no denying the fact that most of us enjoy a cup of tea – and much more so, if you know that your tea is not only delicious but is also helping the environment.
at teapigs, sustainability isn’t a nice-to-have or an extra feature: it is part of the process starting from the very beginning. we take great pride in having achieved being a certified b corp as well as trying our very best to use responsibly sourced ingredients, plastic-free tea temples, as well as compostable packaging.
if you have ever thought about how to make your tea more planet-friendly, we invite you to read below about some of the things we’re doing in the background.
proud to be a b corporation
at teapigs, we’ve always believed that business should be a force for good – not just profit. that’s why becoming a certified b corporation was such a big deal for us. it’s not just a badge or a box to tick. it means we’re held to high standards when it comes to how we treat people and the planet.
from the way we source our tea to how we look after our team and support communities at origin, being a b corp keeps us accountable. we’re proud to stand alongside other businesses working to balance purpose and profit.
so when you choose teapigs, you’re not just getting a great cup of tea – you’re supporting something a little bigger. and we think that’s worth celebrating.
eco-friendly packaging at every sip
we’re big on great tea – and just as big on not trashing the planet. that’s why every layer of our packaging is designed to be kind to the earth.
1. tea temples – 100% biodegradable & compostable
our tea temples don’t just make your brew taste great – they’re designed with the planet in mind. made from corn starch, they’re 100% biodegradable and industrially compostable. that means no plastic in the bag, the string or even the tag. just pop them in your council compost bin (if accepted), and they’ll break down naturally over time.
we were one of the first tea brands to ditch nylon pyramid bags, and we’re proud to lead the way in sustainability with packaging that’s better for the environment. so with every cup, you’re not just doing something good for yourself – you’re doing something good for the planet too. all the comfort of your favourite tea, without the guilt of unnecessary waste. now that’s a brew worth sipping.
2. inner bags – plant-based natureflex
our inner bags may look like plastic, but they’re actually made from wood pulp – a plant-based material that’s home compostable and accepted in many council food waste bins. this means they break down naturally without adding to the landfill or harming the environment.
we chose this sustainable option to keep your tea fresh while reducing waste and supporting our ongoing commitment to sustainability. so next time you open a pack of teapigs, you can feel confident that even the inner packaging is working hard to protect the planet. it’s one more way we’re making your tea experience more mindful of the earth.
3. outer cartons – fsc paper board
our outer cartons are made from fsc-certified paperboard, which means the paper comes from responsibly managed forests that support environmental, social and economic sustainability. we’ve kept things simple too – no glossy finishes, no unnecessary coatings – just sturdy, recyclable packaging that does the job without any fuss.
they’re printed using vegetable-based inks, so even the smallest details are eco-conscious. once you’ve unpacked your tea, just pop the carton into your recycling bin and know it’ll go on to have another life.
we believe packaging shouldn’t cost the earth. that’s why every part of our tea cartons is designed to be as low-impact as possible. it’s just another way we’re keeping your brew clean, green and better for the planet.
certifications you can trust
we’re proud to back up our sustainability efforts with certifications that actually mean something. these trusted badges show we’re serious about doing business the right way – from farm to cup.
· rainforest alliance
rainforest alliance certification means the tea you’re drinking comes from farms committed to protecting the environment and supporting fair working conditions. this label ensures that farming practices reduce deforestation, conserve water and soil and promote biodiversity.
at teapigs, partnering with rainforest alliance certified farms is part of how we make sure our teas are grown responsibly. it means workers receive fair wages and safe working environments, and that the land is managed sustainably for future generations.
so when you see the rainforest alliance frog on our packaging, it’s a sign that your tea supports farmers, wildlife and ecosystems – all while delivering great flavour. it’s tea you can feel good about.
· ethical tea partnership (etp)
the ethical tea partnership (etp) is a global initiative dedicated to improving the lives of tea workers and farmers while promoting sustainable farming practices. being part of etp means teapigs supports efforts to ensure fair wages, safe working conditions and respect for human rights across tea-growing communities.
etp also drives sustainability by encouraging responsible use of water, soil and biodiversity protection. for teapigs, this partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing.
when you choose teapigs, you’re supporting a brand that takes these issues seriously – working with trusted partners like etp to make sure the tea you enjoy is grown responsibly, ethically and with respect for people and the planet. it’s all about making the enjoyment better, in every way.
· our ethical scheme: giving back to communities
at teapigs, giving back is part of our dna. through our ethical scheme, we invest directly in the communities where our tea is grown. this means supporting schools, healthcare and local projects that promote sustainability and improve lives.
we believe that great tea starts with happy and healthy communities. so, we work closely with our farmers to ensure they have the resources and support they need. when you enjoy teapigs teas, you’re helping build stronger communities and a more sustainable future.
faqs on our sustainability
q. are your tea temples and packaging home‑compostable?
a. our tea temples are made from corn starch and paper, breaking down in industrial composting within 12 weeks. the clever inner bag looks like plastic but is actually wood pulp – and home-compostable. paired with recyclable outer cartons, it’s all part of our commitment to sustainability, from the inside out.
q. what does b corp certification mean for tea drinkers?
a. b corp certification means the tea you’re drinking comes from a company that meets high standards of social and environmental responsibility. for tea drinkers, it’s a sign that every tea variety from teapigs supports ethical sourcing, fair treatment of workers and genuine sustainability. it’s tea that does good, not just tastes good.
q. how can aussies recycle your packaging locally?
a. here’s how aussies can recycle teapigs packaging locally:
- tea temples (corn-starch and paper): pop them in your council’s organics or food-waste bin – they break down in industrial composting.
- inner bags (wood-pulp, home-compostable): add them to the home compost or organics bin.
- outer cartons (fsc paperboard): recycle them via your yellow-lid kerbside bin.
q. can i reuse or recycle matcha tins if i buy them?
a. our matcha sachets are made from composite materials, but we’re working on making them more sustainable. for regular matcha drinkers, our recyclable metal matcha tins are a fantastic alternative. they’re easy to recycle and also perfect for storing your tea, helping reduce waste while keeping your matcha fresh and ready for your next cup.
