Are nonwoven fabrics used in foods made of cellulose or plastic? Cellulose/plastic separation by using Schweizer's reagent and analysis based on a sample of tea bags

Abstract

Tea ranks high among the most popular drinks worldwide, second only to water. But the term covers a very wide range of products, extending from common black tea to herbal teas containing elements of various plant species, offered in bulk tea as well as tea bag form. Tea bags are a popular option worldwide, given the ease of use they offer. It is often noted that tea bags are made of cellulose, save for some exceptions made completely of nylon or PET plastics (silken, pyramid). The present study is essentially an analysis of tea bags occupying a significant portion of the shelf space in the tea section of supermarkets, which are purportedly made of cellulose. In this context, Schweizer's reagent (SR), a strong solvent of cellulose, was applied within the framework of ATR-FT-IR analyses to see whether any plastics were used in the nonwoven fabric of cellulose tea bags. The analysis of various brands of tea bags purchased from various supermarkets in Turkey revealed that 4 out of 11 tea bags for use in teacups, called cellulose bags, contained plastics (polyester, PE, and PP-PE blends), whereas the figure for the tea bags for use in the teapot was 11 out of 11. Whenever tea bags are used in brewing hot drinks such as tea, often consumed for its enjoyable taste and as a herbal remedy, the bag may contain plastic fibers, posing potential health risks. Furthermore, the use of durable materials such as plastics in tea bags, which are purportedly compostable products, also constitutes a risk in terms of environmental sustainability.