Pyramid Tea Bag Materials Series: Non-Woven Fabric
Non-woven fabric is one of the most commonly used filtration materials and is widely applied in fluid filtration fields such as air filters, face masks, and industrial filter cloths. With specific material compositions and specifications, non-woven fabrics are also well suited for pyramid tea bag production.
Compared with mesh materials, non-woven fabric features finer pore structures, making it suitable not only for granular ingredients but also for powder-based materials, such as tea powder or coffee powder. At the same time, it maintains good permeability, ensuring efficient infusion.
In this article, we will introduce two commonly used non-woven materials for pyramid tea bags: ES Non-Woven Fabric and PLA Non-Woven Fabric.
1. ES Non-Woven Fabric
ES non-woven fabric is produced from ES fibers (Ethylene–Propylene side-by-side bicomponent fibers). Based on surface treatment, it is commonly available in smooth and embossed (dot) surface types. The fabric is formed through a thermal bonding process, without the use of chemical adhesives.
Key Characteristics
- High breathability
- Low thermal shrinkage
- Good biocompatibility
Advantages for Tea Bags
- High permeability, allowing fast extraction
- Short infusion time and quick liquor release
- Stable performance during packaging
- Low cost and excellent cost performance
Limitations
- Not biodegradable
- Less environmentally friendly compared with PLA materials
Processing Compatibility
- Ultrasonic sealing machines
- Heat-sealing machines
Suitable Filling Materials
- Granular ingredients
- Powder-based materials
Common Specifications
- Roll width: 140 mm / 160 mm
- Basis weight: 18–25 gsm
ES non-woven fabric is widely used in standard pyramid tea bag applications where cost efficiency and stable performance are key considerations.
2. PLA Non-Woven Fabric
PLA non-woven fabric is made from polylactic acid fibers, either short fibers or filament fibers. Similar to ES materials, it is available in smooth and embossed surface finishes. For tea bag applications, the most commonly used basis weight ranges from 18 to 25 gsm.
Advantages for Tea Bags
- High permeability and excellent hydrophilicity
- Fast infusion and quick liquor release
- Suitable for both granular and powder-based materials
- Applicable to tea powder, herbal powder, and coffee powder
- 100% biodegradable and compostable under industrial conditions
- Environmentally friendly and sustainable
Limitations
- PLA does not have a fixed melting point, which can affect heat-sealing performance
- Higher cost compared with conventional ES non-woven fabric
- Higher requirements for storage conditions (temperature and humidity control)
Processing Compatibility
- Ultrasonic sealing only
Suitable Filling Materials
- Granular ingredients
- Powder-based materials
Common Specifications
- Roll width: 140 mm / 160 mm
- Basis weight: 18–25 gsm
Thanks to its biodegradability and wider application range, PLA non-woven fabric is becoming an increasingly popular choice for eco-friendly pyramid tea bags.
A New Packaging Option for Powder-Based Products
For powder-based fillings such as tea powder, instant blends, and coffee powder, non-woven fabric provides a reliable and effective packaging solution. Compared with mesh materials, non-woven fabric offers finer filtration, lower material cost, and broader application possibilities—especially when using PLA non-woven fabric, which combines performance with sustainability.
Choosing the right non-woven material can significantly improve infusion performance while meeting brand positioning requirements for cost control or environmental responsibility.
