Description
Made from a South African shrub, Rooibos is processed the same way as true teas resulting in fermented (red) and un-fermented (green) varieties. They are best known for their absence of caffeine and high levels of antioxidants.
t leaf T’s Commitment to Sustainable Packaging
Proud Members of the Soft Plastics Recycling Scheme
At t leaf T, we're committed to reducing our environmental impact. That’s why our stand-up pouches can be recycled through the Soft Plastics Recycling Scheme. You can find drop-off points for members of the scheme here.
Why Do We Use Stand-Up Pouches?
Our stand-up pouches are made from soft plastic with a thin foil lining. This lining acts as a crucial barrier against light, moisture, and air, ensuring our teas stay fresh and flavorful throughout their shelf life.
In addition to protecting our teas, this type of flexible packaging is more efficient and environmentally friendly than traditional rigid packaging. Here’s why:
- Space-saving: Stand-up pouches ship, store, and dispose of flat, reducing the materials needed to produce them.
- Lower carbon footprint: They require less CO2 to manufacture and transport.
- Efficient design: We print directly on the pouches, eliminating the need for extra labels and further reducing waste.
Best of all, these pouches can be recycled through the Soft Plastics Recycling Scheme.
Why We Don't Use Compostable Packaging
We understand the desire for fully compostable packaging, and we’d love to offer it. However, after extensive testing, we’ve identified two key challenges that prevent us from switching:
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Limited disposal options: Compostable packaging isn't accepted in council kerbside collections and isn't recyclable, meaning it usually ends up in landfill.
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Compromised tea quality: Biodegradable and compostable pouches degrade over time, even in storage. Teas need robust protection from light, moisture, aromas, and oxygen to maintain their freshness and flavour. During our tests, we found that compostable packaging allowed cross-contamination of aromas, especially in blends like Chai and English Breakfast. The result? A noticeable reduction in quality, which is unacceptable for our premium teas.
Given these issues, we’ve made the decision to stick with recyclable soft plastic packaging that ensures the highest quality and food safety for our teas.
Looking Forward to a Greener Future
At t leaf T, we're always on the lookout for better, more sustainable packaging options that don’t compromise on quality. Rest assured, we're committed to finding a solution that meets both our environmental goals and your tea standards.