Westcountry Tea Co. confirms that it supports and trades in line with the ETI Base code.
Committed to using and promoting the use of plastic free, this Decaf Tea Bag is completely plastic and packaging free. Using the world’s first 100% plastic free heat sealable tea bag material. The tea bags are made from corn starch, which is a 100% natural fibre, so they do not contain any petroleum based synthetic fabrics, making them 100% biodegradable / compostable. Ideally, they would like to be put into an industrial compost “Council food waste collection”, however if you do compost at home, it is possible but it can take up to 3 years and only on a well-maintained compost heap. If they end up going to landfill or being burned, at least there is no plastic going into the ground or atmosphere.
Not all teas are certified fair trade however all producers have been vetted to ensure the farms/plantations all comply with national and international laws, meaning no forced or under age labour and workers are paid a correct wage. That they work in safe and hygienic working conditions with no harsh or inhumane treatment and fair working hours.
Most of West Country Tea Co teas are organic, however they are unable to advertise or sell them as such, as they are not organic certified themselves. As they process the ingredients in blending they would need to be certified and unfortunately this is a very expensive route to take and not an option for them at the moment.