Does Teeccino have microplastics? A Deep Dive Into Their Tea Bags

December 17, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2019 study by McGill University, some plastic-based tea bags can release billions of microplastic particles into a single cup of tea. Amid these revelations, consumers are asking: does Teeccino have microplastics and are their products safe?

Quick Summary

Teeccino's tea bags are certified plastic-free and made from plant-based, compostable filter paper. The company switched to these materials to avoid the microplastic contamination associated with conventional tea bags, providing a safer, eco-conscious alternative for consumers.

Key Points

Teeccino is plastic-free: The company explicitly states that their tea bags are made from plant-based, plastic-free, and compostable filter paper.
Conventional bags contain plastic: Many standard tea bags, including some paper and synthetic mesh varieties, can contain plastic like polypropylene for sealing.
Microplastics are released: Studies have shown that when steeped in hot water, plastic-containing tea bags can release billions of microplastic and nanoplastic particles into the beverage.
Teeccino's switch: Teeccino proactively made the change from plastic-containing bags to their current eco-friendly design to address microplastic concerns.
Check for certification: Consumers can look for brands like Teeccino that provide certifications for their compostable, plant-based materials to verify they are plastic-free.
Health and environmental impacts: Ingested microplastics may pose potential health risks and contribute to environmental pollution.
Loose leaf is an alternative: Brewing loose-leaf tea with a non-plastic infuser is the most guaranteed way to avoid microplastics in your brew.

The Microplastics Problem in Tea Bags

For many years, tea drinkers enjoyed the convenience of single-serving tea bags without a second thought. However, recent scientific studies have cast a shadow on this daily ritual. Researchers have found that numerous tea brands use teabags made from synthetic materials like nylon or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which are forms of plastic. When these plastic bags are steeped in hot water, they can shed billions of microscopic plastic particles into the beverage. While the full health implications of ingesting microplastics are still under investigation, the findings raise significant concerns for both environmentalists and health-conscious consumers. As a result, many brands are under pressure to reformulate their packaging to offer a safer, more sustainable product.

Does Teeccino Have Microplastics? The Brand's Position

Addressing consumer worries directly, Teeccino has stated that their tea bags are 100% plastic-free. The company explicitly confirms that they have transitioned from older, plastic-containing tea bags to modern, plant-based filter paper. This move was a direct response to growing awareness of microplastic contamination and a commitment to their mission for sustainability. The sealing fibers used in their bags are derived from a renewable and biodegradable plant fiber, replacing the fossil-fuel-derived plastics used in the past. This makes Teeccino's teabags suitable for industrial composting, where they will fully break down without leaving behind plastic residue.

Teeccino Tea Bag Composition: A Closer Look

To ensure their product aligns with eco-friendly values, Teeccino has implemented a number of changes to their manufacturing and packaging processes. These include:

Switching to plant-based filter paper that is certified compostable.
Using a renewable, biodegradable plant fiber for heat-sealing the bags.
Individually wrapping each teabag in envelopes that are also undergoing a transition to become entirely plastic-free, with the ultimate goal of full compostability.
Packaging their products in boxes made from 100% recycled paperboard.

This proactive approach contrasts sharply with many conventional brands that still rely on plastic components for manufacturing and sealing their tea bags. The company maintains that they prioritize quality control to prevent unsealed bags, acknowledging this is a trade-off for not using less eco-friendly, but more reliable, plastic seals.

Comparison Table: Teeccino vs. Conventional Tea Bags


Feature	Teeccino Tea Bags	Conventional Plastic Tea Bags
Bag Material	Plant-based, oxygen-bleached filter paper	Paper and polypropylene blend, or synthetic nylon/PET mesh
Plastic Content	100% plastic-free filter paper	May contain polypropylene for sealing or be entirely plastic mesh
Compostability	Certified industrial compostable	Not compostable due to plastic components
Microplastic Release	Does not release fossil fuel-derived microplastics	Releases billions of microplastic and nanoplastic particles
Environmental Impact	Biodegradable, reduces plastic pollution	Contributes to microplastic pollution and landfill waste
Sealing Method	Plant-based fiber heat seal	Heat-sealed with polypropylene or other synthetic materials

Environmental and Health Concerns of Microplastics in Tea

Beyond just the immediate presence in your cup, microplastics pose a broader environmental threat. They persist in ecosystems for centuries and can harm marine life and wildlife. For humans, recent studies have indicated that microplastics can be absorbed by human intestinal cells, with particles even reaching the cell nucleus in mucus-producing cells. While research is ongoing, potential links to issues like inflammatory bowel disease and other health conditions are being explored. By choosing plastic-free options like Teeccino, consumers can reduce their individual contribution to plastic pollution and minimize their exposure to these potentially harmful particles.

Loose Leaf vs. Tea Bags: Your Best Options

For those seeking to eliminate any possible exposure to microplastics from their herbal beverages, there are two primary options: choosing a brand like Teeccino with verified plastic-free bags or opting for loose-leaf tea. Loose-leaf tea, brewed in a reusable stainless steel or ceramic infuser, is another excellent way to completely avoid plastic. While Teeccino's teabags offer a convenient plastic-free solution, loose-leaf remains the gold standard for many tea purists and the most sustainable option overall due to minimal packaging. For more details on Teeccino's packaging and ingredients, you can visit their FAQ page.(https://teeccino.com/pages/faq)

Conclusion: The Final Sip

In conclusion, Teeccino has taken active steps to ensure their tea bags are free from microplastics by switching to plant-based, compostable filter paper. This is a crucial distinction from many conventional tea bags on the market that still rely on plastic. For consumers concerned about microplastic contamination, Teeccino provides a transparent and safe alternative. By being informed about what's in your cup, you can make a choice that benefits both your health and the environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Teeccino's tea bag paper is completely free of fossil fuel-derived plastic. The company switched to a renewable, biodegradable plant-based fiber for their bags.

Yes, Teeccino's tea bag paper is certified industrial compostable by TUV Austria. It is made from plant fibers that will break down over time without releasing plastic.

The sealing fiber used in Teeccino's tea bags is made from a plant fiber that is both renewable and biodegradable, unlike the polypropylene used in many conventional bags.

The most effective way is to choose loose-leaf tea. For tea bags, look for brands that explicitly state they are 100% plastic-free and use plant-based, compostable materials, as Teeccino does.

Yes, a few years ago, Teeccino used tea bags that contained plastic. However, they phased out that material and now use only plant-based, plastic-free paper.

No, not all tea bags release microplastics. The issue primarily affects tea bags made from synthetic fibers like nylon or PET, or those that use polypropylene for heat-sealing. Many paper-based bags also use a small amount of plastic for sealing.

While long-term health effects are still being studied, research shows that microplastics can be absorbed by human cells and may cause inflammation. Using plastic-free options is a way to reduce your exposure.

You can find this information directly on the company's website, particularly on their FAQ page, where they detail the materials used in their packaging.