Tea bags are incredibly popular: around 95% of tea drinkers in Belgium and the Netherlands use them. But did you know that many traditional tea bags have a negative impact on the environment? That’s why we consciously choose sustainable tea bags made from corn-based PLA: a responsible alternative that lets you enjoy a delicious cup of tea while making an eco-conscious choice.
Why aren’t traditional tea bags sustainable?
Plastic and compostability
Many modern tea bags contain plastic, such as PET, nylon, or polypropylene. These plastics are added to make the bags strong and heat-resistant but also make them non-compostable. Even paper tea bags often have a thin plastic coating to prevent tearing in hot water.
Environmental impact
The non-biodegradable materials in traditional tea bags lead to long-term pollution. These bags persist in the environment for years and often end up in general waste because they aren’t suitable for composting or recycling. For these reasons, OVAM, the Belgian waste management authority, has decided to ban tea bags from organic waste bins*.
* Source: https://vlaco.be/search?text=theezakjes
Plastic in tea bags doesn’t just harm the environment—it can also affect your cup of tea. That brings us to another problem: microplastics.
What are microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that form as larger plastics gradually break down. Many traditional tea bags release these microplastics into the environment—and even into your tea.
Research has shown that some plastic tea bags can release microplastics into hot water. While the full health effects of this are still being studied, it’s not exactly comforting to think about plastic particles in your tea.
Why our tea bags are a better alternative
Plastic-free tea bags made from corn PLA
At Tea Kulture, we use plastic-free tea bags made from corn PLA, a bioplastic derived from renewable resources like corn starch. Unlike traditional plastic bags, our tea bags fully decompose in industrial composting facilities.
Compostable, but with nuance
Our tea bags are compostable, but only in industrial composting facilities where the conditions are ideal for breaking down PLA. In home composting systems, the required high temperatures and consistent conditions aren’t always available, which means the bags may not fully decompose. Still, they are a significant step forward compared to traditional tea bags, as they don’t leave behind microplastics or long-lasting waste.
Healthy and safe
Corn PLA is food-safe and doesn’t release microplastics into your tea. You can enjoy your tea with peace of mind, knowing you’re not ingesting plastic particles. Our sustainable tea bags are designed to preserve the rich flavors of loose-leaf tea while avoiding the negative impacts of traditional bags.
The benefits of sustainable and plastic-free tea bags
At Tea Kulture, we believe tea should not only taste good but also do good for the planet. Our sustainable tea bags combine convenience, flavor, and environmental awareness. They are made from renewable materials, release no microplastics, and are compostable under the right conditions.
Not perfect, but a step in the right direction
We acknowledge that our tea bags are not a perfect solution. While they are compostable in industrial facilities and free of microplastics, we continue to seek even better alternatives. For now, they are a responsible choice compared to traditional tea bags, allowing you to enjoy your tea with less impact on the environment.
Explore Our Range of Tea Bags
Some of our unique tea blends are now also available in tea bags. These tea bags offer the same rich flavors and quality as our loose-leaf teas, with the added ease of preparation.
Curious about which blends are available in tea bags? Explore the collection here: Tea Kulture – Tea Bags.
