One Earth Tea Filter Shows No Detectable Plastic Microparticles in Independent Study

One Earth, a product line of NonWoven Network, LLC and a filter material designed for tea bags and coffee bags, has undergone independent research testing to determine whether plastic microparticles could be detected in brewed tea. Made from sugar cane, One Earth provides a plastic-free alternative to conventional filter materials and is independently certified USDA 100% Biobased, compostable in 14–21 days, non-GMO and plastic-free.

There has been growing concern about what can end up in tea when plastic-based tea bags are used. Several studies have found that tea bags made with certain biodegradable plastics can release microplastic particles into hot water during brewing.

An independent research team tested One Earth filter material to determine whether plastic microparticles could be detected in brewed tea. The study used three analytical methods: Raman spectroscope, Dried-Drop Raman and SERS (surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy) to analyze the brewed tea and look for detectable plastic particles. The researchers tested the material under conditions designed to reflect actual tea brewing, including boiling water; steeping for six to 15 minutes; extended steeping for up to 24 hours; and brewing both with and without tea leaves.

The study found that no plastic microparticles attributable to One Earth were detected in any of the conditions tested, even under extended brewing conditions.

The researchers also noted an important limitation: as with any analytical testing, a result of “not detected” does not mean that it is possible to prove that absolutely zero particles exist. Particles below the detection limit of the instruments would not be identified.

According to the company, the result was consistent with what it set out to create: a tea filter that doesn’t introduce detectable plastic microparticles into the cup.