Tea time

Abstract

In addition to its traditional appeal, tea has now been revamped to become also a herbal supplement which contains medicinal properties. Tea bags are one of the earliest nonwoven applications and new designs are emerging to accommodate whole leaf tea, such as that produced by Copack International. This is a biodegradable bag consisting of a wet laid nonwoven made from hemp or abaca fibre. Spherical in shape, the leaf can expand while steeping. The patented "Tag-and-Bag" design incorporates the tag as a bag extension rather than separate string/paper. Honest Tea is using this design with modifications, which are detailed. Great interest has been shown with its novel shape, biodegradability and absence of flavour detracting metallics.