There's something grounding about a morning cup of chai — the warmth of the pot, the smell of cardamom, the few minutes of quiet before the day begins. So when headlines started appearing about microplastics in tea bags, we took them seriously. Not with panic, but with the same care we bring to every other ingredient decision we make.
Here's what the research actually shows — and what we did about it.
What the studies found
A study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that steeping a single plastic tea bag releases approximately 11.6 billion microplastic and 3.1 billion nanoplastic particles into one cup of tea. The primary culprits are nylon and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) — materials used in many premium pyramid-style tea bags. More recent research has confirmed that these releases continue across a range of tea bag materials during normal brewing temperatures.
It's worth noting that traditional paper tea bags aren't automatically safe either. Many are sealed with polypropylene, a plastic that can release around 1.2 billion small plastic pieces per milliliter of tea during steeping. The "paper bag" assumption is one of the more common misconceptions in this space.
We're all exposed to microplastics from many sources — that's the reality of the modern world. But for something you drink every day, multiple cups, for years, the material in your sachet matters.
Why we chose PLA
When we were developing the Malwa Chai kits, choosing the sachet material was one of the decisions we spent the most time on. We needed something strong enough to hold whole spices without tearing, transparent enough to show the quality inside, and safe for extended steeping in hot water.
We landed on PLA — Polylactic Acid — a plant-based polymer derived from corn starch or sugarcane rather than petroleum. It's FDA-certified as safe for food contact use and is commercially compostable under the right conditions. Unlike petroleum-based plastics, PLA doesn't contain the plasticizers and chemical additives that are the primary concern in microplastic research.
We want to be honest about what PLA is and isn't. It's technically a bioplastic, which means it sits in a different category than conventional plastics but isn't the same as paper or cotton. Research on whether PLA releases particles during brewing is still evolving, and we're watching it closely. What the current evidence supports is that PLA doesn't leach the harmful chemicals associated with petroleum-based materials, and it breaks down far more readily than traditional plastics when composted properly.
Is it perfect? We're not going to claim that. But based on what's available and what we know, we believe it's the right choice — and we'd rather be transparent about the nuance than oversimplify it.
Every Malwa Chai kit uses PLA sachets — plant-based, FDA food-safe, and compostable. See what's inside the Starter Kit.
Shop the Starter KitWhat to look for in your tea
If you're thinking about this beyond just your chai, the most important thing is to know what your tea bag is actually made from. Nylon, PET, and polypropylene-sealed paper bags are the materials most associated with significant microplastic release. PLA, organic cotton, and abaca pulp are generally considered safer alternatives, though not all carry the same certifications or transparency about their sourcing.
Loose leaf tea with a stainless steel infuser is the most straightforwardly plastic-free option — though the mess and cleanup are exactly the problem we set out to solve when we designed our two-sachet system.
The broader point is that being a conscious consumer in this space means asking questions and expecting honest answers, not just accepting "biodegradable" or "eco-friendly" language at face value.
Why this matters to us
When we started Malwa Chai, the goal was simple: make it possible to brew authentic chai at home without the mess, without the hassle, and without compromising on what goes into your cup. That meant organic spices, quality tea, and sachets we'd feel good using for our own family every morning.
The microplastics conversation is one we're glad is happening. Your morning ritual should bring calm, not questions.
We use PLA sachets in every kit — plant-based, FDA food-safe, and compostable. If you have questions about our materials, we're always happy to talk.
Try the Starter KitSources
Hernandez et al. (2019). "Plastic Teabags Release Billions of Microparticles and Nanoparticles into Tea." Environmental Science & Technology, ACS.
Subsequent peer-reviewed research (2022–2024) on microplastic and nanoplastic release from nylon, PET, and polypropylene tea bag materials.
FDA food contact safety certifications for PLA (Polylactic Acid).
