5 Indonesian Tea Bags Contain Microplastics: ECOTON Study Reveals Potential Health Risks

February 3, 2025 – based on the research journal “Environmental Science & Technology, 2024,” it was revealed that Indonesians are estimated to consume 15 grams of microplastics per capita per month, equivalent to 3 ATM cards. In addition to the common habit of using single-use plastics for wrapping food and drinks, another source is also found in “tea bags.”

A number of ECOTON researchers have conducted a study on microplastics in tea bags. The tea bags tested include five of the most popular brands in Indonesia: Sosro, Poci, Sari Murni, Sariwangi, and Tong Tji. For each brand, 200 ml of water was used for the experiment. The study was carried out with two different procedures, based on common practices when brewing tea. The first procedure involved placing the tea bag in the water during the heating process until the temperature reached 95°C. The second procedure involved adding the tea bag after the water had been heated to 95°C and stirring for 5 minutes.

Tea bag brands that are often consumed by Indonesians and have been confirmed to release microplastics (Photo: Ecoton, 2025)

The research results are as follows:

Grafik partikel mikroplastik pada teh celup Indonesia (Sumber: Ecoton, 2025)
Graph of Microplastic Tea bags are soaked in a water heating process until it reaches a temperature of 95 degrees Celsius.(Source: Ecoton, 2025)

 

Graph of Microplastic Count in Tea Bags Soaked After Being Heated to 95 Degrees Celsius (Source: Ecoton, 2025)

Rafika Aprilianti, a microplastics researcher at ECOTON, explained that “tea bags can release microplastics into the tea due to the heating process. The composition of the plastic type affects the plastic’s resistance to external factors such as heat, UV light, and friction, which ultimately influences how easily the plastic breaks down into microplastics. Microplastics are foreign particles to the body, and when they enter the body, they can have negative health effects, causing inflammation, hormonal disruption, and even cancer.”

Identification of microplastics in Indonesian tea bags (Photo: Ecoton, 2025)

When microplastics enter the body, these tiny particles can be absorbed in the digestive tract and enter the bloodstream. From there, microplastics can spread to various organs such as muscles, liver, kidneys, heart, and even the brain. Due to their non-biodegradable nature, microplastics tend to persist in the body and accumulate over time (bioaccumulation). The presence of microplastics in the body can trigger various negative effects, such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and cellular damage. In the long term, this condition poses a risk of chronic inflammation that can lead to cell death (apoptosis) and increase the risk of more serious health issues.

Ecoton researchers are identifying microplastics at the Ecoton Laboratory (Photo: Ecoton, 2025)

A solution to avoid microplastics is to choose loose leaf tea without tea bags and use stainless steel strainers, teapots, or a French press for brewing tea. In the past, tea brewing was simpler, more natural, and free from plastic contamination. Tea was brewed directly with tea leaves in a teapot or cup, without using plastic tea bags. This method is not only more natural but also more environmentally friendly.

 

 

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Ecoton (Ecological Observation and Wetlands Conservation) is a foundation focused on the conservation of river ecosystems and wetlands in Indonesia. We conduct scientific research, environmental education, and awareness campaigns to improve water quality and protect biodiversity.

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