Utilizing Tea Bags to Produce Alternative Papers

Peteros, P. B., Canama, I. M., Torres, J. M., & Gonida, D. A.

A. Questions or Problems being Addressed

Teabags are, however, environmentally damaging (James, 2020). They often contain a
small amount of non-biodegradable polypropylene to seal the bag (James, 2020). In some
cases, excluding the tea, plastic accounts for roughly 25% of the teabag (James, 2020).
Cumulatively, this adds up to an enormous amount of single-use plastic going into the
environment. In the UK, it is estimated around 60.2 billion cups of tea are consumed each
year (James, 2020). Tea bag plastics, which can take hundreds of years to decompose in
nature, may fragment into particles that range in size from 1 µm to 5 mm, or MPs (Ali et. al.,
2023).

As has been stated above, tea bags can produce billions of micro plastics (Hao, 2022).
Because these tea bags are made using plastic, it would take a significant amount of time
before decomposition could occur (Hao, 2022). This difficulty in decomposing such material
can pose a threat to the environment (Hao, 2022). In fact, according to the Environmental
Audit Committee, tea bags are considered a major source of pollutants in several water
bodies due to their plastic components (Hao, 2022). Tea bags, made of plastic-based
materials, often end up in landfills and oceans where they can take hundreds of years to
decompose (Smith, 2023).

This contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution and its harmful effects on
the environment (Smith, 2023). While most of the teabag material will break down eventually
and transition into soil, the other 20-30% of the product is made of plastic (Tea, 2018). Since
plastic products can’t fully break down once they are disposed of, they negatively impact the
environment (Tea, 2018). The result: huge amounts of waste added to landfills around the
globe (Tea, 2018). These small bags with wrappers and stringed tags at each end are polluting
the ocean as well (2018).

Around the world, polypropylene has been targeted in many places, to reduce its use
(James, 2020). For example, the EU’s ‘Single-Use Plastics Directive’, (EU) 2019/904, is
already addressing the use of plastics in food contact materials such as cutlery, plates, straws,
etc., and the ban will begin in 2021 (James, 2020). In the US. However, a national ban does
not exist but multiple local jurisdictions have introduced bans (James, 2020). Manufacturers
and brands need to be certain their products comply with the right requirements for their
market (James, 2020).

Recently, environmental issues including problems in disposing used tea bags properly
have attracted the researchers to investigate it’s potential to turn it into a paper product. This
study highlights the potential for transforming used items into valuable products,
demonstrating the power of resourcefulness and ingenuity in addressing environmental
challenges.
 The outcome of the study on using tea bags as alternative paper could significantly
contribute to sustainability by reducing waste and conserving resources. It could lead to
innovative recycling methods and potentially create new economic opportunities in waste
management and paper production. Furthermore, it could advance our understanding of the
chemical and physical properties of used tea bags and their potential for transformation into
usable paper products.

B. Goals/ Expected Outcome/ Hypotheses

This research aims to investigate the feasibility of utilizing used tea bags as an alternative
paper source by evaluating its durability, environmental impact, and strength at the back,
ultimately determining its potential as a sustainable and practical substitute for traditional
paper products. Specifically, this study aims to answer the following questions:

1. How does the tensile strength of recycled tea bags compare to that of standard paper,
specifically when subjected to tearing and bending forces?

2. What is the environmental effect of using recycled tea bags as an alternative paper source,
considering factors such as biodegradability, and potential for recycling?

3. Does the reverse side of recycled tea bags material possess sufficient tensile strength and
dimensional stability to be suitable for writing or printing applications, comparable to
standard paper?

Hypothesis:
There is no significant difference in tensile strength, environmental effects, and strength at
the reverse side between recycled tea bags and standard copy paper.

C. Materials and Method

C.1 Research Design:
The True Experimental Design will be used in this study. In this design, one or more
independent variables are manipulated by the researcher, subjects are randomly assigned to
different treatment levels, and the results of the treatments on outcomes are observed (De
Carlo et al., 2023). The experimental group will receive ½ kilograms of calcium carbonate
while the control group will only receive water. There will be two treatments and each
treatment will be replicated 3 times for a total of 6 experimental units.
The independent variable will be the tea bags while the dependent variable will be the
tensile strength. The controlled variables will be the size, drying process duration, weight of
each paper, and the temperature of the place where the drying process will be conducted.

C.2 Materials and Equipment:

The following are the materials and equipment to be used in conducting the experiment.
Used tea bags, 1 blender, water, 2 sponges, 4 pair of gloves, 1 set of wooden paper press, ½
kilogram of calcium carbonate, 2 sets of clear containers, weighing scale

C.3 Procedure:
 The used tea bags will be gathered. The used tea bags will then be cleaned. The clean
tea bags will be placed in a blender, and water will be added. After blending, the mixture will
be divided into two different clear containers. The calcium carbonate will be weigh until it
reached ½ kilograms. The first container will receive ½ kilograms amount of calcium
carbonate and water, while the other container will only receive water. Each weigh of the
paper should be constant using a and it will be strained using a paper press. The samples will
be labeled as Sample 1 and Sample 2. Excess water will be removed by pressing the paper
with a sponge. Finally, the mixture will be allowed to dry for one day.

C.4 Risk and Safety:

In the process of utilizing tea bags as an alternative paper, there are several risks to
consider. The significant risk is the potential for accidents, especially when operating a
blender to process the tea bags. Additionally, there is a risk of bacterial contamination when
handling and collecting tea bags. To mitigate these risks, it is essential to use gloves during
the entire process to ensure safety and reduce the likelihood of contamination.

C.5 Data Analysis:

In this study, the paired sample T-test statistical tool is used to assess the durability of
alternative paper. The statistical tests can reveal differences if there is a significant variation
in their strength and resistance to tearing under different conditions. To gather data, the
researchers will measure its weighing capacity and will test the durability of the alternative
paper by comparing it with commercial paper and subjecting both to rigorous testing. In
evaluating the data, the researchers will then use descriptive analysis to determine the results
and the effectiveness of the product.

References:
James, T., (2020). The hidden plastic in teabags. SGSCorp.
https://www.sgs.com/en/news/2020/01/the-hidden-plastic-in-teabags

Hao, C. (2022). Why is Tea Bag Bad? Here are 4 Top Reasons You Should Know.
https://cspuerh.com/blogs/news/why-is-tea-bag-bad-here-are-4-top-reasons-you-
should-know

Smith, A. (2023,). Biodegradable tea bags and climate change: A path to Sustainability.
LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/biodegradable-tea-bags-climate-change-
path-sustainability-

Tea, P. (2018). Are Teabags Bad for the Environment? Physique tea.
https://physiquetea.com/blogs/physique-tea-blog/are-teabags-bad-for-the-environment

Ali, T., Habib, A., Muskan, F., Mumtaz, S., & Shams, R. (2023). Health risks posed by
microplastics in tea bags: microplastic pollution – a truly global problem. International
Journal of Surgery, 109(3), 515–516. https://doi.org/10.1097/js9.0000000000000055
Budget Plan:
 Name of the material Quantity Price Total

Wooden paper press 1 166 pesos 166 pesos

Sponge 2 10 pesos 10 pesos

Gloves 4 pairs (Found at home) (Found at home)

Blender 1 (Found at home) (Found at home)

Weighing Scale 1 (Found at home) (Found at home)

Digital Pocket Scale 1 (Can be borrow at the (Can be borrow at the

school laboratory) school laboratory)
Clear containers 2
(Found at home) (Found at home)

Calcium Carbonate 1 kilograms 253 pesos 253 pesos

Total 429 pesos

Schedule of Activities:

Activities: D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 D8 D9

The research journey begins with a clear

plan, outlining the steps to be taken and
the resources needed. First, the
researchers will define their research
questions, ensuring it's specific and
researchable. Next, a thorough literature
review is essential to understand
existing knowledge and identify gaps.

Proposing the plan to the teacher:

- The researchers will propose their
research plan to the teacher, seeking
their guidance and approval. This
comprehensive plan serves as a
roadmap, guiding the researchers
towards impactful and meaningful
research outcomes.

Collection of materials:
- Gathering materials, such as ordering
specific items online and purchasing
others from local stores, and used tea
bags will be collected from any places
where tea bags can be found.

Making the product:

Once approved, the researchers can
begin the exciting process of making the
paper product, following the carefully
crafted plan to ensure success.
- Washing the gathered tea bags to
maintain safety and avoid any bacteria
contamination.
- Blending of the tea bags.
- Transferring it into two clear
containers and designated treatments
will be added. - Straining the mixture or
product using a paper press, and sponge
will be used to remove any excess
water.
- The product will be dry in the sun for
24 hours.

Drying the paper product:

- After the product is made, a crucial
step is drying it properly to achieve the
desired quality and ensure its longevity.

Observation of the final product:

The researchers will observe the
outcome of the study and observe its:
- Tensile strength
- Environmental effects
- Tensile strength and Dimensional
stability

Data collection:
- The researchers will collect data from
the observed product, the paper made
from used wet wipes, to assess its
properties. This data will be gathered
through a series of tests and
observations, focusing on the paper's
tensile strength, environmental impact,
and dimensional stability.
 Data Analysis:
- The researchers will analyze the
collected data to determine the paper's
tensile strength, environmental impact,
and dimensional stability, comparing it
to conventional paper. This analysis will
help them assess the feasibility and
effectiveness of using used wet wipes
for paper production.

Making of research paper:

- The researchers will compile their
findings into a research paper, outlining
the methodology used, the results
obtained, and the conclusions drawn
from the data analysis.