Tea has long been celebrated as a calming ritual, but recent studies have raised alarms about what might be lurking in the bag itself. Many conventional tea bags are sealed using polypropylene or other plastics. When exposed to boiling water, these plastics can shed microplastics — tiny fragments that enter the cup and, ultimately, the body. While the health effects of ingesting microplastics are still being studied, early evidence suggests they may accumulate in organs, disrupt hormones and contribute to inflammation. For a beverage prized for its health benefits, the irony is stark: the bag can undermine the brew.
This concern comes at a time when the tea market in the Philippines is enjoying robust growth. Packaged teas and tea shops alike are expanding at annual rates of around 8%, driven by rising disposable incomes, health awareness and the popularity of herbal blends and bubble tea. Supermarkets are stocking a wider range of imported and local teas, while specialty shops and online platforms are flourishing. Consumers are increasingly drawn to teas marketed as natural, organic or wellness‑focused — yet the packaging materials often remain opaque.
For Filipino tea drinkers who want to avoid plastics, there is encouraging news. Twinings, one of the most recognized international brands, has confirmed that its English Breakfast tea bags sold in the Philippines are free from polypropylene or other plastics. Instead, they use a classic string‑and‑tag format made from tea paper comprising wood pulp and abaca, folded and held together with cotton string. These bags are third‑party certified as both home and industrially compostable, offering peace of mind to those wary of microplastic exposure. Other brands, particularly those emphasizing sustainability, are also moving toward plant‑based or compostable materials, though transparency varies.
The challenge for consumers is that manufacturers are not always forthcoming about their materials. Labels may highlight flavor or origin but omit details about the bag itself. Until clearer standards are enforced, the safest route is to choose brands that explicitly advertise plastic‑free or compostable packaging. Loose‑leaf tea, brewed with a reusable infuser, is another reliable option.
As the Philippine tea market continues its upward trajectory, the demand for healthier, more sustainable choices will only grow. For now, the message is simple: enjoy your tea, but pay attention to the bag. What holds the leaves matters just as much as the leaves themselves.* Robert Harland
