Our Packaging

There is broad agreement that paper should be collected separately, but not on the color of the bin. In some regions the paper bin is blue, in others it is green. Whether blue or green, our folding cartons can be disposed of without hesitation in the paper recycling stream. A large share of the paper we use comes from FSC-certified sources. Our transport packaging for retailers is made from 100% recycled paper, consisting of industrial and post-consumer waste. We aim to further expand the use of such certified and recycled papers.

Here, too, collection systems differ from region to region. What belongs in this waste stream, however, is the same everywhere: only so-called "lightweight packaging" (Leichtverpackungen), meaning packaging made of plastic, metal or composite materials. Typical examples are sausage or cheese packaging, aluminum cans, beverage cartons or cosmetic packaging. From the Bad Heilbrunner range, certain portion packs (see guide below) and our aroma protection pouches can be disposed of in the yellow bag or bin. They are made of composite materials, meaning a combination of different materials. This is necessary to protect certain teas. Composites cannot currently be recycled, which is why we are looking for possible alternatives.

Organic waste bins are brown in most cases, but what may be disposed of in them varies from place to place. The deciding factor is the recovery options of the local waste management provider. To dispose of waste correctly, check with your local waste management authority. Our tea bags made of banana fiber can be disposed of in organic waste in most regions without hesitation. For those who want to go the extra mile, the tags can be disposed of in the paper stream. Our pyramid bags are made of PLA (polylactide), a bioplastic based on renewable raw materials such as corn starch. PLA is an established material for pyramid tea bags in the tea industry and is also used for food packaging and certain medical applications. The pyramid bags are industrially compostable according to EN 13432. However, as many composting facilities are currently unable to process PLA, please follow local disposal guidelines. When in doubt, the bag should be disposed of in the residual waste bin.

Only waste that cannot be recycled in any of the other waste streams should go into residual waste, as it is incinerated. In modern facilities, this process generates electricity and heat, but emissions cannot be fully avoided. In addition, it is a linear process: once waste has been incinerated, nothing new can be made from it. We therefore aim to use as few materials as possible in our products that must be disposed of as residual waste. Use our guide to avoid sorting errors and give our materials another chance to be put to use!