Are Traditional Medicinal Tea Bags Compostable? The Truth
Many traditional medicinal tea bags are not compostable due to synthetic materials; check for biodegradable options to ensure eco-friendliness.
Many health-conscious tea drinkers wonder if their favorite medicinal tea bags can be composted. The answer depends on the materials used in both the tea bag and its wrapper. Traditional Medicinals, a leader in herbal wellness teas, has made significant strides in sustainable packaging.
Understanding Tea Bag Compostability
Most Traditional Medicinals tea bags are fully compostable when made from natural materials like:
- Unbleached paper
- Hemp fiber
- Cotton
- Abaca (banana leaf fiber)
However, the compostability depends on whether the tea bag contains plastic linings or synthetic materials. Many conventional tea bags use polypropylene to seal the bags, which makes them non-compostable.
The Packaging Challenge
Traditional Medicinals faced a unique challenge with their medicinal teas:
| Requirement | Solution |
|---|---|
| Preserve herb potency | Individually sealed wrappers |
| Prevent oxidation | Oxygen/moisture barriers |
| Maintain shelf life | BPI-certified compostable materials |
Traditional Medicinals’ Sustainable Packaging
The company has introduced BPI-certified industrially compostable wrappers for select teas. These wrappers:
- Contain a thin food-grade aluminum layer
- Use biobased materials
- Break down completely in industrial facilities
Their first products with this packaging include Reishi Mushroom with Rooibos + Orange Peel tea. More varieties will transition in coming years.
Industrial vs Home Composting
These wrappers require industrial composting because:
- They need high temperatures (140-160°F) to break down
- Commercial facilities maintain proper oxygen flow
- Complete decomposition occurs within 12 weeks
For proper tea preparation that maintains health benefits, see our guide on best remedies for cough and cold.
How to Compost Tea Bags Properly
Follow these steps for eco-friendly disposal:
- Check if your municipality offers industrial composting
- Remove any staples from the tea bag tag
- Separate the wrapper from the tea bag if they have different compost requirements
- Add to your compost bin or municipal collection
For those interested in other sustainable beverage options, explore our review of the best non-toxic juicers.
Why This Matters
Traditional Medicinals estimates their new packaging could divert thousands of pounds of waste from landfills annually. As their research shows, packaging accounts for 40% of global plastic waste.
The Future of Sustainable Tea Packaging
While current solutions require industrial composting, Traditional Medicinals continues to research:
- Home compostable wrapper options
- Alternative barrier materials
- Reduced packaging weight
They encourage consumers to advocate for better composting infrastructure through organizations like the Packaging Collaborative.
