Yes—Yorkshire Tea bags use a plant-based PLA seal; that’s still plastic and can shed tiny particles during brewing, though levels vary by bag.
Low
Medium
High
At Home
- Use loose-leaf often
- Rip-and-tip if no food-waste bin
- Let kettle rest 1–2 min
everyday
On The Go
- Carry paper filters marked home-compostable
- Skip mesh pyramids
- Choose crimped paper when possible
travel
Disposal
- Tea leaves → compost
- Bag → council food/garden waste
- No home compost for PLA
bin right
What Yorkshire Tea Uses Today
Yorkshire Tea says its regular square bags are mostly paper fibres, sealed with PLA, a plant-based plastic that needs industrial composting. The company moved away from oil-based polypropylene and directs people to food or garden waste collections where councils accept them. Brand page.
| Bag Part | Material | Where It Goes |
|---|---|---|
| Square bag | Paper fibres with PLA heat-seal | Kerbside food/garden waste (industrial compost); not home compost |
| String & tag ranges | Paper, cotton, small glue/PLA areas (varies by line) | Follow pack; when unsure, empty leaves and bin the bag |
| Tea inside | Tea leaves | Home compost or council food waste |
Yorkshire Tea Bags And Microplastics — Real-World Clues
Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments under 5 mm. When hot water hits plastic components, some particles can shed. Lab work on plastic mesh or polypropylene bags found very large particle counts at 95 °C, while paper-based bags released far fewer yet still measurable amounts. These tests point to material and temperature as the main drivers, not the tea itself. See the 2019 McGill paper on nylon/PET meshes and a 2024 Chemosphere study using commercial bags. Study • Chemosphere paper.
So where do Yorkshire bags land? They are paper with a PLA seal, not nylon mesh. That places them in a mid band for potential shedding based on current lab work. Counts vary by brand, bag build, and brew conditions. Paper fibres can add a tiny background of non-plastic particles too, which sensitive instruments still pick up. Net result: fewer than plastic meshes, but not zero.
What Counts As “Plastic-Free” On A Tea Box?
PLA comes from plants but behaves like plastic in hot water. Yorkshire avoids the term “plastic-free” for PLA bags and points people to food or garden waste bins instead of home compost. That wording lines up with UK recycling guidance that treats PLA as a compostable plastic made for industrial settings. Brand update • Recycle Now.
Composting Yorkshire Bags The Right Way
If your council collects food or garden waste for industrial composting, pop used bags in that caddy. If not, use the rip-and-tip method: tear the bag, compost the leaves, send the empty bag to residual waste. PLA breaks down under high heat and controlled conditions; a cool garden heap won’t do the job. That’s why many UK resources advise against home compost for PLA-sealed bags. Brand page • Guide.
Safer Brewing Habits That Keep The Cup Clean
You can keep your brew simple and tidy without giving up your favourite blend. Here are practical tweaks that work day-to-day.
- Go loose-leaf with a stainless infuser when you can.
- Favour paper bags over mesh pyramids.
- After boiling, let the kettle rest for about a minute before pouring.
- Don’t squeeze bags hard; lift, drain, and bin.
- Use a ceramic mug or glass, not scratched plastic.
Extra Small Tweaks
Short steeps reduce stress on the bag. Gentle dips beat hard stirs. If you need strong tea, use two paper bags rather than wringing one.
| Choice | What Changes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Loose-leaf + steel infuser | Removes the bag entirely | Lowest plastic contact |
| Paper bag with PLA seal | Some particles possible | Use a cooler pour; avoid squeezing |
| Nylon/PP mesh bag | Highest counts in lab tests | Swap to paper or loose-leaf |
What The Science Says About Health
Researchers now detect micro- and nano-sized particles from some tea bags under lab conditions. What that means for health is still being worked through. The World Health Organization reviewed microplastics in drinking water and said current data suggests low concern, while calling for better studies across sizes and materials. That view applies broadly, not only to tea. WHO report.
Buying Tips If You Want Fewer Particles
Pick Bag Types That Match Your Goal
For everyday brews, paper bags with crimped seams or staples avoid plastic sealants. Many brands still use PLA, so scan the box and the brand’s packaging page. If you enjoy bold blends like Yorkshire Gold and want extra control, loose-leaf is a tidy swap with no bag at all.
Watch The Labels
“Compostable” often means industrial facilities, not a backyard heap. If a box says home compostable, that’s different. When labels are vague, the rip-and-tip method keeps the leaves in your soil and the bag out of it. UK resources like Recycle Now explain the difference in plain terms. Read more.
What This Means For Yorkshire Tea Drinkers
Yorkshire’s regular bags no longer use oil-based polypropylene. They use a PLA seal on a paper bag, which can shed tiny particles under heat but far less than plastic meshes reported in studies. If you want the lowest path, brew loose-leaf or choose paper formats that avoid plastic seals. If your council runs food or garden waste collections, send used bags there; at home, rip and tip.