Compostable Packaging? LEt's break it down.

We are particular not only about how our packaging looks and works to keep your tea fresh, but also how it breaks down and keeps packaging out of landfills.From the beginning, we chose to use tea sachets made from PLA, plant-based, compostable film.

Why PLA?

PLA, Polylactic acid is derived from dextrose, a type of sugar found in corn, sugarcane, or sugar beet pulp. It is fermented and then condensed using heat to form a plastic-like material. This material is produced using 65% less energy than petroleum-based plastics, is non-toxic and made from plant based renewable resources. It is commercially compostable and under the right conditions, backyard compostable as well.

Why Compostable?

Composting just makes sense. Composting is easy to do, easy on the environment and gives back with rich soil to rejuvenate our gardens, decreasing greenhouse gases, and increasing carbon sequestering.

Is It Home Compostable?

Two Leaves packaging can be commercially composted and in some cases backyard compostable as well, it just may take a little longer to break down. Commercial composting centers control the temperature, oxygen and moisture levels to optimize the composting process. For best results at home, we recommend cutting the sachets and envelopes into smaller pieces before putting into your compost bin.Our compostable packaging meets the U.S. Composting Council and Biodegradable Products Institute standards for compostability under ASTM specifications of D6400. Some of our sachets and envelopes are made in Europe, and those meet European compostability standards under EN 13442.

OUR CORE VALUES

When we decided early on to source certified organic tea, we also chose to use a plant-based material for the sachets to keep plastic out of the cup and allow the tea to go back into the earth.

Two Leaves and a Bud was one of the first tea companies to adopt the PLA sachet.  In our nearly 20 years in business, those values have held firm.  Finding the right suppliers in the right locations, at the right time is not always as easy as it looks.    We are the first to admit that there is room for improvement and being fully transparent, here is a glimpse of where we are and where we are going.