Oregon-based Ecoteas is using NatureFlexT packaging films in the wrappers of their individual tea bags, says Innovia Films.
This flexible packaging material is derived from wood pulp sourced from managed plantations and is certified to be over 90% bio-based and home and industrial compostable.
High barriers to oxygen and moisture ensure the tea bags contained within are protected and kept fresh.
When laminated to paper, the final structure offers the protection and natural appearance that the tea company was looking for.
Ecoteas received the Sustainable Food Trade Association’s national Responsible Packaging Award in 2012 for the use of 100% post-consumer recycled paperboard in its cartons.
This recognition led to continued development of the ‘greenest’ tea packaging possible.
To extend their sustainability efforts to the entire tea bag line, they removed the tags, strings, and staples, and introduced the new tea bag overwraps.
The result was a ‘100% zero waste’ package, with all ingredients and packaging components suitable for composting (tea, filter paper and wrapper) or recycling (carton).
