Yes, Bigelow tea bags are plastic-free, made from a blend of natural fibers and are compostable, ensuring an eco-friendly tea experience.
Many tea lovers are shocked to discover their favorite tea bags may contain plastic. With growing concerns about microplastics in our food and drinks, consumers want to know: Are Bigelow tea bags plastic-free? The good news is yes – Bigelow uses natural fiber tea bags without polypropylene or other plastics.
The Plastic Problem in Tea Bags
Most conventional tea bags contain plastic – either as:
- Polypropylene heat-sealing glue (20-30% of bag weight)
- Nylon or PET in pyramid-style bags
- Foil-lined outer packaging
A 2019 McGill University study found one plastic tea bag releases 11.6 billion microplastics at brewing temperature. These particles may pose health risks and definitely harm the environment.
How Plastic Gets Into Tea
Manufacturers use plastic because it:
- Creates strong heat seals
- Prevents bags from falling apart
- Maintains shape in hot water
Common plastics used include polypropylene (PP #5) and nylon. Both can leach into your tea, especially when heated.
Bigelow’s Plastic-Free Commitment
Bigelow Tea confirms their bags contain:
- 100% natural fibers (no plastic)
- Compostable materials
- No polypropylene sealants
However, their individual wrappers do contain plastic-lined foil. For completely plastic-free tea, consider rooibos loose leaf options or brands with compostable packaging.
How Bigelow Compares to Other Brands
| Brand | Bag Material | Wrapper |
|---|---|---|
| Bigelow | Plastic-free | Foil/plastic lined |
| Celestial Seasonings | Plastic-free | Foil lined |
| Traditional Medicinals | PLA (plant-based plastic) | Plastic |
Healthier Tea Alternatives
For maximum plastic avoidance:
1. Loose Leaf Tea
Brew with:
- Stainless steel infusers
- Muslin bags
- French press
Check out filtered brewing methods that work for tea too.
2. Fully Plastic-Free Brands
These companies offer completely plastic-free solutions:
- Pukka Herbs (compostable wrappers)
- Clipper (unbleached bags)
- Numi (plant-based PLA)
The Future of Plastic-Free Tea
Many brands are transitioning to:
- PLA (polylactic acid) from corn starch
- Abaca hemp fiber bags
- Completely plastic-free packaging
As consumers demand change, more companies will follow Bigelow’s lead in eliminating plastics from tea bags. For now, Bigelow remains a good choice for plastic-free bagged tea, though their packaging still contains some plastic elements.
