Tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world, enjoyed by millions daily. However, a hidden issue lies within many tea bags on the market today: the presence of plastic and microplastics.
In this article, we will explore what tea bags are commonly made of, the implications for the environment and our health, and why our tea bags are different.
What Are Tea Bags Made Of? Do they all contain plastic?
Majority of tea bags available on the market contain plastic.
Specifically, they often contain a blend of paper and a plastic called polypropylene. This plastic is used to seal the tea bags, preventing them from breakage and falling apart when steeped in hot water.
While this is effective in ensuring the tea leaves remain contained each time you brew, it introduces the harmful consequences of releasing microplastics into your cup. Not a great trade off in our opinion!
These microplastics aren't visible to the eye, although can be harmful to your health over the long term.
Environmental Impact of Plastic in Tea Bags
The use of plastic in tea bags has significant environmental repercussions. When used tea bags are disposed of, the plastic components cannot decompose easily.
Instead, they contribute to the growing problem of microplastics in the environment and become landfill.
The tiny plastic particles from a single serve can persist in the ecosystem for hundreds of years, causing harm to marine life and wildlife.
Health Concerns of Plastic in Tea Bags
Beyond environmental concerns, there are potential health risks associated with plastic in tea bags.
As we noted earlier, when certain plastics tea bags are exposed to hot water, they can release microplastics and other chemical compounds into your tea. Scientists have found that steeping a single plastic tea bag at 95°C releases approximately 11.6 billion microplastics and 3.1 billion nanoplastics. Just imagine how much this can add up over a lifetime of drinking one cup of tea per day!
Studies have shown that microplastics which enter the human body and may pose long term risks to organ function and overall health.
The question then becomes, do all tea bags have plastic in them?
What are the alternatives to plastic tea bags?
Let's take a look.
What options do I have to avoid plastic?
The best thing about understanding this is that you don't have to give up your beloved tea ritual just to avoid plastic! A common suggestion we love is to switch over to using Loose Leaf Tea. All you need is a teapot, or strainer of some kind and you are good to go. Tea Bags are often packed with filler ingredients and powders which make each bag look fuller and more appealing. This can take away from the natural taste of the main ingredients, so you may even find Loose Leaf tea to be a stronger brew!
Our Loose Leaf Teas (and all products for that matter) contain zero fillers, additives or artificial colours and flavours. Just the Certified Organic Ingredients we all know and love.
What makes Our Tea Bags Are Different
Planet Organic is always searching for more sustainable and healthy options, so we have rolled out some fresh new changes to our packaging. It’s the same organic tea you know and love now even better for the environment.
In response to the concerns we've spoken about earlier, we have developed packaging and tea bags that are entirely free from plastic.
Our tea bags are made from biodegradable and compostable materials, ensuring that they break down naturally after use. The materials used in our tea bags include natural fibres such as abaca fibre (manilla hemp), corn starch and plant-based cellulose. These components not only provide a secure seal, they also don't release harmful chemicals when exposed to hot water. We have also chosen not to string, tag or envelope our bags to avoid all necessary waste.
Not at all. We would never make any changes that could compromise the taste or quality of our tea.
The new inner bag keeps our tea packaged tighter than before, which is great for keeping our flavour fresh and sealed right up until you're ready to brew.
We're committed to Plastic Free Tea Bags, forever.
We hope this article has provided you with clarity around choosing the right tea bags, and how they can make a significant difference for both your health and the environment.
While many tea bags on the market contain plastic that harm ecosystems and potentially affect human health, our tea bags offer a safer, more sustainable alternative. By opting for plastic-free tea bags or loose leaf alternatives, you can relax and enjoy your favourite beverages without contributing to the plastic pollution problem.
Make the switch today and experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing your tea is both delicious and environmentally friendly.
Browse our wide range of Certified Organic, Plastic Free Tea Bags and Loose Leaf Tea.
Contact our friendly team for more information.
Sources: ACS Publications: Plastic Teabags Release Billions of Microparticles and Nanoparticles into Tea
