
However, there are tea brands that offer plastic-free tea bags and packaging. Traditional Medicinals, for instance, uses sustainably harvested abaca leaf fibers and wood pulp in a double-chamber design that eliminates the need for chemical sealants. Qi Tea also offers plastic-free tea bags made from plant fibers, free of glue and aluminum staples, with compostable and recyclable packaging. Pukka Herbs uses organic cotton stitching instead of staples or polypropylene, and their tea bags are fully home-compostable. Clipper tea bags are plastic-free and biodegradable, made from natural plant-based fibers, and the company has phased out polypropylene. Red Rose Tea uses abaca fiber, a polymer alternative, and their tea bags are pressure-sealed without glue or plastics. FGO also offers waste-free packaging for their tea bags.
Loose leaf tea is another option that is generally more environmentally friendly, as it often comes in easy-to-store tins or eco-friendly packaging. It is also a higher-quality tea, as it is made from whole unbroken leaves, resulting in a richer flavor and aroma.
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Pyramid tea bags
Plastic tea bags have been a cause for concern in recent years, with many people worried about the potential health and environmental impact of their use. A 2019 study by McGill University found that tea bags made of nylon and PET (or polyethylene terephthalate), when viewed under an electron microscope, revealed high levels of microplastic and even smaller nanoplastic particles. These plastic particles are released into the tea when the bag is immersed in hot water.
However, not all pyramid tea bags contain plastic. Some brands offer plastic-free pyramid tea bags made from alternative materials. For example, Heavenly Tea Leaves offers compostable pyramid tea bags crafted from sugar cane, which are 100% plastic-free and fully biodegradable. Similarly, Hampstead Tea uses stitched tea bags that are free of any bioplastics or plastics and can be composted.
When choosing tea bags, it is important to read the labels carefully. Some companies may claim their bags are plastic-free, but they still use plastic for heat-sealing. Additionally, if the pyramid tea bags are shiny and resistant to tears, it is likely that they are made with plastic.
To avoid plastic tea bags altogether, consumers can opt for loose-leaf tea, which is typically more flavorful and can be conveniently brewed using stainless steel infusers or DIY brew bags made from sustainable wood pulp. These alternatives offer a more environmentally friendly option without compromising on taste or convenience.
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Pillow-style tea bags
"Pillow-style" tea bags, also known as "silken sachets", are often made from a blend of paper and plastic woven fibres. They are sealed shut using heat, with plastic binding the bag closed. These bags often contain about 20-30% plastic, with food-grade nylon being the most common type of plastic used.
Some brands that use plastic in their pillow-style tea bags include Celestial Seasoning, Earth Mama Organics, and Clipper Tea. Celestial Seasoning's traditional pillow-style tea bags contain food-grade polypropylene plastic fibres. Earth Mama Organics' tea bags contain thermoplastic fibres to ensure they stay closed. Clipper Tea was the first company to launch pillow tea bags that were plastic-free, unbleached, and non-GM. However, they used polypropylene to heat-seal their tea bags before switching to a plant-based alternative.
While some brands have started to transition to plastic-free alternatives, many traditional tea bags still contain plastic. Plastic is used to heat seal the bags and prevent them from falling apart. This can have negative environmental and health impacts, as plastic tea bags cannot completely decompose and can release microplastics into the tea.
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Silken sachets
"Silken" sachets are almost always made of plastic, typically food-grade nylon, rather than silk as the name would imply. The plastic used in these bags is considered food-safe, with a very high melting point. However, studies have shown that they can leach compounds that can cause reproductive health issues due to their ability to mimic hormones.
The plastic in these silken sachets can be in the form of microplastics and nanoplastics, which are released into the tea during brewing. These microscopic plastic particles can enter our natural resources, causing pollution, illness, and ecosystem damage. For example, both birds and fish can mistake these microplastics for food, which threatens their health. While studies have not confirmed specific illnesses caused by microplastics, they have found that ingestion can negatively impact the digestive, respiratory, and nervous systems.
Some silken sachets are made from plant-based plastic derived from corn or other plant-based materials. While these bags are biodegradable, they are not compostable at home and must be sent to a commercial facility to fully break down.
To avoid plastic in tea bags, consumers can opt for loose-leaf tea or choose brands that offer plastic-free tea bags. For example, The Republic of Tea uses unbleached round paper teabags, while Stash Tea uses sustainable, unbleached natural fibre and GMO-free cotton string. Nature's Cuppa tea bags are also made with unbleached paper with no polymers or plasticizers.
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String and tag tea bags
Some tea brands that use string and tag tea bags with plastic components include:
- Red Rose Tea: Their tea bags are made from abaca fibre, a natural alternative to polymer material, but they use polypropylene to seal the bags and attach the string.
- Twinings: Their pyramid tea bags are made from maize starch, but the attached label is covered in a thin layer of plastic.
- Yorkshire Gold: Their tea bags are sealed with PLA, a bioplastic derived from plants.
- Teapigs: Their tea bags are made from corn starch, but the tags and string are sealed with polypropylene.
On the other hand, some tea brands that offer plastic-free string and tag tea bags include:
- Pukka Herbs: Their tea bags are bound together with organic cotton instead of plastic or bioplastic and are fully compostable.
- Bromley: Their tea bags are made from wood pulp and are heat-sealed without glue or any other plastics.
- Republic of Tea: Their tea bags are unbleached round paper tea bags without unnecessary strings, tags, or staples.
- Qi Tea: Their tea bags are plastic-free, with only the envelope wrapper containing plastic to keep the tea fresh.
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Frequently asked questions
Many popular tea brands use plastic to seal their tea bags. Some of these brands include Yorkshire Tea, Yorkshire Gold, Twinnings, and Waitrose Duchy.
Plastic is often used to seal tea bags to help keep their shape in hot water.
Yes, some tea brands such as Hampstead Tea use stitched tea bags made from natural fibers like wood pulp, which are completely plastic-free and compostable. Other alternatives include loose leaf tea or tea balls.
Plastic tea bags are often made from food-grade plastic with high melting points. However, studies have shown that they can leach compounds that may cause reproductive health issues.
Check the packaging or the brand's website for information on the materials used. Look for certifications or statements indicating that the tea bags are plastic-free, compostable, or made from natural fibers.
