In recent years, there has been growing interest in microplastics in the environment, including in food and beverages. Tea is one of the most commonly consumed drinks, and some consumers are now taking a closer look at how teabags are made.

Why are there plastics in teabags?

Not all teabags contain plastic, but some may include synthetic materials or plastic-based sealants.

These materials can be used for several reasons:

• To help the teabag maintain its shape
• To seal the edges and prevent breakage during brewing
• To allow water to flow through the bag efficiently
• To support large-scale manufacturing

Some pyramid-style teabags, for example, may use materials such as nylon or PET.

Microplastics and Tea

Microplastics are very small particles that can be found in a wide range of everyday environments.

There has been increasing discussion about microplastics in food and beverages, including tea. Some studies have explored how materials used in certain teabags behave when exposed to hot water, though research in this area is ongoing.

Choosing Teabags

If you prefer to avoid plastic in teabags, there are a few options to consider:

• Teabags made from plant-based fibres
• Teabags sealed without synthetic materials
• Brands that clearly state their materials and production methods

Some plant-based materials, such as cellulose or abacá, are used as alternatives, although composition and processing can vary between brands.

Alternatives to plastic teabags

Loose leaf tea is another option, as it does not require a teabag.

Using a metal or ceramic infuser allows the tea leaves to expand freely during brewing and offers a different tea preparation experience.

Tea Tonic Teabags

At Tea Tonic, our teabags are made using plant-based materials and are unbleached, compostable, and biodegradable. They are also staple-free and designed to maintain the integrity of the tea during brewing.

To preserve freshness, each teabag is individually wrapped.

Loose Leaf Tea

Tea Tonic also offers a range of organic loose-leaf teas, which can be brewed using teapots or infusers, depending on preference. From classics like Earl Grey, Green Tea, Peppermint and English Breakfast gourmet tea blends, like Apple Tree Tea and Warm Spicy Tea.

Tea Pots and Infusers

You’ll need the right tools to brew loose leaf tea, and thankfully, we have plenty of teapots and tea infusers to help you brew. For sharing, our Square Glass Tea Pot comes with an inbuilt infuser, making it perfect for loose-leaf brews!