In a refreshing first, a tea company has announced the launch of what it claims is the world’s only microplastic-free cotton tea bags.
Esah Tea, a direct-to-consumer brand from Assam, India, has developed a handmade, biodegradable tea bag that can be used to make a pot of delicious tea with low environmental impact, reports ET Edge Insights.
According to a study from McGill University cited by ET Edge Insights, more than 11 billion microplastic particles are released from regular tea bags in every cup. A growing body of research is proving the negative effects of microplastics on the human body – including links to fertility problems, respiratory diseases, increased cancer risk and neurological disorders. This has spurred Esah Tea to make its tea much more customer- and environmentally-friendly.
“The launch of our microplastic-free cotton tea bags is not just a product launch – it is a paradigm shift in our approach to tea production and consumption,” Bijit Sarma, Founder and CEO of Esah Tea, told ET Edge Insights. “We are tackling a critical health and environmental issue while enhancing the tea drinking experience.”
According to ET Edge Insights, tea lovers can benefit from a variety of flavors including honey lemon green tea, organic Assam breakfast tea and handcrafted organic black tea, as well as various fruit teas that they can enjoy without any worries.
Microplastics are becoming increasingly ubiquitous in water supplies, seafood and even the Arctic air. Although their effects on our bodies and the environment are not yet fully understood, the evidence that has been collected is not encouraging.
That’s why measures like the development of these cotton tea bags are so important to reduce unnecessary exposure to this harmful material. More and more companies are looking for alternative packaging solutions to avoid the excessive use of plastic in food and drink. Supporting these efforts will encourage further progress towards a plastic-free weekly shop.
Plastic is harmful to the environment at every stage of its life cycle, from the dirty fuel it is made from to the microplastic particles it can release into ecosystems during use and after disposal. While recycling efforts certainly help limit the damage that plastic waste can do, eliminating plastic from our food supply chain – and other consumer sectors – is the best option for protecting our health and the planet.
Esah Tea has taken an encouraging step and set an example for all tea manufacturers to follow.
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