Study: Plastic tea bags release thousands of microplastics and BPA per cup

What the study found

Researchers at Recep Tayyip Erdogan University in Türkiye analyzed tea brewed from plastic tea bags and detected between 555 and 2,498 microplastic particles per cup. The study also identified bisphenol A (BPA) and other endocrine-disrupting plasticizers leaching into the tea.

One cup of tea brewed from plastic bags could contribute up to 21.7% of the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) tolerable daily intake of BPA. While the risk of hormonal disruption from BPA and ortho-phthalates was deemed "negligible" at these levels, the plasticizer di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) was flagged for its long-term cancer risk, particularly with prolonged or high consumption.

Sources of microplastics in tea

The study compared plastic tea bags with loose bulk tea. Bulk tea contained significantly fewer microplastics—between 146 and 1,178 particles per kilogram—attributed to environmental factors such as air exposure, production machinery, and packaging rather than the tea itself.

The researchers noted that their methods only captured microplastic particles larger than 100 micrometers, meaning smaller particles may have gone undetected.

Calls for regulatory action

The study’s authors advocate for stricter oversight of the thermal stability of food-grade polymers and adhesives used in tea bag manufacturing. They emphasize the need to address potential health risks associated with plastic-based packaging exposed to heat.

What this means

Lazyfounder analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.

This study adds to growing evidence that everyday plastic products—even those marketed as food-safe—can release harmful particles and chemicals under normal use. For founders and operators in the food and beverage, packaging, or health sectors, the findings signal potential shifts in consumer behavior and regulatory expectations. Companies relying on plastic packaging for heat-exposed products may need to reassess materials or invest in alternatives to mitigate risk and align with evolving public health standards.

Key takeaways

• Founders in the food and beverage or packaging industries may face increased regulatory scrutiny over plastic-based materials, particularly those exposed to heat.
• The findings underscore a potential market opportunity for alternative, non-plastic tea bag materials or loose-leaf products.
• Public awareness of microplastic contamination could drive demand for transparency in packaging, affecting how companies source and label products.
• Operators in tea production should evaluate supply chains for microplastic sources, including environmental exposure and machinery contact.

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