How to Avoid Microplastics in Tea Bags: What’s Lurking in Your Daily Cuppa

Microplastics seem to be showing up almost everywhere these days — and unfortunately, even a good cuppa isn’t off the hook. While we usually picture plastic pollution piling up in oceans or washing up on beaches, it can quietly slip into everyday habits, including the tea bags we brew.

A recent 2024 study published in Chemosphere took a closer look and confirmed what many of us have suspected: some commercial tea bags are shedding microplastics straight into the cup. Researchers tested tea bags made from polypropylene, nylon, and cellulose — and the results were hard to ignore.

Polypropylene bags released around 1.2 billion particles per milliliter, nylon bags about 8.2 million, and even cellulose-based bags shed more than 100 million particles per milliliter when steeped in hot water. These micro- and nanoplastics were small enough to be absorbed by human intestinal cells in lab settings, suggesting they could enter the bloodstream.¹

Plenty of popular brands still use plastics to seal or shape their tea bags. When hot water hits, those materials can release unwanted particles into your drink — not exactly the relaxing teatime most of us are going for.

That’s why it’s worth learning how to avoid microplastics in tea bags. Once you know what to watch for, it’s entirely possible to enjoy a cleaner cup. This guide will walk you through what to look for, what to skip, and how to find plastic-free options you’ll want to drink.

Why Are Microplastics in Tea Bags a Problem?

Before we discuss how to avoid them, it helps to understand what microplastics are and why they’re present in something as simple as a cup of tea.

Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters—about the size of a sesame seed, though many are much smaller. They come from larger plastic items breaking down over time or are intentionally made that small for things like exfoliants or industrial processes. Once they end up in the environment or something we consume, they’re challenging to eliminate.

How Plastic Ends Up in Your Tea

When it comes to tea bags, plastics sneak in more often than you might think. Some brands use a type of plastic called polypropylene to heat-seal their tea bags shut, helping them hold their shape and stay sturdy in hot water. Others have switched to “silky” tea sachets, which sound fancy but are often made from PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or nylon, both types of plastic.

The problem? When you pour boiling water over these materials, the heat can cause tiny plastic particles to shed into your drink.

Health and Environmental Concerns

While researchers are still studying the long-term effects of ingesting microplastics, early findings aren’t exactly reassuring. Some studies suggest microplastics might cause inflammation, carry toxic chemicals into the body, or even disrupt how cells function.

And it’s not just about personal health — it’s about the environment too. Tea bags that contain plastic don’t break down properly in compost or landfills. They stick around for decades, slowly fragmenting into more microplastics that can end up in soil, waterways, and eventually, the food chain.

In other words, choosing plastic-free tea isn’t just about protecting what’s in your cup — it’s about protecting what’s beyond it too.

How to Avoid Microplastics in Tea Bags?

If you want to avoid microplastics in your tea, the first step is knowing what to watch for — and unfortunately, brands don’t always make it obvious.

Materials to Watch Out For

Some tea bags are sealed or woven with synthetic plastics like:

Polypropylene – Commonly used to seal paper tea bags shut. It’s not visible but often fused into the edges to keep the bag from coming apart.
Nylon – Found in many “silky” or pyramid-style bags. It holds its shape well in hot water but doesn’t break down easily.
PET (polyethylene terephthalate) – Another plastic often used in mesh-style tea bags. It’s heat-resistant, but still a synthetic polymer.
PLA (polylactic acid) – Often labeled as “bioplastic” and made from plants like corn. It sounds better than conventional plastic, but PLA still doesn’t break down in home compost — it requires industrial composting at high temperatures.

🔍 Tip: If the packaging says “corn-based mesh” or “plant-based material”, double-check if it’s home compostable. Many of these are still PLA, which acts like plastic unless processed in industrial composting conditions.

Marketing Terms That Can Be Misleading

Even the way a tea bag is described can be a clue. Words like “silky sachets,” “mesh bags,” or “pyramid bags” might sound fancy, but they often signal plastic-based materials. Some brands market these tea bags as “high-end” because they look more upscale than paper bags, but at the end of the day, plastic is still plastic.

How to Read Tea Labels

Not all packaging tells the full story — and sometimes, it’s what’s not on the label that matters most. Many companies skip listing the full material breakdown, especially when they use blends of natural and synthetic fibers (like cotton mixed with polyester). That’s where a little label literacy comes in handy.

Start by scanning for third-party certifications or claims like:

Plastic-Free: This should mean there’s zero plastic in the product or its packaging — but make sure it’s clearly stated. If it just says “eco-friendly” or “less plastic,” that’s not enough.
Home Compostable: This label means the item will break down in a backyard compost bin without special industrial conditions. Look for certifications like TÜV Austria OK Compost HOME or Australian AS 5810.
Commercially Compostable: Often labeled as just “compostable,” these products need high heat and controlled conditions to actually break down. If your city doesn’t offer industrial composting, these may still end up in the landfill.
Biodegradable: This one can be misleading. Biodegradable means it will break down eventually, not that it’s plastic-free. Some biodegradable products still contain bioplastics or petroleum-based additives unless they’re labeled explicitly as plastic-free biodegradable.

If a label is vague or missing altogether, that’s a red flag. Look for material details like:

Avoid: Polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene, nylon, acrylic
Better options: 100% organic cotton, hemp, bamboo (if untreated), uncoated paper, natural rubber

Safer Alternatives to Traditional Tea Bags

If you’re looking to skip the microplastics and still enjoy a cozy cup of tea, there are plenty of safer options out there. Here’s what to look for:

Organic Cotton Tea Bags

Organic cotton tea bags are a great swap for traditional plastic-sealed ones. These bags are made from untreated, compostable cotton and are often stitched instead of glued. No plastic, no sneaky coatings — just pure materials that break down naturally after you brew.

Paper Tea Bags Without Plastic Sealants

Not all paper tea bags are created equal. Some are reinforced with plastic, while others are made from unbleached, plastic-free paper and sealed with natural fibers. Look for brands that specifically call out “plastic-free” or “compostable” paper bags to make sure you’re getting the real thing.

Loose-Leaf Tea

For the cleanest cup, loose-leaf tea is hard to beat. With no bag at all, you skip the materials issue entirely — and as a bonus, loose tea often tastes fresher and richer. It also cuts down on unnecessary packaging waste, especially if you buy in bulk or from companies using sustainable materials.

Tips for Building a Plastic-Free Tea Routine

Choosing better tea bags is a great first step, but if you want to go all-in on a cleaner, plastic-free tea experience, a few small habit shifts can make a big difference.

Choose Loose-Leaf Teas and a Plastic-Free Infuser

Loose-leaf tea is one of the easiest ways to avoid hidden plastics altogether. No bag, no glue, no surprises — just pure tea leaves ready to steep. To keep your brewing fully plastic-free, invest in a stainless steel or ceramic infuser instead of the plastic or silicone options you’ll sometimes see. They’re durable, easy to clean, and won’t shed anything extra into your drink.

Support Certified Organic or Plastic-Free Brands

It’s not always easy to tell what’s hiding inside a product, which is why certifications can be helpful. Look for brands that are certified organic, plastic-free certified, or specifically advertise home-compostable packaging. When you support companies taking real steps toward sustainability, you help shift the industry in the right direction.

Store Your Tea in Plastic-Free Containers

Even after you’ve found a plastic-free tea, the way you store it matters too. Swap plastic bins and zipper bags for glass jars, ceramic canisters, or stainless-steel tins. These materials keep your tea fresh without adding any potential plastic contamination — plus, they look pretty great on a kitchen shelf.

Brew with Filtered Water

Many people don’t realize that tap water can also contain microplastics, depending on where you live. Using a good-quality water filter helps reduce not just plastic particles but also other contaminants like chlorine and heavy metals. It’s an easy step toward a cleaner, better-tasting cup of tea.

Related Article: The Hidden Threat: Nanoplastics in Bottled Water

5 Brands Offering Plastic-Free Tea Bags

If you’re ready to make the switch but aren’t sure where to start, there are some great tea brands already leading the way with plastic-free, compostable options. Here’s a short list to make your next shopping trip a little easier:

1. Teapigs

Teapigs is one of my go-to brands for an evening cuppa. Their tea temples are made from cornstarch-based materials that skip the plastic altogether — and the flavors are great, too. I always keep a box of their Chamomile and Lemon Ginger on hand.

Tea Bags (Tea Temples): The bags are made from Soilon, a plant-based mesh derived from cornstarch and developed in Japan. While it’s plastic-free and biodegradable, it’s important to know that Soilon requires industrial composting conditions to break down efficiently — it won’t fully decompose in a home compost bin.

Wrappers: The inner freshness bag is made from NatureFlex, a wood pulp–based material that is compostable at home. The outer cartons are FSC-certified and printed with vegetable-based inks, so they can be recycled or composted depending on your local setup.

Certifications: Teapigs was the first tea brand to receive the Plastic Free Trust Mark from A Plastic Planet. It’s also a Certified B Corporation, part of the Ethical Tea Partnership, and its Everyday Brew is Rainforest Alliance Certified.

shop teapigs

2. Pukka Herbs

Pukka uses completely plastic-free, organic-certified tea bags. Their bags are stitched with organic cotton and are compostable at home, right down to the packaging.

Tea Bags: Made from a blend of natural fibers (including abaca) and stitched with organic cotton — no glue, no staples, and no plastic heat sealants.

Wrappers: Individually wrapped in FSC-certified paper with a vegetable-based laminate. Not home compostable, but recyclable.

Certifications: Certified organic, Fair for Life, and FSC-certified. While not third-party certified plastic-free, they state their bags and tags are plastic-free and compostable.

shop pukka

3. Traditional Medicinals

Traditional Medicinals offers herbal teas in unbleached, compostable tea bags without plastic sealants. They’re also certified organic and Non-GMO Project Verified.

Tea Bags: Unbleached and made from sustainably sourced wood pulp fibers with no plastic sealing. Bags are compostable in home or municipal systems.

Wrappers: As of 2023, they offer BPI-certified industrial compostable tea wrappers — a significant upgrade from the standard plastic-lined ones.

Certifications: BPI-certified compostable wrappers, USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, and FSC-certified paperboard packaging.

shop traditional medicinals

4. Numi Organic Tea

Numi takes it a step further by offering not just plastic-free tea bags, but also compostable overwraps (the individual wrappers). Their focus on organic, fair-trade sourcing makes them a strong choice for sustainability.

Tea Bags: Made from unbleached Manila hemp fiber, completely free of plastic or GMOs. Bags are fully biodegradable and home compostable.

Wrappers: Numi switched to plant-based, compostable overwraps — a rare find in the tea aisle.

Certifications: BPI-certified compostable wrappers, Certified Organic, Fair Trade Certified, and Climate Neutral Certified.

shop numi

5. Clipper Teas

Clipper Teas was among the first brands to move to fully plastic-free, unbleached tea bags. Their bags are made from a blend of natural plant fibers, and even their packaging is designed to minimize environmental impact.

Tea Bags: Made from a blend of wood pulp and PLA (a plant-based bioplastic from non-GMO corn). Fully plastic-free and industrially compostable.

Wrappers: Most Clipper teas are packed in recyclable cardboard boxes without individual overwraps, keeping packaging minimal and low impact.

Certifications: Fairtrade, Soil Association Organic, FSC-certified boxes. The tea bags carry the TÜV Austria OK Compost INDUSTRIAL certification (not home compostable).

shop clipper

Why Switching Matters: Health and Environmental Benefits

Choosing plastic-free tea isn’t just about what’s in your cup — it’s part of a bigger picture that touches both personal health and the health of the planet.

Protecting Your Health

While research is still catching up, early studies suggest that consuming microplastics could cause inflammation, carry harmful chemicals into the body, or disrupt normal cell functions. By choosing plastic-free tea bags (or loose-leaf tea), you’re cutting down one easy source of unnecessary synthetic particles from your daily routine. It’s a simple switch that helps keep your brew — and your body — a little cleaner.

Reducing Plastic Waste and Pollution

Every plastic tea bag avoided is one less piece of plastic entering the waste stream. Even “biodegradable” plastics don’t always break down the way we expect, especially in landfills. Choosing compostable, truly plastic-free options helps reduce long-term waste and prevents microplastics from sneaking into soil, waterways, and oceans where they can cause lasting damage to ecosystems.

Supporting Brands That Are Making a Difference

When you spend your money on brands that are transparent about their materials and committed to plastic-free packaging, you’re sending a clear message: this is what matters. Consumer demand plays a big role in driving change, and the more we support companies doing it right, the more pressure it puts on the rest of the industry to follow. Small choices — like which box of tea you toss in your cart — really do add up.

This Has Been About Microplastics in Tea Bags

It’s easy to think something as simple as brewing a cup of tea wouldn’t have much impact — but small choices like skipping plastic tea bags really do matter. Choosing plastic-free options protects what’s in your cup, reduces unnecessary microplastic exposure, and supports a cleaner planet for everyone.

There are more options than ever for plastic-free, compostable, and sustainable tea. Whether you’re reaching for loose-leaf, organic cotton bags, or a favorite brand that’s making better choices, every swap counts.

Have a favorite plastic-free tea brand or blend you love? I’d love to hear about it — share it in the comments!

References

Banaei, G., García-Rodríguez, A., & Marcos, R. (2024). Teabag-derived micro/nanoplastics (true-to-life MNPLs) as a surrogate for real-life exposure scenarios. Chemosphere, 349, 143736. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143736 ↩︎

How to Avoid Microplastics in Tea Bags: What’s Lurking in Your Daily Cuppa