Tea is a daily ritual for many Australians, but have you ever wondered if your tea bags contain plastic? Many brands still use plastic in their tea bags, which means microplastics could end up in your cup and the environment.
In this guide, we’ll break down which brands in Australia use plastic and which ones don’t.
Why Does Plastic in Tea Bags Matter?
Many conventional tea bags are sealed with polypropylene, a type of plastic, to help them maintain their shape in hot water. This means microplastics could be released into your tea! Additionally, plastic-based tea bags are not fully compostable and contribute to plastic pollution when disposed of improperly.
Australian Tea Brands: Who Uses Plastic and Who Doesn’t?
To give you the most accurate and up-to-date information, we contacted several Australian and international tea brands directly. While some provided clear answers, others didn’t respond.
 | Do T2 tea bags have plastic? No, their teabags (and the string) are made from Polylactic Acid (PLA). |
 | Do Nerada tea bags have plastic? Yes. The adhesive, used to attach the string to the tag and bag, contains a small component of plastic (polypropylene, 0.001%). |
 | Do Pukka Herbs tea bags have plastic? No. Their tea bags are made from natural fibers like abaca, wood pulp, and cellulose, with no plastic mentioned in the sealing process. They also claim that independent lab tests have found no microplastics in their tea. |
 | Do Clipper tea bags have plastic? No, their teabags are sealed with Polylactic Acid (PLA). |
 | Do Twinings tea bags have plastic? No. Their tea bags are made of wood pulp and abaca and are sealed by being folded and held together with cotton string. |
 | Do Dilmah tea bags have plastic? Yes. The sealing process contains less than 2% plastic or synthetic fibres. |
 | Do Madame Flavour tea bags have plastic? Not sure. There is a lack of up-to-date information. We would recommend steering clear. We have reached out to Lipton for a statement but have not received a reply. |
 | Do Lipton tea bags have plastic? Not sure. There is a lack of up-to-date information. We would recommend steering clear. We have reached out to Lipton for a statement but have not received a reply. |
Is Polylactic Acid (PLA) safe in tea bags?
Yes, PLA is considered safe for consumers in tea bags. Research confirms that it does not release harmful substances when in contact with food or steeped in boiling water. PLA is a biodegradable, non-toxic material that meets food safety regulations. However, concerns exist about its potential to break down into microplastics under certain environmental conditions. This does not affect its safety during use in tea bags.
How to Check If Your Tea Bags Contain Plastic
If your preferred brand isn’t listed above, let us know below, or here’s how to check:
- Read the packaging and look for words like “biodegradable,” “compostable,” or “plant-based.”
- Do the rip test. Tear open a dry tea bag, if it has a thin plastic lining, it likely contains plastic.
- Check the website. Brands should provide transparent sustainability information online.
The Best Plastic Free Alternatives
If you want to go completely plastic-free, consider loose-leaf tea with a reusable strainer, 100% compostable bags or making your own tea blends from dried herbs and flowers.
While many Australian tea brands still use plastic in their tea bags, there are plenty of sustainable alternatives. Choosing plastic-free options helps reduce microplastic exposure and supports a healthier planet.
Personally, we have switched to loose leaf tea and haven’t looked back!
TL;DR: Many Australian tea brands still use plastic in their tea bags, meaning microplastics could end up in your cup. Brands like T2, Pukka, Clipper, and Twinings are plastic-free, while Nerada and Dilmah still contain some plastic. If you’re unsure about a brand, check the packaging, do a rip test, or look online. For the most sustainable option, switch to loose-leaf tea with a reusable strainer.
If a brand isn’t listed here, let us know so we can try reaching out or try switching to a safer, plastic-free alternative!
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