Transparency is one of our core values at Joe’s Tea so we’ve created this page to openly document our green journey. Follow us as we interrogate every aspect of our business with the goal of becoming as green as we can possible be. We’ll be keeping this page updated as we go and openly discussing the wins, the set-backs and the difficult road blocks.

“When we make the decision to buy an organic product, we’re not always aware of the huge contribution we are making. Not only does organic farming deliver proven benefits for wildlife, but by avoiding use of high energy chemicals and encouraging practices that put carbon back in the soil, it also has significant potential to address climate change. Organic farming is great for people too, creating more jobs and reducing farm workers exposure to harmful pesticides. Not only does every pound you spend on organic get you a product you can really trust, but it’s a vote for a better future where food and farming are as it should be.”

The con-postable debate continues and after months of research, we give you the facts on tea bag packaging.

What are our tea bags made from?

Our pyramid tea bag material is food-safe polyester that is fully recyclable. Simply empty the contents onto your compost at home or in your council collected food waste, and pop the bags into your normal recycling.

What are biodegradable pyramid bags made from?

Biodegradable pyramid bags are made from a bioplastic called PLA (polylactic acid), which in turn is made from a starch derived from genetically modified corn, see above for our stance on GMOs.

Why don’t we use biodegradable bags?

Biodegradable pyramid bags simply may be fully composted under the right conditions of heat, pressure and added enzymes. Your council (or waste contractor) must have the technology to do so, and if it doesn’t the teabags will be put into landfill or incinerated.

The biodegradable bags available on the market contain starch from GMO corn crops and so we won’t (and can’t under our Soil Association organic license) use them – see above for more info.

When bioplastics aren’t treated properly they can break down into dangerous microplastics creating a toxic plastic soup in our oceans. See David Attenborough’s “Blue Planet II” for the full lowdown on how terrible these are for the planet and ocean.

“In 2016-17 almost 40% of all local authority waste was incinerated, some 10 million tonnes. Although considered a greener option than landfill, it’s not as energy efficient as recycling plastic.” – BBC, The One Show, 28th February 2017

What’s the conclusion?

Our organic tea and ingredients are ethically and sustainably sourced mostly from small hold farmers, always bought direct and fairly traded. The current pyramid tea bag options aren’t perfect but as a business we take a holistic approach and we’re constantly analysing our practices across the entire supply chain to promote continual improvement. The pressure is on for a manufacturer to create the perfect eco-friendly, biodegradable pyramid tea bag made without the use of GMOs and that is approved by the Soil Association, and as soon as this is available we will use it, immediately.

In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for our new loose leaf range launching very soon and check out our brew-in cups for a hassle-free loose leaf cuppa.

Join the debate and fight the fight

Plastic, polyester and PLAs aren’t the absolute enemy, they have lots of benefits including using less energy to manufacture than many alternatives, keeping food fresh for longer and therefore reducing waste, costing less to transport, and they don’t shatter. We need to ensure these materials aren’t used when not necessary and are recycled so that they can be used again. Ask your council or your waste contractor what they do with your waste, recycling and compostable materials, and put pressure on them to drive change if you’re not happy with their answers.

Stay with us by revisiting this page to see updates and keep an eye on our social media for honest and open discussions around all of these topics (@JoesTeaCo).

We will keep asking questions about all our business practices, products and materials, and we’ll continue to strive to make the best decisions for the planet and you, our customers.

We will keep you updated and always be happy to answer any questions that you have about any of our products, materials or business practices.

Email us at hello@joesteacompany.com if you can’t find the answer to a question on this page.