The Composition of Celestial Seasonings Tea Bags
For decades, Celestial Seasonings has been known for its pillow-style tea bags that are free of strings, tags, staples, and individual wrappers. The company states that this design choice significantly reduces waste. To achieve this seamless, pillow-like seal, they incorporate a small amount of plastic into the tea bag material. Specifically, the bags are made with a blend of abaca (a plant-based fiber) and wood cellulose, heat-sealed with food-grade polypropylene and low-density polyethylene fibers.
Celestial Seasonings has been transparent about its use of these materials and, in recent years, has stated that it is actively working with suppliers to transition away from thermoplastic polymers. Furthermore, the company has made other moves toward sustainability, such as eliminating the plastic overwrap on many of its boxes. However, as of late 2025, a small amount of plastic remains in the heat-sealed portion of most standard Celestial Seasonings tea bags.
The Link Between Tea Bags, Heat, and Microplastics
Scientific studies have demonstrated that exposing plastics to hot water can cause the release of microscopic plastic particles. A 2019 study published in Environmental Science & Technology showed that single plastic tea bags, when steeped in hot water, released billions of microplastics and nanoplastics. While most Celestial Seasonings tea bags are made primarily of paper, the heat-sealed plastic fibers at the edges are a source of microplastic contamination.
The health implications of ingesting microplastics are still a subject of ongoing research. Some preliminary studies suggest potential risks associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic disruption, but experts caution that it is too early to draw definitive conclusions. Nevertheless, for many health-conscious consumers, the mere presence of microplastics in a daily beverage is a cause for concern.
How to Avoid Microplastics in Your Tea
Consumers concerned about ingesting microplastics have several options to continue enjoying tea without worry.
- Switch to Loose-Leaf Tea: The most straightforward method is to switch to loose-leaf tea and use a reusable stainless steel or ceramic infuser. This completely eliminates the need for any kind of tea bag and provides a superior flavor experience. It is also an excellent way to reduce waste.
- Use Fillable Filter Bags: You can purchase unbleached, paper filter bags and fill them with your own loose-leaf tea. Brands like If You Care offer options that are free of plastics and are home compostable.
- Choose Certified Plastic-Free Brands: Certain tea brands have transitioned entirely to plastic-free tea bags. These bags may be sealed with a cotton stitch or heat-sealed with plant-based materials like polylactic acid (PLA) that are certified compostable. It is crucial to check the packaging, as some PLA materials still require industrial composting facilities.
Alternatives to Celestial Seasonings
If you prefer the convenience of tea bags but want to avoid plastic, several brands offer fully plastic-free options:
- Yogi Tea: Many Yogi Tea bags are sealed with a cotton string and are compostable.
- Numi Tea: Numi offers organic, loose-leaf tea and tea bags made from compostable, unbleached filter paper.
- Traditional Medicinals: This brand uses unbleached paper tea bags and does not use plastic for sealing.
- Republic of Tea: Known for its round, unbleached paper bags, Republic of Tea has long been a plastic-free option.
| Feature | Standard Celestial Seasonings | Plastic-Free Tea Bags | Loose-Leaf Tea |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bag Material | Abaca/wood cellulose blend | Abaca, cellulose, or other plant-based fibers | None |
| Seal Method | Heat-sealed with polypropylene and polyethylene | Stitched with cotton or heat-sealed with PLA | N/A |
| Microplastic Risk | Low-to-moderate risk from plastic seal | Minimal risk, depends on material and seal | No risk |
| Convenience | High (ready-to-brew) | High (ready-to-brew) | Medium (requires infuser) |
| Compostable | Not home compostable due to plastic | Varies (some are home compostable) | Yes |
Conclusion
While Celestial Seasonings has improved its packaging by removing plastic overwrap and using stringless, tagless bags, most of its standard tea bags still contain small amounts of food-grade plastic used for heat-sealing. For consumers concerned about microplastic exposure, switching to loose-leaf tea or choosing a brand that offers certified plastic-free tea bags is the most reliable path forward. As demand for sustainable and truly plastic-free products grows, companies like Celestial Seasonings are likely to accelerate their efforts to eliminate plastic from all aspects of their packaging. For more information on environmental concerns, the Center for Environmental Health is actively campaigning for Celestial Seasonings to produce plastic-free tea bags.
