5 Indonesian Tea Brands Contaminated with Microplastics
- Jakarta - A recent study indicates that Indonesians may be consuming approximately 15 grams of microplastics each month. that's roughly the weight of three ATM cards.
- Scientists at the Ecological Observation and Wetlands Conservation (ECOTON) have reported that certain popular tea brands release notable amounts of microplastics when steeped.
- In the frist, tea bags were submerged in 95-degree Celsius water during the heating process.
Microplastics Found in Tea Bags: Study Raises Concerns
Table of Contents
- Microplastics Found in Tea Bags: Study Raises Concerns
- Microplastics in Tea Bags: Your Top Questions Answered
- What are Microplastics and Why Shoudl I Be concerned?
- Which Tea Brands Where Found to Release Microplastics in the Study?
- how Were These Tea Bags Tested for Microplastic Release?
- How Many Microplastics Were Released by Each Brand?
- What Are the Potential Health risks of Microplastic Consumption?
- Are Paper Tea Bags Safer Than Plastic Tea Bags?
- What Can I Do to Reduce My exposure to Microplastics from Tea Bags?
Published: March 26, 2025
Jakarta – A recent study indicates that Indonesians may be consuming approximately 15 grams of microplastics each month. that’s roughly the weight of three ATM cards. The research, published in Environment Science & technology in 2024, suggests that this consumption isn’t solely due to the use of disposable plastic for food packaging. Researchers have also identified tea bags as a potential source of microplastic contamination.
Scientists at the Ecological Observation and Wetlands Conservation (ECOTON) have reported that certain popular tea brands release notable amounts of microplastics when steeped. These brands include:
- Sosro tea
- Tea Poci
- Pure Sari
- Sariwangi
- Tong Tji
The study involved two tests. In the frist, tea bags were submerged in 95-degree Celsius water during the heating process. The second test involved stirring the heated tea bags in 95-degree Celsius water for five minutes.
The initial test revealed that Sosro tea bags released the highest concentration of fiber microplastic particles, with 1,093 particles. Tea Poci followed closely,releasing 1,077 microplastic particles upon heating.
In the second test, Sari Murni released the most microplastics, with 763 particles. Sariwangi released 720 particles, and Sosro tea bags released a similar amount.
Potential Health Risks
According to Rafika Aprilianti,a microplastic researcher,the type of plastic used in tea bags influences the quantity of microplastics released,especially under hot conditions,UV light exposure,and friction.
Microplastic is a foreign particle for the body. when entering the body, it will have a negative impact on health, causing inflammation, hormonal disorders, and even cancer.
Microplastics can be absorbed into the bloodstream and possibly transported to various organs, including muscles, the liver, kidneys, the heart, and even the brain.
Because of its difficult to decompose, microplastic tends to survive in the body and accumulate over time (bioacumulative). The presence of microplastic in the body can trigger various negative impacts, such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell damage.
Researchers caution that long-term exposure to microplastics could lead to more severe health consequences, including cell death.
Recommendations
In light of these findings, scientists are urging tea bag producers to re-evaluate their materials. They suggest that consumers consider brewing loose-leaf tea using stainless steel filters, teapots, or French presses as a safer option.
One researcher noted:
In the past, brewing tea was simpler, natural, and free from plastic contamination. Tea was brewed directly with tea leaves in a teapot or cup, without using a plastic tea bag. Besides being more natural,this method is also more environmentally friendly.
Microplastics in Tea Bags: Your Top Questions Answered
(Published: March 26, 2025)
This article explores the presence of microplastics in tea bags and their potential health implications. We’ll address common questions and concerns based on recent research.
What are Microplastics and Why Shoudl I Be concerned?
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, typically less than 5mm in size, that can originate from various sources.Recent studies have shown that tea bags can release ample amounts of these microplastics into brewed tea.This is concerning as these particles can be ingested and absorbed by the body. A study published in 2024 in Environment Science & Technology suggests that Indonesians may be consuming approximately 15 grams of microplastics monthly, which is roughly the weight of three ATM cards.
Which Tea Brands Where Found to Release Microplastics in the Study?
scientists at the ecological Observation and wetlands Conservation (ECOTON) identified several popular tea brands that release notable amounts of microplastics when steeped. These brands include.
Sosro tea
Tea Poci
Pure Sari
Sariwangi
Tong tji
how Were These Tea Bags Tested for Microplastic Release?
The study involved two main tests to assess microplastic release from tea bags:
- Heating test: Tea bags were submerged in 95-degree Celsius water to simulate the brewing process.
- Stirring test: Heated tea bags were stirred in 95-degree Celsius water for five minutes.
These tests helped researchers determine how much plastic leached from the tea bags under typical brewing conditions.
How Many Microplastics Were Released by Each Brand?
The amount of microplastics released varied by brand and the testing method. here’s a summary:
| Tea Bag Brand | Test 1 (Heating) Fiber Microplastic Particles | Test 2 (Stirring) microplastic Particles |
| :————- | :——————————————— | :————————————— |
| Sosro tea | 1,093 | Similar amount |
| Tea Poci | 1,077 | Not specified |
| Sari Murni | not specified | 763 |
| Sariwangi | Not specified | 720 |
| Tong Tji | Not specified | Not specified |
What Are the Potential Health risks of Microplastic Consumption?
Rafika Aprilianti, a microplastic researcher, notes that the type of plastic used in tea bags influences the quantity of microplastics released, especially under hot conditions and with friction.
Experts and studies indicate that microplastics pose several potential health risks:
Inflammation: microplastics can trigger inflammation within the body.
Hormonal disorders: Exposure to microplastics may disrupt hormone function.
Cell Damage: Microplastics may cause cell damage and lead to oxidative stress.
Cancer: There is concern that microplastic exposure could contribute to cancer progress, although more research is needed.
Bioaccumulation: Microplastics are difficult to decompose and can accumulate in the body over time.
Are Paper Tea Bags Safer Than Plastic Tea Bags?
Based on the provided research, the type of material used in tea bags significantly affects microplastic release. It’s vital to be aware that paper tea bags may still contain plastic and could possibly shed microplastics.
What Can I Do to Reduce My exposure to Microplastics from Tea Bags?
Scientists advise consumers to consider alternatives to tea bags. These include:
Loose-leaf tea: Brewing loose-leaf tea allows you to avoid tea bags altogether.
Stainless steel filters: Use stainless steel filters, teapots, or French presses for brewing loose-leaf tea.
* Re-evaluate materials: Consider the materials used by tea bag producers and look for brands that use more sustainable options.