Types of tea packaging materials
Apr 12, 2024
Tea Packaging Materials Factory
What many customers don't know is that tea packaging materials also play a vital role in maintaining the best quality of tea. There are many types of tea packaging materials on the market, and each material has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Some of the most common materials include nylon (also known as PA), biodegradable PLA, filter fiber composites, aluminum, tinplate, plastic, and paper.
Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, which are explored in detail below. Read on to learn more!
Nylon (also known as PA)
Nylon is a commonly used material for tea packaging because it has good oxygen, moisture and aroma barrier properties. It is also very sturdy and durable, making it ideal for storing and transporting tea. However, nylon is not biodegradable, which means it is not environmentally friendly.
Nylon is very suitable for tea packaging that requires long-term storage.
Biodegradable PLA
PLA is a degradable, compostable polymer made from renewable resources such as cornstarch or sugar cane. It has good moisture-proof properties and can be combined with other materials such as paper or aluminum foil.
Recently, biodegradable PLA has become increasingly popular as a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics. This is because it naturally breaks down when exposed to air and light. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that plastic production produces approximately 7 million tons of greenhouse gases each year.
To reduce this number, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has implemented policies that encourage the use of degradable polylactic acid. For example, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandates that by 2020, all food service packaging must be made from at least 20 percent recycled content.
In Europe, the European Commission has taken a similar approach to encourage the use of degradable polylactic acid. The council has set a target for all packaging to be recyclable by 2030. To achieve this, the council implemented policies requiring businesses to use recycled materials in packaging.
The use of degradable polylactic acid is a step in the right direction to reduce the environmental impact of plastic production. However, it is important to note that PLA is not completely biodegradable. In order to completely break down, PLA must be composted in a commercial composting facility. These facilities are not widely used, which means most of the PLA ends up in landfill.
Despite the limitations of PLA, increasing the use of this material is a positive step toward reducing the environmental impact of plastic production. Hopefully, with continued research and development, PLA's limitations can be addressed and will become a more viable option for sustainable packaging.
Additionally, PLA is also more expensive than other materials, which can be a disadvantage. Another benefit of using PLA is better customer engagement. Today, many customers and manufacturers are eco-conscious, which means they consider whether their products are environmentally friendly.
So, if you are a business and want to promote organic materials with your tea products, PLA is your best choice!