Alexei Volkov
Many tea drinkers are often surprised to learn that their tea bags contain plastic. While some brands have moved away from plastic, opting for plant-based bioplastics, others continue to use polypropylene, a sealing plastic, to keep their tea bags from falling apart. This plastic is neither recyclable nor biodegradable. In addition, even if some tea bags are plastic-free, they may still be heat-sealed with plastic. Traditional Medicinals, Bromley, Earth Mama Organics, Lyon's, Pukka, Clipper Tea, Harney & Sons, Madura, and Uncle Lee's Chai teas are some of the brands that have confirmed they do not use plastic in their tea bags.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic-free tea brands | Bromley, Earth Mama Organics, Clipper Tea, Traditional Medicinals, Pukka, Harney & Sons, Madura, Republic of Tea, Lyon's |
| Plastic-containing tea brands | Stash/Tazo/Twinings, Yorkshire Gold, Aldi, Asda, Uncle Lee's Chai teas |
| Plastic alternatives | Organic cotton, hemp, or certain plant fibers, PLA |
| Plastic health risks | Bisphenol-A (BPA), phthalates, or polypropylene, PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic sealants in paper tea bags
Some tea brands have transitioned to using polylactic acid (PLA), a plant-based polymer, as a safer alternative to standard plastic. PLA is biodegradable and appears to be better for the environment. However, recent studies have raised concerns about the toxicological implications of PLA's biodegradation, and further research is needed to confirm the potential health risks associated with exposure to PLAs.
It is important to note that even if a tea brand claims to be plastic-free, they might still use plastic for heat-sealing their tea bags. For example, Yorkshire Gold seals their mostly paper tea bags with PLA. Some brands that have confirmed they do not use plastic in their string-and-tag tea bags include Bromley, Earth Mama Organics, Lyon's, and Traditional Medicinals. These brands use alternative materials such as wood pulp, abaca, and cellulose fibers to create their tea bags.
To avoid plastic sealants in tea bags, consumers can choose brands that do not use bisphenol-A (BPA), phthalates, or polypropylene. Tea bags made from organic cotton, hemp, or certain plant fibers are also good options. Loose leaf tea is another alternative, although it may not be as convenient for travel or when one is in a hurry.
With growing concerns about plastic pollution and its potential health risks, it is important for tea drinkers to be aware of the presence of plastic sealants in paper tea bags and to make informed choices when purchasing tea products.
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Pyramid tea bags made from plastic
Plastic has become an integral part of the tea industry, with many brands using it in their tea bags. While some bigger tea brands are hesitant to switch to plastic-free bags, there are a few notable exceptions. For instance, Tease Tea's pyramid tea bags are made from plant fibres, such as sugar cane and corn/abaca, and are free from plastic and nylon. Their bags are also biodegradable and compostable, making them a more sustainable option.
On the other hand, traditional pyramid tea bags are often made entirely from plastic or nylon, which raises environmental concerns. These bags are not biodegradable or compostable and can release billions of microplastic and nanoplastic particles into hot water, as discovered by a study published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology. The study found that a single plastic teabag released approximately 11.6 billion microplastic and 3.1 billion nanoplastic particles, which are invisible to the naked eye.
Some tea brands have responded to these concerns by transitioning to polylactic acid (PLA), a plant-based polymer or bioplastic, to claim that their tea bags are "plastic-free". While PLA is biodegradable and better for the environment, recent studies have raised questions about the toxicological implications of its biodegradation. For example, Yorkshire Gold tea bags are sealed with PLA, but there are concerns that this is a form of greenwashing as plant-based microplastics can be just as harmful as conventional plastics.
To avoid plastic in tea bags, consumers can opt for loose-leaf tea or tea bags made from organic cotton, hemp, or certain plant fibres. They can also choose brands that do not use bisphenol-A (BPA), phthalates, or polypropylene. Additionally, consumers can cut out tea bags and use a metal strainer or a stainless steel infuser to reduce their plastic waste.
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PLA bioplastics as a safer alternative
Many tea brands have been called out for using plastic in their tea bags. Some of the bigger tea brands seem hesitant to make the switch to plastic-free bags. Traditional tea bags are made with paper, which often includes a percentage of plastic to ensure they hold their shape and withstand hot water. However, plastic pollution is a growing concern, and consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the potential presence of plastic in their daily cup of tea.
Polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable plastic made from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane, has emerged as a popular alternative to traditional plastics in tea bags. PLA is a plant-based polymer, also known as a bioplastic, and is considered better for the environment as it does not create persistent microplastics. Several tea brands, including Aldi, Clipper Tea, and Yorkshire Gold, have transitioned to PLA tea bags, marketing them as "plastic-free."
While PLA was initially introduced as a safer alternative to standard plastic, recent studies have raised concerns about its biodegradability and potential health risks. For example, a study published in the Environmental Pollution Journal in December 2024 investigated the toxicological implications of PLA's biodegradation. Additionally, a July 2024 study in the Science of the Total Environment Journal found manufacturer-specific differences in the decomposition of cellulose/PLA tea bags and altered reproductive output in earthworms. These studies highlight the need for further research to confirm the potential health and environmental risks associated with PLA.
Despite the concerns surrounding PLA, it is important to recognize that traditional plastics are not a safer alternative. Plastics can contain a complex mixture of toxic chemicals, and their presence in tea bags contributes to microplastic pollution. As consumers become more aware of the issues surrounding plastic pollution, it is essential to consider alternative options, such as loose-leaf tea with reusable metal or silicone infusers, tea bags made from organic cotton or hemp, or truly plastic-free tea bag options like Bromley and Earth Mama Organics.
In conclusion, while PLA bioplastics have been promoted as a safer alternative to traditional plastics in tea bags, recent studies suggest that further research is needed to understand their environmental and health impacts fully. Consumers concerned about plastic pollution can explore alternative options like loose-leaf tea or truly plastic-free tea bag brands until more comprehensive studies confirm the safety and sustainability of PLA.
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Plastic outer packaging for tea bags
Plastic in tea bags has become a growing concern for tea drinkers due to its negative impact on health and the environment. Plastic is often used in tea bags to seal them shut and maintain their structure. Even when tea bags are made from natural fibres, they may still contain plastic, such as polypropylene, to hold their shape in hot water.
Some tea brands have addressed this issue by transitioning to plant-based tea bags or using alternative sealing methods. For example, Qi Tea's tea bags are made from plant fibres, are glue-free, and are packaged in a compostable wrapper. Abel & Cole's tea bags are made from SoilOn, a biodegradable corn-starch material, and their outer packaging is a combination of paper and biodegradable PE. The Brew Tea Company uses biodegradable inner packaging and recyclable cardboard for its outer packaging. Similarly, Higher Living uses recyclable envelopes and boxes for its tea bags.
However, it is important to note that even if tea bags are plastic-free, the outer packaging may still contain plastic. For instance, while Pukka, Yogi, and Traditional Medicinals tea bags are plastic-free, their envelopes contain plastic. NEMI tea bags are plastic-free, but their outer packaging is made from NatureFlex, a compostable and marine-degradable film. Lipton's Green Decaf, Chai, and Herbal tea bags contain plastic, but their Cold Brew Tea Bags are made from biodegradable PLA.
Some tea brands have committed to reducing plastic use and transitioning to sustainable alternatives. For instance, Yorkshire Tea has switched from oil-based plastic to PLA for its tea bag sealant, but the outer packaging and box are still plastic. Tetley aims for 100% recyclable, reusable, or compostable packaging by 2025 and is transitioning to plant-based tea bags. ALDI has removed single-use plastic from its tea bags, and ASDA has introduced plant-based packaging derived from corn starch.
It is worth noting that loose leaf tea is often recommended as a more environmentally friendly alternative to bagged tea, as it generates less waste and is typically packaged in tins or eco-friendly packaging.
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Plastic-free brands and alternatives
While many tea brands still use plastic in their tea bags, there are some brands that offer plastic-free alternatives. Some of the brands that have confirmed they do not use plastic in their tea bags include:
- Bromley: Their tea bags are made from wood pulp, heat-sealed without glue, and are completely compostable.
- Earth Mama Organics: Their tea bags are made from wood pulp and abaca with a minimal amount of thermoplastic fibres to ensure they stay closed. They are USDA Certified Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified.
- Lyon's: Their tea bags are made from a blend of natural fibres, including abaca and cellulose fibres.
- Traditional Medicinals: Their tea bags are made from sustainably farmed abacá leaf fibre and FSC-certified wood pulp.
- Pukka Herbs: They sell only plastic-free tea bags and use organic string instead of staples or polypropylene.
- Clipper Tea: They were the first tea company to make all their tea bags unbleached, non-GM, plant-based, and fully biodegradable.
- Aldi: They removed single-use plastic from their brand range of tea bags in 2021, and now all their tea bags are made from PLA.
- Barry's Tea: Since 2021, all their tea bags are biodegradable and can be put in a food waste bin for industrial composting.
Some other plastic-free alternatives to consider are loose-leaf tea and tea bags made from organic cotton, hemp, or certain plant fibres. Etsy, for example, offers almost 21,000 options for loose-leaf tea. Another option is to use a metal or stainless steel tea strainer or infuser with bulk teas or loose tea leaves.
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Frequently asked questions
Traditional Medicinals, Pukka, Bromley, Earth Mama Organics, Lyon’s, Clipper Tea, Aldi, Madura, Yorkshire Gold, Stash Tea, Tazo, Twinings, and Republic of Tea are some tea brands that have either confirmed or denied the presence of plastic in their tea bags.
Traditional Medicinals, Pukka, Bromley, Earth Mama Organics, Harney & Sons, Clipper Tea, Lyon’s, Aldi, Madura, Uncle Lee’s Chai teas, and FGO are some tea brands that have confirmed they do not use plastic in their string-and-tag tea bags.
Many tea drinkers are often surprised to discover that their tea bags contain plastic. Some alternatives to tea bags with plastic are tea bags made from organic cotton, hemp, or certain plant fibers. Loose leaf tea is another option that is not only better for the environment but also a higher quality tea compared to bagged varieties.
There are several concerns regarding plastic in tea bags. Firstly, plastic tea bags contribute to environmental issues, as they are often not recyclable or biodegradable. Secondly, there are potential health risks associated with exposure to plastics like bisphenol-A (BPA), phthalates, polypropylene, and PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These chemicals can migrate into the tea during steeping and pose potential risks when consumed.
