Hidden Plastics: The Teabag Experiment

This short science education film is designed to be accessible for children and teenagers, although adults would likely also find this engaging and informative. Using live shots and some animation, the film takes the audience through an experiment to identify the non-biodegradable 'hidden plastic' in teabags. Dr Andrew Mayes, who specializes in microplastics research and plastic pollution of the environment, takes us through this experiment to uncover the non-biodegradable polypropylene plastic component of so many teabags, comparing this with a new-style teabag made from biodegradable polylactic acid plastic. The film ultimately advocates for the alternative use of polylactic acid in teabags as this is better for the environment.