Bogawantalawa’s sustainability efforts: Leading the way in global tea industry

Green Apple Award 

From left: Bogawantalawa Tea Estates CEO Feroze Majeed, Marketing Manager for Europe Margaretha Haglind, Bogawantalawa Tea Estates Low Country Operations, Sustainability, and R&D Director Dr. Thusitha Bandara, Ministry of Environment Secretary B.K. Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Bogawantalawa Tea Estates Executive Director Lalith Munasinghe, Bogawantalawa Tea Ceylon Director Business Development (US region) Abhishek Ambani, Director and CEO Almas Marikkar, and Director/COO Dhammika Perera, both of Bogawantalawa Tea Ceylon, and Bogawantalawa Teas Director Michael Haglind 

Bogawantalawa, renowned for its climate-positive teas and unwavering commitment to sustainable practices, has achieved a significant milestone by obtaining the Climate Neutral Certification (CNC) from the Climate Neutral Group (CNG) in the Netherlands. 

This adds to the company’s impressive list of certifications, including Climate Positive, Carbon Neutral, Rainforest, Fairtrade, and 100% Renewable Energy Certifications, making it the first tea-growing, manufacturing, and marketing company in the world to achieve the climate-positive standard.

The CNC, part of the Anthesis Group, has been at the forefront of combating climate change for two decades. By aiding clients in reducing and offsetting greenhouse gas emissions, the CNG plays a crucial role raising awareness about climate issues. The certification program provides a framework for organisations to mitigate their global warming impact in line with the Paris Agreement.

Bogawantalawa’s sustainability program includes reducing CO2eq emissions and increasing in-setting capacities. Audits conducted by international and national auditors have shown Bogawantalawa’s commitment to these goals, especially in reducing emissions from tea production. In 2023, the organisation achieved a significant reduction in emissions, with the actual footprint 0.57 kg of CO2eq per kg of tea lower than the baseline. The company managed emissions offsetting through Gold Standard Carbon Credits from its hydro-power plant, demonstrating genuine sustainability efforts.

The recent audit, overseen by key stakeholders including Bogawantalawa Teas Low Country Operations, Sustainability, and R&D Director Dr. Thusitha Bandara, led to a positive certification decision in December 2023, awarding Bogawantalawa the Certificate of Compliance (Cert-20005848-23-Prod-1-PBN) for sustainability and environmental stewardship. This certification sets a precedent for the tea industry’s sustainability efforts.

Bogawantalawa’s Net Zero Energy Certification highlights its achievement in balancing energy consumption with renewable energy production, significantly reducing its carbon footprint. The company’s comprehensive approach to sustainability serves as a model for other organisations.

Endorsing the sustainability efforts on the plantations, Bogawantalawa Tea Ceylon Director and CEO Almas Marikkar went on to highlight their exclusive collections and added that the company is the trusted partner to provide turnkey solutions to discerning, premium brands around the world. 

“This makes Bogawantalawa the one-stop destination for all-round teas and consumers on the global stage now have a unique opportunity to experience our value-added range,” he said. Marikkar added, “Our international reputation and accolades are not only significant achievements in how we manage our carbon footprint, but they also add to our competitive advantage in the global market. Combining the expertise of our Tea Masters and their specialised knowledge, along with product innovation, supply chain resilience and a dynamic team, we are fully aligned towards shaping the industry’s future.”

With a sustainable value chain seamlessly integrated into its business strategy, Bogawantalawa Teas stands at the forefront of the Ceylon tea industry. The company is poised to elevate the industry to greater heights, setting a benchmark for excellence and sustainability.