Thank you for sharing your concern about Bigelow’s packaging and your interest in protecting the environment and our planet.

To answer your specific question, the current flow pack is not biodegradable. However, at this time, over 76% of our entire packaging and raw materials are recyclable and biodegradable including our outer box, tea bag and tea string tag.

Please know that we share your concern and we’d like to assure you that we are constantly searching for materials that will have less impact on the environment yet still provide the protection that makes our product the finest quality and freshest available on the market today. We are pro-actively working very closely with our suppliers to reach the goal of 100% biodegradable as quickly as possible.

Sustainability is a major focus of purchasing, manufacturing and the entire company; an example of our efforts include the installation of a $1.5 million solar array on the roof top of our corporate headquarters.

Please also refer to our “SustainabiliTea” Statement on our website, bigelowtea.com.

Cindi Bigelow, President

I understand the value of packaging in protecting the delicate flavor and shelf life of your quality product. But I also place a very high value on sustainability in my consumer choices.

If your pouches are recyclable, would you add recycling number marking to the packaging specifications as soon as possible? If they are NOT recyclable, would you investigate another material (a different recyclable plastic or simple metal foil) that will do the job of protecting the lovely flavor and antioxidants of your tea and be 100% recyclable?

Like many folks interested in organic products, I have both personal and planetary health in mind in my purchasing decisions, and I will spend more for a healthy and sustainably packaged product. I am advocating for packaging change in products I like very much, but I will sadly forego future purchases from unresponsive companies. Please show me that Bigelow values sustainability!
-Curt Hicks

Thanks for your comment. The foil sealed pack for each tea bag is a signature item for Bigelow and it is what keeps the tea fresh, but we are always looking into new ways to maintain our quality while keeping a green priority.

Thanks again for your comment.

Valorie for Bigelow Tea

Outer cellophane wrap (I suppose this is to make it tamper proof and can’t be avoided)
Cardboard box
Foil sealed pack for each bag.
(Not sure this is really necessary…pretty, fancy but necessary?)
I will continue to purchase your tea if you can assure me that you will eliminate one layer of the packaging…

I realize you need something to keep the product fresh amd tamper proof. However, I”ve been purchasing other competitive brands for years and only have the outer wrap and box to feel bad about.

Hope you can consider this…you can spin this in to a positive ad!

Do your laundry in early morning hours during heat wave or after 7pm it reduce I think your energy bill

Also keep AC maybe at 72 degree during the summer month if you have fans used them