According to Chinese legend, in 2700 BC, tea was created entirely by accident when tea leaves fell into a pot of boiling water. Regardless of how tea was first discovered, it is now enjoyed across the world in quantities that require processing machinery to ensure everyone can enjoy their favorite beverages wherever they are, whenever the mood strikes.
The number of different tea varieties that are grown around the world is thought to exceed 1,500 and each one can be organized into one of six primary categories, including white, black, green, and oolong.
Sustainable manufacturing methods
Each type of tea benefits from different processing methods, with different types of machinery suited to different production methods. The good news is that tea companies can leverage top quality machinery whilst also ensuring that they are minimizing their carbon footprint in the process.
State-of-the-art blending machines enhance tea flavor profiles
As many types of tea are comprised of several different ingredients that require careful balancing, mixers with gentle mechanisms are a key part of the manufacturing process.
The gentle frictionless mixers used by Blue Ocean don’t use moveable blades, paddles or ribbons, and, instead, allow gravity to do its job within the mixing drum. In addition to preserving the natural flavors of the tea leaves, this type of mixer uses less power and is, therefore, a more environmentally friendly option.
Tea bag packaging machines
The most effective and versatile tea bag packing machinery can produce both rectangular and triangular shaped tea bags, which can seamlessly handle all types of tea bag material suitable for ultrasonic sealing.
This level of versatility allows Blue Ocean to support tea companies producing even the smallest batches of artisanal teas to use the most environmentally friendly and sustainable packaging options. As machinery is never sat idle, each piece of equipment is kept operating at an optimal level which contributes further to production process efficiencies.
Metal or wood machinery?
While wooden machinery is the more traditional option, it is now widely accepted that steel machinery is more sustainable because it is able to withstand larger loads and can continue to operate efficiently for longer periods of time.
Investing in efficient equipment is one of the most sustainable steps that businesses can take, as this minimizes the amount of energy required to produce a finished product and keeps carbon emissions low.
The sustainability advantage of a specialty tea company
There are numerous advantages to engaging a specialty tea company, including transparent processing practices and full regulatory certifications from food standards agencies, fair trade bodies, and environmental alliances. As such, you can feel assured that they use the latest types of machinery to deliver the best possible flavors while also taking steps to make their processes more sustainable and kinder to our environment.
It is always recommended to look for a specialty tea company that has obtained Fair Trade certification and has connections to organizations such as the Rainforest Alliance.