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Toxins & Microplastics in Teabags

Updated: Dec 21, 2025

Steeping Mad

Teabags are made from numerous materials including cellulose, plastic, or nylon from which billions of microplastics can be released while steeping. Fancier pyramid sachets are often made from rayon, PP (polypropylene), or PET (polyethylene terephthalate) which also have the potential of releasing microplastics during steeping. Paper teabags, we would hope a safer option, are often bleached, coated with epichlorohydrin, sealed with plastic compounds, or have plastic components. To sidestep the cliché of spilling the tea… how about we just uncover these toxins together, shall we?


Irish Glass Mug with Teabag Steeping Hot Pink Tea into Water
Do teabags release microplastics?

In This Post:



Toxins & Microplastics Released by Teabags


Epichlorohydrin

A coating used on paper teabags to keep them from falling apart or bursting during steeping. Identified as a carcinogen and endocrine disruptor.


PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and Nylon

Fossil-fuel based plastics. These materials break down at temperatures well below the boiling point of water. Studies have shown that they are capable of releasing billions of microplastics and nanoplastics during steeping/brewing. These plastics, likely containing toxins, are then ingested and accumulated in the body. They also present a bioaccumulation concern, as they are not biodegradable.


PP (polypropylene)

A thermoplastic which, like its counterparts PET and nylon, release billions of microplastics and nanoplastics during steeping/brewing. These plastics are ingested and accumulated in the body. Polypropylene is the plastic that is typically used to heat-seal conventional and pyramid teabags to prevent the seams from coming undone. Not only is it persistent in the body, but it's also persistent in the environment. It's deemed non-biodegradable, meaning it doesn't readily break down creating a bioaccumulation concern.


Rayon

Begins as natural plant cellulose (wood pulp, bamboo) but is chemically processed into a semi-synthetic fiber to be used in applications such as teabags. Rayon teabags often use plastic sealants like Polypropylene (above) to heat-seal seams.


Worth Noting

PLA (polylactic acid)

Plant-based thermoplastic also referred to as a bioplastic. Derived from (likely GMO) corn, sugarcane, and sugar beets. Considered a safer option, but studies have shown it is only biodegradable in industrial composting facilities, not in soil, home compost, or landfill environments.



Toxin-Free Tea Steeping

You can use unsealed, non-bleached paper teabags to avoid these toxins or choose to move away from teabags entirely and steep loose-leaf teas with a stainless-steel infuser.


I had very little interest, if any, in committing to the hassle of measuring, steeping, and cleaning an infuser to brew loose-leaf tea which felt like a foreign process when compared to dropping a teabag into a cup, but I gave it a go for the sake of seeking a healthier way to drink tea. It's really not that big of an adjustment for the reward. I wash the cup and teaspoon anyway, so dropping the infuser into a soapy teacup to soak together doesn't drive the Hatter Mad.


Having the freedom to choose the strength of your brew may turn out to be your cup of tea. With loose-leaf tea, you are in charge of how much you use in your servings. Sometimes I like a stronger tea, so I add a little more. Sometimes I prefer a black tea but don't want to go overboard with caffeine, so I hold back a little on the amount I shake into my infuser. I did say shake... you can get yourself a sweet little measuring spoon, or once you get comfortable with how much you like to use, just eyeball the amount in the bottom of your infuser. I shake it straight from the loose-leaf container.


Inspiration

On the hunt for loose-leaf tea, I came upon a lovely, woman-owned small business, Open Door Tea. Learning about the founder's process and seeing the beautiful, earthy loose-leaf teas, I was inspired to treat a cup of tea like a celebration. It surprised me entirely that I quite enjoy making a cup of tea this way. Our magnificent planet produces extraordinary and powerful resources that facilitate healing and recentering. Open Door Tea masterfully harnesses this power and handcrafts a storied library of blends and flavors that will surely meet you with a warm invitation time and time again as you explore their delicious teas and create your very own moments of healing, peace, and celebration.


Orders placed via Collaboration Links attribute commissions at no expense to you.


Non-Toxic Alternative

Open Door Tea Teaware

Free of the Toxins Listed Above


Bamboo Tea Tumbler

Borosilicate Glass, Bamboo Lid, Stainless-steel Infuser


Use Wyld12 for 12% off all orders



Steel Tea Infuser

Stainless-steel infuser w/ lid that doubles as an infuser coaster


Use Wyld12 for 12% off all orders



Cold Brew Bottle

Borosilicate Glass, Silicone Lid, Ultra-fine Filter

Filter can be removed, transforming the bottle into a carafe.


Use Wyld12 for 12% off all orders



Beyond having an impressive variety of loose-leaf teas, many of which are organic, Open Door Tea offers non-toxic teaware so you can choose how you brew.

  • Stainless Steel Infuser (fits right over your cup)

  • Borosilicate Glass Teapot with Stainless Steel Filter

  • Cold Brew Borosilicate Glass Bottle with Ultra-fine Filter

  • Double Wall Borosilicate Glass Mug with Stainless Steel Infuser

  • Double Wall Borosilicate Glass Tumbler with Stainless Steel Infuser

  • Paper Teabags: eco-friendly, unsealed, non-bleached recycled wood pulp (currently not in stock)



Then, there's tea itself, which can contain just as many toxins as their outerwear (teabags). If it's still teatime, come on over to my Toxins in Tea post.

 
 
 

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