Ceramic containers are dark and dry. Barrows has a few accounts in Canada and hopes to launch an exporting division in the near future. The company offers custom canisters to retailers carrying their line which currently consist of green and black teas, but Barrows plans to soon add Moning, a north China black tea. African teas will stay fresh for about six months with good storage. Amber-colored glass is okay, but clear glass lets in light.
Plastic leeches out the tea, depending on the type used.
Often it breathes and does not give an air-tight seal. A dry, dark place is generally good. While tea is considered a sideline business at this company, they do carry fine teas, mostly Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Darjeeling, and Assam teas. The verdict remains out on the merits of glass as opposed to plastic and ceramic. Glass' strength is its ability to keep out moisture but obviously it is not light-proof.