Month: June 2022

We have been working for many years on the development of a new fibre solution to seal paper, particularly for use in tea bags, and are now delighted to announce the launch of our solution, an addition to the IFG Bio range. 

We are now able to provide a PLA solution to the tea bag market. Historically the tea bag industry has come under fire for the utilisation of polypropylene fibres to heat seal the bags. Polypropylene (PP) is regarded as a non-sustainable source as it is petroleum-based and doesn’t biodegrade. 

As an alternative to polypropylene, PLA (polylactide) is produced from a sustainable source in the form of sugar cane. Once turned into a plastic and used in teabags, the material itself is then biodegradable under the right conditions. So the production and source is sustainable, and the end product does not contain environmental pollutants. 

IFG’s Technical Manager Jim Woo said: 

“The whole world is now talking about sustainability and microplastic pollution. People are becoming more and more aware of how industries are affecting the planet and as a consequence of that there is more and more environmental legislation. As a business it is important that we recognise our impact and reduce it where possible whilst remaining compliant with ever stricter legal requirements. For the world, it is about the planet and reducing pollution.” 

Join IFG on our journey towards a more sustainable future. Get in touch with the team today here.