Tea is one of the world’s oldest drinks dating back to over 5 000 years ago and is the world’s second most consumed drink.  This Sunday on 21 May, the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) observes International Tea Day. International Tea Day is an opportunity to celebrate the cultural heritage, benefits and economic importance of tea, while working to make its production sustainable “from field to cup” ensuring its benefits for people, cultures and the environment continue for generations.

In line with this spirit, there is a growing emphasis on sustainable practices in the tea industry, particularly in the manufacturing of tea bags.  Woolworths tea bags are made using a renewable, plastic free, plant-based sealant.

The tea bag sealant plays a critical role in ensuring that the teabags don’t break or fall apart.  “Traditionally, polypropylene (PP) has been used as the preferred sealing plastic for tea bags, but as part of our vision for ZERO packaging waste to landfill, we rather use a renewable alternative and by product of sugarcane to make Polylactic Acid (PLA).  PLA is a plastic free, biodegradable and compostable, sealing medium derived from renewable plant sources.” confirms Latiefa Behardien, Woolworths Foods Chief Technology and Sustainability Officer.

“On this International Tea Day and every day, we encourage tea drinkers to celebrate their favourite beverage with the knowledge that by choosing tea products that are plastic free, they are contributing to a greener world, one sip at a time,“ says Behardien.

All Woolworths tea bags are made using a renewable, plastic free, plant-based sealant.