Packaging
with care

For us, quality, aesthetics, and responsibility are inseparable values when we develop new products and packaging together with our suppliers.

Packaging with care

We are proud to share that in 2025, approximately 96% of our packaging is free from fossil-based plastic. Avoiding this type of material in our product packaging has long been a priority for us, and we continue to work with focus and dedication to reach our goal of 100%.

Instead of single-use plastic, our packaging consists of paper- and cardboard-based materials, plant-based alternatives, or metal.

Paper and cardboard are generally considered more sustainable packaging choices compared to fossil-based plastics, as they come from renewable sources and are easier to recycle. However, we are aware that paper production also has environmental challenges – particularly in terms of water use, energy consumption, and the risk of unsustainable deforestation.

For this reason, we only work with FSC-certified suppliers. An FSC license ensures that the materials come from responsibly managed forests. However, not all of our paper and cardboard packaging is FSC-certified. Factors such as volume, design, and availability for each individual product also play a role. Together with our suppliers, we are continuously working to increase the share of certified packaging materials across our range.

Metal Packaging (Metal Recycles Forever)

At A.C. Perch’s Thehandel, we take great pride in our products and always recommend that tea is stored in airtight containers. Tea is a delicate dry good that easily loses its flavour or absorbs surrounding aromas if not stored properly. That’s why we offer a wide selection of tin caddies – ideal for preserving the freshness and quality of your tea. Explore our collection here.

Our tea caddies are made from approximately 98% iron and 2% other metals, primarily tin. Iron is strong but prone to rust, while tin is often used to coat iron, protecting it from corrosion. Both metals are 100% recyclable, making them among the most sustainable packaging materials available.

We encourage customers to reuse our caddies again and again. The longer a product’s life, the more sustainable it becomes. That’s why we’ve chosen to include the METAL RECYCLES FOREVER™ mark on our tins – to highlight that metal is not only recyclable, but can be endlessly recycled without losing its quality. This is known as real recycling.

Today, 80.5% of all steel packaging and 76% of aluminium cans in Europe are recycled, making metal the most recycled packaging material on the continent. Once a metal container reaches the end of its life, the material can be collected and melted down – again and again – with no loss in quality.

By placing used tea caddies in the metal recycling bin, our customers help conserve natural resources and reduce waste. That’s why metal packaging plays an important role in our commitment to more circular and responsible choices – right down to the smallest detail.

Teabags

Our pyramid tea bags are 100% plant-based, biodegradable, and free from fossil-based plastics.
Here, you can see what materials each component is made of – and how to dispose of them correctly.

Filter material/pyramid tea bag
Made of PLA1 which is taste-neutral and transparent to enhance the quality of the tea.
The size of the pyramid bag also means that there is room for the tea to unfold when brewing.

Thread
Made of PLA

Label with logo
Made of PLA-coated paper

Wrapping
Made of NatureFlexâ„¢ Foil2
This foil is airtight and thus ensures aroma protection.

Box
Made of cardboard. Our teabag boxes are on their way to becoming FSC® certified for more sustainable forestry.

1 PLA = Polylactides (also known as bioplastics). Made from natural fermentable biomass such as corn, sugar beet or cellulose, it is therefore 100% plant-based. PLA is biodegradable.
2 NatureFlexTM Foil = Made from natural cellulose or wood fibres, with PEFC certification (as proof of sustainable use of wood as a raw material).

Waste sorting of the components

Definition clarification:
An industrially compostable product is broken down by the waste management industry through a controlled, technical process within a specific time frame. If a product is home compostable, the packaging materials will decompose in a household compost pile under typical home composting conditions.

Compostable materials are by definition biodegradable. However, biodegradable is still a loosely defined term. It generally requires that the material breaks down into non-toxic components within a maximum of two years. Under industrial composting conditions, this breakdown typically occurs within around 60 days.

If a product is recyclable, it is processed into the appropriate recycling stream and reused in the production of new raw materials.

Pyramid bag – string – tag
Industrially compostable and biodegradable (waste sorting).
Dispose of in: Food waste.
Alternatively: Residual waste.

NOTE: Although the material is made from so-called “bioplastics,” it should not be disposed of with plastic recycling. Bioplastics can disrupt the recycling process of conventional plastics.

NatureFlexTM Wrapping Pouch*
Home compostable and biodegradable (own compost).
Dispose of in: Home compost or food waste sorting.
Alternatively: Residual waste.

Cardboard box
Fully recyclable.
Dispose of in: Paper and cardboard recycling – either via your local sorting system or at a recycling center.

*The NatureFlexTM
The NatureFlexâ„¢ pouch is printed in compliance with compostability printing restrictions (such as ink type and printed surface area), ensuring the packaging remains compostable.
It produces no microplastics during breakdown and does not pollute water.

Packaging Responsibility

A.C. Perch’s Thehandel is a member of Emballageretur – a collective scheme that supports companies in complying with Denmark’s upcoming extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging, which comes into effect on October 1st, 2025. This new regulation means that companies will take full responsibility – legally, financially, and practically – for the packaging they place on the market, from production through to waste.

The aim is to promote reuse and recycling, reduce waste, and support a circular economy through more environmentally friendly packaging design. As a member of Emballageretur, we receive:

  • Support with registration and reporting

  • Assurance of proper collection and recycling

  • Access to up-to-date knowledge on legislation

Our environmental contributions include:

  • Less waste and a lower COâ‚‚ footprint
  • More efficient use of resources
  • A step toward a more sustainable future

 

Emballageretur is part of Retur, Denmark’s largest network of collective compliance schemes, backed by 20 years of experience. Their non-profit model and member-driven approach ensure a safe and efficient solution – so we can focus on what we do best: delivering high-quality tea to our customers.

Read more on www.emballageretur.dk

Skærmbillede 2025-03-28 kl. 15.40.15