Many brands are changing their manufacturing process to use eco-friendly biodegradable materials. Here are some of the brands that are doing so!
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Clipper
Numi tea bags are made from plant-based materials. They are unbleached and plastic-free, and the packaging is recyclable.
However, many teabags still use some kind of plastic resin to prevent them from breaking apart during boiling water use. If a teabag does have this type of plastic resin, it can't be composted at home.
The best way to know whether a tea bag is plastic-free is to check its Compostable Packaging. If you have any doubts, contact the company directly and ask what they use for their teabags.
Some brands, such as Clipper, have gone completely plastic-free with their tea bags. The company's website states that their tea bags are "unbleached, plastic-free and non-GM."
This packaging is produced on a machine from IMA that attaches string to the paper by way of specialized knotting technology and then wraps the bags in a roll-fed compostable overwrap. Unlike traditional machines that staple the tea bag to the paper, this machine has a lower energy footprint and can package up to 18 wrapped tea bags in a carton.
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Dilmah
Dilmah is a family owned and operated Sri Lankan tea company, renowned for their authentic and natural Sri Lankan single origin teas. They grow, pack and offer their wares to consumers around the world under the Dilmah brand.
They have a long and distinguished reputation for the quality of their products and are committed to offering only the finest. Their founder Merrill Fernando began his journey with a vow to devote his life to producing tea, and has now passed on the torch to his sons Dilhan and Malik.
As a nitrogen rich addition to your compost pile, tea bags make an excellent way to recycle. Many brands have been changing their manufacturing process to use eco-friendly biodegradable materials, but it’s important to know whether the bag you are buying is compostable before tossing it in your pile.
Traditional tea biodegradable bags are made from a combination of paper and plastic polymers. These can impede the composting process and make them a bad choice for your waste disposal. Luckily, there are a number of companies that provide plastic-free options to suit all your needs!
Bigelow
The popular Bigelow tea brand is well known for its commitment to the environment. This month, Price Chopper teamed up with them for an "Hot Tea Month" promotion that gave shoppers the chance to win Bigelow branded boxes of tea or gift cards.
The majority of tea bags contain a small amount of plastic polymer, which is needed to seal the Compost Bag shut and maintain its shape when immersed in hot water. The most common type of plastic in tea bags is polypropylene, which contains endocrine-disrupting chemicals and can be leached into the liquid you're drinking.
The good news is that some tea bags are made with materials that can break down quickly in the composting process and contribute valuable nutrients to your garden. This makes them a great addition to your green compost pile. And if you want to take the plastic out of the equation, there are several brands that make fully biodegradable tea bags.
Manila Hemp & Cellulose
Abaca is a strong fiber that has been used for centuries in paper and rope production. It's a tropical plant related to the banana and is known for its strength. It does not swell or lose its strength when wet, making it ideal for a variety of different products.
Manila hemp (also known as abaca) is a strong, durable and biodegradable natural fiber that has become a staple in Southeast Asian countries in recent years. It is also a highly energy-efficient and CO2 emissions-reducing material for paper and rope.
The process of acquiring this raw material involves the field preparation, harvesting and extraction of the fiber. The process can take 23 man-days/Ha and takes a lot of labor, which is why the Philippines and other countries that grow Manila hemp have limited production capacity.
Once the fiber is extracted, it needs to be inspected and then transported to a baling and grading facility. Care must be taken to ensure the proper segregation of the bales as they may contain differing qualities of different values. This can result in losses of volume.
