25 Plastic Free Tea Bags In 2023 For A Greener Environment

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  • Post last modified:November 1, 2023

Tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world. However, many traditional tea bags contain plastic, such as polypropylene, to seal the bags.

Recent studies by ResearchGate on Health risks posed by microplastics in teabags

have highlighted concerns about microplastics from tea bags contaminating food and water sources. In response, there is a growing movement towards more sustainable and eco-friendly tea bags.

According to the UK Tea & Infusions Association, 60.2 billion cups of tea are consumed yearly. Plastic in teabags might be the last thing to cross your mind when you sit down to enjoy a cup of tea. As many teabags look like they are made out of paper, we probably think that they would decompose when we put them in the compost bin once we’ve finished using it.

However, polypropylene, a plastic polymer is found in many tea bags. A large number of tea bags are therefore cannot be composted or recycled.

Why do tea bags contain plastic?

Plastic is used in two areas when it comes to tea bags.

Firstly, Polypropylene is used to seal the tea bags and to keep in shape when the tea bag is placed in hot liquid. It also prevents the tea from escaping the bags when being transported or stored.

The amount of plastic is usually very small and varies between manufacturers. This can be the case for both plastic and paper teabags.

While the small amount might seem insignificant, it adds up quickly when globally millions of cups of tea are consumed daily. These plastics will leech into the ground and cause harm to the environment. Additionally, polypropylene has a negative effect on our bodies’ endocrine system and can cause a plethora of health issues.

Secondly, in some brands, the teabag itself is made out of plastic. This plastic begins to break down when the bag is put in hot water.

A 2019 study found that a single plastic tea bag can release 11.6 billion microplastics and 3.1 billion nano plastics into one cup of tea. This is no doubt a major health concern for tea drinkers who love to have their daily cup of tea.

Current research on tea and micro plastic

Plastic tea bags release microplastic and nanoplastic particles into a cup of tea, according to Canadian researchers.

But while the scientists say some brands have shifted to plastic tea bags instead of paper ones, the industry counters that the majority of the market uses paper tea bags or biodegradable alternatives to plastic.

On the other hand, plastic-free tea bags made from abaca and cornstarch release significantly fewer microplastics compared to traditional tea bags made with polypropylene.

Researchers also found that plastic-free tea bags are more biodegradable and compostable than traditional tea bags.

What are plastic-free tea bags made of?

Manufacturers need to seal tea bags in some way or another. Plastic-free tea bags usually use a bioplastic that is created from maize or corn starch. These plant-based materials function the same way as polypropylene does.

Bioplastic can also come from genetically modified (GMO) maize although they are not allowed in organic teabags.

Moving forward to 2023, consumers can expect to see more options for biodegradable tea bags made from plant-based materials like corn starch, abaca, and polylactic acid (PLA).

But how exactly do these new plastic-free tea bag alternatives measure up?

Benefits of plastic-free tea bags

Overall, the latest research suggests that plastic-free tea bags are a more sustainable option than traditional tea bags. They are less likely to release microplastics into water and are more biodegradable and compostable.

Some of the specific environmental benefits of using plastic-free tea bags include:

  • Reduced plastic waste and pollution
  • Lower carbon footprint
  • Less contamination of water and soil
  • Faster decomposition time

List of Plastic-free tea bags that are safe

One of the best ways to enjoy your cup of tea without worries is to switch to zero plastic tea bags. However,  many tea manufacturers cite the high cost as one of the reasons for stopping them from producing plastic-free tea bags.

As consumers become more aware of the presence of polyethene in their tea, more manufacturers have started making the switch.

In light of recent studies, major tea companies like Lipton and Twinings have announced initiatives to move towards plastic-free tea bags.

Other tea brands now offer plastic-free and biodegradable tea bag options, giving consumers more environmentally friendly choices.

Here is a 2023 updated guide to some of the most available and favourite plastic free tea brands:

1. Abel & Cole

Abel & Cole is a brand that specializes in organic food and drink produce. Their teabags align with this and are made from SoilOn – a corn-starch which incorporates biomass material (polylactic acid) originating from plants.

abel and cole
source: abelandcole.co.uk

Abel & Cole tea bags are not only completely biodegradable but also glue-free. They are sealed together with heat. Additionally, the packaging in which it comes in is made from paper and biodegradable PE, making it safe for the environment.

2. PG Tips

If you are looking for tea bags without plastic, PG Tips tea bags are 100% biodegradable. PG Tips announced in April 2018 on their website that they were “committed to moving all our pyramid bags to a new fully biodegradable, plant-based material. We’ve already made over 1 billion!”

plastic free tea bags
Source: pgtips

3. Yorkshire Tea

Yorkshire tea has switched over to sealing their tea-bags with renewable plant-based materials. All their UK tea bags have made the switch since the end of 2019.

Yorkshire Tea
source: yorkshiretea.co.uk

4. Clipper

Clipper announced that they have managed to manufacture their very first completely plastic-free tea bag using natural plant-based materials. These tea bags allow you to enjoy your tea as usual and once you are done with the teabag, you can add it to your compost.

clipper-teas
source: clipper-teas.com

Clipper mentions on their website that their tea bags are ‘unbleached, plastic-free, and non-GM’. Packaging materials for tea bags are also recyclable.

5. Harney & Sons

Harney & Sons offer certified organic teas in paper tea bags that are compostable and oxygen bleached without epichlorohydrin, PET or PLA.

Harney & sons
source: harney.com

It’s an excellent choice for those who are concerned about using tea bags that are free of plastic. Additionally, there is no glue or staples on the tea bag as they are fastened with a knot in the string.

6. Qi Tea

Qi Tea teabags are 100% plastic-free. The packaging is 100% recyclable and because veggie ink is used on it, your compost heap will love the teabag.

plastic free tea bags
source: qitea.com.au

The only plastic that can be found in Qi Tea is the envelope wrapper that is needed to keep the tea fresh. Steps are being taken to find an alternative substrate that can be used for the wrapper.

7. Higher Living Teas

Teabags from this brand are created from unbleached paper with organic cotton string stitched into the paper to form the shape of the bag. Higher Living Teas tea bags are compostable. The packaging boxes are recyclable.

Higher Living Organic Tea
source: higherlivingherbs.com

8. Pukka Herbs

Pukka Herbs tea bags are free from plastics and held together with organic cotton that is fully compostable. Pukka claims to be the first company to use organic strings to their teabags together without the need for staples or polypropylene.

pukka herbs
source: pukkaherbs.com

9. Teapigs

Teapigs tea bags are created with corn-starch, 100% biodegradable and will break down in 12 weeks if put in with your food waste collection.

teapigs
Source: teapigs.co.uk

The inner plastic bags that work to keep tea nice and fresh are made from Natureflex, a new material created from wood pulp. This game-changing wonder material is 100% suitable for home composting.

10. Lipton

Made from Manilla help and cellulose fibres, Lipton’s Quality Black and Intense tea bags are plastic-free and compostable.

Lipton
source: lipton.com
Source: lipton.com

11. Tielka

Tielka’s Fair Trade teas come in tea bags that are plastic-free made from plant-based fabric. They are sustainable, bio-renewable and industrially compostable.

Tielka
source: tielka.com

12. Numi Organic Tea

According to the CEO and co-founder of Numi Organic Tea, Ahmed Rahim, their tea bags are made from biodegradable, unbleached Manila hemp fibre. These tea bags are verified to be Non-GMO and will degrade naturally in a compost heap.

Numi Organic Tea
source: numitea.com

13. The Republic of Tea

Teabags from the Republic of Tea are made from round, unbleached paper tea bags for almost 30 years. They do not contain unnecessary tags, strings or staples.

The Republic of Tea
Source: the.republicoftea.com

14. Twinings

Twinings pyramid tea bags are made from enzyme-treated maize starch which allows it to be worked into filaments. These pyramid tea bags contain loose leaf tea which gives a superb brew.

Twinings
source: twiningsmoment.com

However, a downside to these tea bags is its attached label which is covered in a thin layer of plastic that supposedly prevents the label from dissolving in hot water. Thus, remember to remove the label before composting.

15. We Are Tea

We Are Tea was established in 2007 and in 2012, this whole-leaf tea company made the decision to join the Ethical Tea Partnership. They switched from using nylon bags to plastic-free tea bags made from soilon.

plastic free tea bags
source: wearetea.com

We Are Tea uses ultrasound to seal their tea bags, making them biodegradable and compostable. The packaging used is also recyclable.

16. Sainsbury’s

Sainsbury’s made the commitment to halve their use of plastic packaging by 2025 and their tea bags will be plant based from June 2021 onwards. Sainsbury’s ensures their customers that the quality of their tea bags will be the same. The new plastic free tea bags will be industrially compostable.

sainsburys
source: sainsburys.co.uk

17. Hampstead Tea

Hampstead Tea takes their role in keeping the environment clean with 100% compostable tea pyramids made from GM-free sugar starch. Hampstead tea pyramids are also free of string, tags or labels and turn into compost in 91 days.

Hampstead Tea
source: hampsteadtea.com

18. Waitrose Tea

Waitrose’s Duchy range tea bags are both plastic free and biodegradable.

waitrose tea
source: waitrose.com

19. Brew Tea Company

The Brew Tea Company’s tea bags are made from unbleached soilon. The inner packaging of the box is NatureFlex and the outer packaging is made of recyclable cardboard. The Brew Tea Company’s tea bags are industrially compostable.

Brew Tea Company
source: brewteacompany.co.uk

20. Nature’s Cuppa Organic

Manufactured by Eatrite Australasia Pty Ltd, Nature’s Cuppa Organic tea bags are made with unbleached paper and do not contain polymers or plasticisers. However, the bags are closed with a metal staple.

Natures Cuppa Organic Tea
source: naturescuppa.com

21. Teatulia

Teatulia is a social enterprise that employ over 3,500 women in Bangladesh to plant, nurture and pick the tea. Women who work here have better wages that other tea businesses in the region. Teatulia also provides healthcare and education for the workers as well as their families.

teatulia
source: teatulia.com

Tetulia’s tea is pesticide free and the pyramid bags are made from unbleached soilon that is 100% biodegradable and glue-free.

22. Eteaket

Eteaket is a tea specialist cafe that sells its own brews in tea bags that are made from unbleached and biodegradable soilon. The tag on the bag is paper that is not laminated and the string on the bag is attached via ultrasound, meaning that glue is not used.

Eteaket
source: eteaket.co.uk

23. Bromley

Bromley’s tea bag paper is made from wood pulp and is heat sealed together without using glue. It does not contain any plastics and is totally compostable.

bromley tea
source: bromleytea.com

24. Ito En

Ito En’s Oi Ocha Green Tea and Oi Ocha Hoji Tea bags are made of paper with no glue, making them a sustainable choice for green tea lovers.

These plastic free tea bags are perfect for those who want to enjoy delicious green tea while also reducing their environmental impact.

ITO EN
source: itoen.com

25. Tetley

Tetley’s string and tag bags are made from natural abaca and wood fibres. They recommend removing the aluminium staple before composting.

tetly tea
source: tetley.co.uk

Solutions for plastic in tea bags

It can get a bit confusing when it comes to materials that are used to make plastic free tea bags. Here’s a rundown of the most common alternatives to plastic tea bags that many companies have opted for.

Materials Used in Plastic-Free Tea Bag

Some of the most common materials used to make plastic-free tea bags include:

  • Corn starch – biodegradable and compostable
  • Abaca – a natural fibre made from banana stalks
  • PLA (polylactic acid) – a bioplastic made from plant starches
  • Cellulose – derived from sustainably grown trees
  • Bamboo – renewable and biodegradable

Cornstarch

Corn starch is derived from corn grain and was originally discovered in the 1840s. It was used for starching laundry and in more recent times as a thickening agent and in the manufacturing and packaging industries.

Cornstarch is a popular choice because it is very affordable compared to other materials such as synthetic polymer that is made from petroleum.

Cornstarch is biodegradable when the Proteinase K enzymes are present to catalyse the hydrolytic decomposition of this material. As Proteinase K is readily available in nature, teabags that are made from cornstarch are biodegradable and great for mother nature.

Abaca

Abaca is a tough yet biodegradable material that is extracted from Banana Leaves. It is also known as Manila hemp. Abaca has exceptional tensile strength and is used to make tea bags, paper, bags, carpets and even bank notes.

Wood Pulp

Wood pulp is made from wood or the bark of trees. It is also known as cellulose fibre. It shares similar characteristics with engineered fibres and is widely used as fibre-reinforcement composites. It is also used in the textile industry.

Cellulose is low in cost, low in density and completely degradable in soil as it is fully organic.

Cotton tea bags

Cotton is a material that is soft, strong and flexible. It is also biodegradable. These properties make cotton tea bags a popular alternative when it comes to solutions for plastic in tea bags.

cotton tea bag
source: Photo by TeaCora Rooibos on Unsplash

NatureFlex

If you’re wondering what exactly is NatureFlex, it is a packaging film made from wood pulp. This material is developed by Futamura for environmentally responsible packaging and is now much used by tea manufacturers.

NatureFlex is certified as 100% compostable and suitable for home composting. It is also marine degradable. Futamura has claimed that NatureFlex has a very high moisture barrier and thus, is able to keep tea bags in premium conditions for a long period of time.

Conclusion

While the minute amount of plastics found in tea bags may not seem like much, it will build into a large amount over the years. Besides using plastic-free tea bags, you can also opt for loose leaf tea.

Loose leaf tea is widely available and uses less packaging making it a better choice for the environment as well as your body. If you have the time and space, you can also try growing plants to make herbal teas such as chamomile and peppermint.

As for tea bags, always check labels and packaging to determine if what your purchase is free of plastic.

As research continues, we can expect even more sustainable innovations in tea bag production and materials. The days of all tea bags containing plastic are numbered.

Also, read our article on “30+ tips to live a plastic-free life

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