Asda move 550 million tea bags to recylable option
Asda is introducing plant-based packaging which will allow shoppers to recycle their tea bags.
The supermarket giant says the move will allow 550 million tea bags a year to be disposed of in kerbside food waste bins.
Most tea bags are not biodegradable.
Tea leaves are 100% biodegradable, as is most of the tea bag because it mostly contains natural plant fibres. However, a small amount of plastic sealant is often used to stop them falling apart in boiling water.
Usually this is polypropylene or nylon, chosen because it is resistant to heat and water. It doesn’t break down, though, meaning it will stay in the environment for a long time.
Asda has said that the new tea bags are made from corn starch, which is a natural, plant-based material. This will replace the non-renewable oil-based plastic bags which it has previously used across its own brand tea range.
Jon Wells packaging technologist at Asda said: “We know our customers want to do all they can to reduce their impact on the environment and we want to make that as easy as possible for them.
“Tea is a staple in most customer’s households so for us to make a change which can make such a difference is a big moment for us.”
