Your traditional tea bag has likely released billions of microplastic particles into your cup, according to a 2023 study. “We were shocked when we saw billions of particles in a single cup of tea,” Nathalie Tufekji, lead researcher of a groundbreaking study published in Environmental Science & Technology in 2023, told CBC News.
Although industry associations maintain that materials like PET and nylon are deemed safe for food contact, growing environmental and health concerns are prompting consumers to seek alternatives. Switching to muslin tea bags not only eliminates microplastic exposure but also enhances your tea experience with superior flavor and sustainability.
Here are three reasons why it’s time to switch to Muslin tea bags.
The Problem with Plastic in Tea Bags
Each cup of tea brewed using plastic-based tea bags introduces billions of microplastic particles into your beverage—far more than found in bottled water or seafood. These tiny particles are not filtered by the human body, raising questions about long-term health impacts.
While regulatory agencies have deemed plastic food-contact materials generally safe, emerging research highlights potential risks associated with chronic microplastic ingestion, including inflammation and endocrine disruption.
Switching to muslin tea bags eliminates this concern, offering a cleaner, safer tea experience. EVS Canada’s Nunshen Tea’s in-house tea sommeliers go the extra mile to hand stitch muslin tea bags are crafted from 100% organic materials, ensuring that no plastic leaches into your tea. The breathable fabric allows the full leaves to unfurl, delivering superior flavor and aroma.
Discarded Tea Bags Release Microplastic in the Ocean
Single-use plastics are one of the biggest environmental challenges of our time, and plastic tea bags contribute directly to this problem. They are not biodegradable, lingering in landfills and waterways for hundreds of years. As they break down, they release microplastics that harm marine life and ecosystems. By choosing muslin tea bags, you support a circular, eco-friendly solution.
The lifecycle of a plastic tea bag contrasts sharply with sustainable options. Every discarded plastic tea bag adds to the 300 million tons of plastic waste produced globally each year. In contrast, muslin tea bags decompose naturally, contributing nutrients to soil rather than pollution to oceans. Choosing muslin over plastic is a simple but powerful step toward preserving biodiversity and reducing dependency on non-renewable resources.
The Flavor Advantage of Full-Leaf Tea
Plastic-sealed bags are often filled with tea dust and fannings, the lowest-grade remnants of tea production. These small particles brew quickly but lack the nuanced flavors and aromas of full-leaf tea. Muslin tea bags, with their larger size and breathable fabric, allow premium full leaves to expand and infuse properly, delivering a richer, more aromatic cup. Elevate your tea experience with Nunshen’s carefully selected blends, hand-crafted for optimal flavor and sustainability.
True tea enthusiasts understand that brewing is both an art and a science. Poor-quality tea dusts found in standard bags can release tannins too quickly, leading to a bitter, unbalanced flavor. Full-leaf teas infuse gradually, offering a symphony of delicate notes and a smoother finish. To preserve full tea leaves, Nunshen’s tea bags leave space for the leaves to expand during the brewing process.
You can book a demo by clicking here to take a sip and taste the difference for yourself. Explore Nunshen’s tea menu here to pick your starter pack.
