Biodegradable vs. Traditional Tea Bags 🍂 Which is Better for the Planet?

Written by Team Ono in Tea Blog Last Updated May 12, 2025

Tea is more than a beverage; it’s a ritual, a comfort, and a global tradition. Yet, the convenience of the tea bag, which revolutionized tea consumption in the 20th century, has come under scrutiny for its environmental footprint. With billions of tea bags used annually, their disposal contributes to waste, pollution, and resource depletion.

As sustainability becomes a priority for consumers, the debate between biodegradable and traditional tea bags has taken center stage. Which option is truly better for the planet? In this article, we compare the environmental impact of different tea bag types, spotlight sustainable brands leading the charge, and offer guidance for making eco-friendly choices without sacrificing your daily brew.

The Tea Bag’s Environmental Challenge

Tea bags, introduced in the early 1900s by Thomas Sullivan, were initially made of silk, then muslin, and later paper, prioritizing convenience and affordability. Today, tea bags are produced in staggering quantities—estimates suggest over 60 billion are used globally each year. While they seem small and harmless, their cumulative impact is significant.

Traditional tea bags often contain non-biodegradable materials, contribute to landfill waste, and require resource-intensive production processes. Biodegradable tea bags, made from plant-based or natural fibers, promise a greener alternative, but their production and disposal also raise questions. To determine which is better for the planet, we must examine the lifecycle of each type, from raw materials to disposal.

Traditional Tea Bags: Composition and Impact

Traditional tea bags encompass a range of designs, but most fall into two categories: paper-based and synthetic mesh. Let’s break down their composition and environmental consequences.

1. Paper Tea Bags

The majority of tea bags are made from filter paper, typically derived from wood pulp or manila hemp. These bags are lightweight, porous, and cost-effective, making them the standard for brands like Lipton and Tetley.

  • Composition: Paper tea bags are primarily cellulose-based, but many contain a small percentage (15–20%) of polypropylene, a plastic used for heat-sealing the edges. Some also include staples, strings, or tags, which may be non-biodegradable.
  • Production Impact: Producing paper tea bags requires significant resources, including trees, water, and energy. The bleaching process to create white filter paper often involves chlorine or other chemicals, which can pollute waterways if not managed properly. Polypropylene, derived from fossil fuels, adds a carbon-intensive element to production.
  • Disposal Impact: While the paper component is technically biodegradable, the polypropylene prevents full decomposition, meaning these bags linger in landfills for decades. In 2019, a study by the UK’s Which? magazine found that many “biodegradable” paper tea bags still contained plastic, misleading consumers. When discarded, these bags contribute to the 2.24 billion tons of municipal solid waste generated globally each year, much of which ends up in landfills or incinerators, releasing greenhouse gases or toxins.
  • Microplastic Risk: When steeped in hot water, some paper tea bags with plastic seals release microplastics—tiny particles that can enter the human body and ecosystems, posing health and environmental risks.

2. Synthetic Mesh Tea Bags (Nylon/PET)

Premium tea bags, often pyramid-shaped, are frequently made from nylon or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). These materials allow better water flow and accommodate larger tea leaves, enhancing flavor.

  • Composition: Nylon and PET are petroleum-based plastics, non-biodegradable, and highly durable. They’re used by brands like PG Tips and Twinings for their “premium” tea bags.
  • Production Impact: The production of synthetic tea bags is energy-intensive, relying on fossil fuels for both raw materials and manufacturing. Extracting and processing petroleum emits significant carbon dioxide (CO2), contributing to climate change. The global plastic industry is responsible for approximately 4% of annual CO2 emissions, and tea bags are a small but growing part of this footprint.
  • Disposal Impact: Nylon and PET tea bags do not biodegrade, persisting in landfills or oceans for centuries. If incinerated, they release toxic pollutants like dioxins. Their durability, while beneficial for steeping, makes them a long-term environmental hazard. In marine environments, these bags contribute to the 8 million metric tons of plastic entering oceans annually, harming wildlife and breaking down into microplastics.
  • Microplastic Risk: A 2019 study by McGill University found that nylon and PET tea bags release billions of microplastic particles per bag when steeped in hot water, raising concerns about ingestion and ecological contamination.

Environmental Footprint Summary

Traditional tea bags, whether paper or synthetic, pose significant environmental challenges. Paper bags with plastic seals are partially biodegradable but contribute to landfill waste and microplastic pollution. Synthetic mesh bags are entirely non-biodegradable, exacerbating plastic waste and emissions. Both types rely on resource-heavy production, making them less sustainable than they appear.

Biodegradable Tea Bags: A Greener Alternative?

Biodegradable tea bags aim to address the shortcomings of traditional designs by using materials that break down naturally. Common biodegradable options include plant-based polylactic acid (PLA) and natural fibers like cotton or hemp. Let’s explore their composition and impact.

1. PLA Tea Bags

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a bioplastic derived from renewable sources like corn starch, sugarcane, or cassava. Brands like Pukka, Clipper, and Yogi Tea have adopted PLA for its eco-friendly properties.

  • Composition: PLA is fully biodegradable and compostable in industrial composting facilities, where it breaks down into water, CO2, and organic matter. PLA tea bags are often paired with natural fibers for strings or tags, ensuring the entire product is compostable.
  • Production Impact: PLA production is less carbon-intensive than petroleum-based plastics, emitting approximately 50% less CO2 per kilogram. However, it requires agricultural resources, including land, water, and fertilizers, which can strain ecosystems if not managed sustainably. For example, large-scale corn farming for PLA may compete with food production or contribute to deforestation. Energy is still needed for processing, but renewable energy sources can mitigate this impact.
  • Disposal Impact: PLA tea bags decompose within 3–6 months in industrial composting facilities, leaving no harmful residues. However, they require specific conditions (high heat and microbial activity) to break down, which home compost systems may not provide. If sent to landfills, PLA degrades more slowly, though it still outperforms traditional plastics. Proper disposal infrastructure is critical to maximizing PLA’s benefits.
  • Microplastic Risk: PLA is free of microplastic risks, as it’s derived from plant-based materials and degrades naturally.

2. Natural Fiber Tea Bags

Some tea bags are made from natural fibers like organic cotton, hemp, or banana fiber. These are often reusable or designed for single-use composting.

  • Composition: Natural fiber tea bags are woven from plant-based materials, free of plastics or synthetic additives. They’re durable, permeable, and fully biodegradable.
  • Production Impact: Natural fibers have a lower environmental footprint than synthetic materials, as they’re grown rather than extracted from fossil fuels. However, cultivation requires land, water, and sometimes pesticides, though organic farming mitigates these impacts. Hemp, for instance, is a low-water, fast-growing crop, making it highly sustainable. Processing fibers into tea bags uses minimal energy compared to plastics.
  • Disposal Impact: Natural fiber tea bags decompose rapidly in home compost systems, typically within 1–3 months, enriching soil with organic matter. Reusable options, like cotton tea bags, further reduce waste by allowing multiple uses. Their disposal has virtually no negative environmental impact.
  • Microplastic Risk: As plant-based materials, natural fibers pose no microplastic risk.

Environmental Footprint Summary

Biodegradable tea bags, particularly PLA and natural fibers, offer significant environmental advantages over traditional options. They reduce landfill waste, eliminate microplastic pollution, and rely on renewable resources. However, their production and disposal require careful management to maximize sustainability, particularly for PLA, which depends on industrial composting infrastructure.

Comparing the Two: A Lifecycle Perspective

To determine which tea bag type is better for the planet, let’s compare their environmental impact across their lifecycle: raw materials, production, use, and disposal.

  1. Raw Materials
    • Traditional: Paper tea bags use trees or hemp, renewable but resource-intensive. Synthetic mesh relies on non-renewable petroleum, a finite resource with high ecological costs.
    • Biodegradable: PLA uses renewable crops but competes with food production. Natural fibers like hemp or cotton are renewable and often more sustainable, especially when organically grown.
    • Winner: Biodegradable (natural fibers edge out PLA for lower resource demands).
  2. Production
    • Traditional: Paper production involves deforestation, chemical bleaching, and energy use. Synthetic mesh production is highly carbon-intensive due to petroleum processing.
    • Biodegradable: PLA production emits less CO2 but requires agricultural inputs. Natural fiber production is less energy-intensive, especially for low-impact crops like hemp.
    • Winner: Biodegradable (natural fibers are most eco-friendly).
  3. Use
    • Traditional: Both paper and synthetic tea bags risk releasing microplastics during steeping, posing health and environmental concerns.
    • Biodegradable: PLA and natural fibers are microplastic-free, ensuring a cleaner brew and safer ecosystems.
    • Winner: Biodegradable.
  4. Disposal
    • Traditional: Paper tea bags with plastic seals are only partially biodegradable, contributing to landfill waste. Synthetic mesh persists for centuries, exacerbating pollution.
    • Biodegradable: PLA decomposes in industrial facilities, while natural fibers break down in home composts, minimizing waste.
    • Winner: Biodegradable (natural fibers excel for home compostability).

Overall Winner: Biodegradable tea bags, particularly those made from natural fibers, are better for the planet due to their renewable materials, lower production emissions, microplastic-free composition, and compostable disposal. PLA is a strong contender but requires proper composting infrastructure to shine.

Spotlight on Sustainable Brands

Several tea brands are leading the shift toward biodegradable tea bags, setting an example for the industry. Here are five standout companies making a difference:

  1. Pukka Herbs
    • Sustainability Focus: Pukka uses PLA tea bags that are fully compostable in industrial facilities. Their teas are organic, and their packaging is recyclable or compostable.
    • Why They Stand Out: Pukka’s commitment to sustainability extends to fair trade sourcing and carbon-neutral operations, making them a holistic eco-leader.
    • Best For: Herbal tea lovers seeking vibrant flavors and green credentials.
  2. Clipper Teas
    • Sustainability Focus: Clipper transitioned to PLA tea bags in 2018, eliminating plastic seals. They use unbleached, compostable paper and support ethical farming practices.
    • Why They Stand Out: Clipper was one of the first major brands to go plastic-free, influencing industry standards.
    • Best For: Everyday black and green tea drinkers prioritizing affordability and sustainability.
  3. Yogi Tea
    • Sustainability Focus: Yogi uses compostable PLA tea bags and organic ingredients. Their packaging emphasizes recyclable materials, and they support regenerative agriculture.
    • Why They Stand Out: Yogi’s focus on wellness and environmental responsibility resonates with conscious consumers.
    • Best For: Fans of spiced and wellness-focused blends.
  4. Numi Organic Tea
    • Sustainability Focus: Numi uses organic cotton tea bags for some blends and compostable plant-based materials for others. They prioritize fair trade and carbon offset programs.
    • Why They Stand Out: Numi’s innovative use of cotton and transparent supply chain set a high bar for sustainability.
    • Best For: Premium tea enthusiasts seeking artisanal quality.
  5. Teapigs
    • Sustainability Focus: Teapigs uses PLA “tea temples” that are industrially compostable. They’ve eliminated plastic from their supply chain and use recyclable packaging.
    • Why They Stand Out: Teapigs combines premium whole-leaf teas with eco-friendly design, appealing to quality-conscious consumers.
    • Best For: Those who value flavor and sustainability in pyramid-shaped bags.

These brands demonstrate that sustainability and quality can coexist, offering tea drinkers eco-friendly options without compromising taste.

Challenges and Considerations

While biodegradable tea bags are the greener choice, they’re not without challenges:

  • Composting Infrastructure: PLA requires industrial composting facilities, which aren’t universally available. Consumers in areas without access may struggle to dispose of PLA bags sustainably.
  • Cost: Biodegradable tea bags, especially natural fiber ones, are more expensive to produce, which can increase prices for consumers.
  • Consumer Awareness: Many tea drinkers are unaware of the plastic content in traditional tea bags or the benefits of biodegradable alternatives, limiting adoption.
  • Production Trade-Offs: PLA’s reliance on agriculture raises concerns about land use, while natural fibers may require water-intensive farming if not sourced organically.

To address these, brands and consumers must work together—brands by investing in affordable, scalable solutions and clear labeling, and consumers by supporting sustainable products and advocating for better waste management systems.

Practical Tips for Eco-Friendly Tea Drinking

Making sustainable choices as a tea drinker is easier than you think. Here are actionable tips to reduce your environmental impact:

  1. Choose Biodegradable Tea Bags: Opt for brands using PLA or natural fibers, like Pukka or Numi. Check labels for “compostable” or “plastic-free” certifications.
  2. Compost Correctly: If using PLA tea bags, find a local industrial composting facility. For natural fiber bags, add them to your home compost pile.
  3. Switch to Loose-Leaf Tea: Loose-leaf tea with reusable cotton or metal infusers eliminates tea bag waste entirely while offering superior flavor.
  4. Support Sustainable Brands: Purchase from companies prioritizing eco-friendly practices, fair trade, and organic ingredients.
  5. Avoid Synthetic Mesh: Steer clear of nylon or PET tea bags to reduce plastic pollution and microplastic risks.
  6. Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about the materials in your tea bags and share knowledge with friends to drive demand for sustainable options.
  7. Recycle Packaging: Choose brands with recyclable or compostable packaging to minimize your overall waste footprint.

Conclusion: Brewing a Greener Future

The choice between biodegradable and traditional tea bags is clear: biodegradable options, especially those made from natural fibers, are significantly better for the planet. By reducing landfill waste, eliminating microplastics, and relying on renewable resources, they align with the growing demand for sustainable living. While traditional tea bags offer convenience, their environmental costs—plastic pollution, resource depletion, and long-term waste—outweigh their benefits in an era of climate consciousness.

At OnoTea.com, we believe every cup of tea is an opportunity to make a positive impact. By choosing biodegradable tea bags from brands like Pukka, Clipper, or Numi, and adopting eco-friendly habits, you can enjoy your favorite brews while protecting the planet. The future of tea is green, and it starts with informed choices, innovative designs, and a shared commitment to sustainability. So, steep thoughtfully, sip sustainably, and join us in brewing a better world, one tea bag at a time.

Sources

Team Ono

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