Preserving the environment while combatting with negative impacts of Climate Change and uplifting the lives of the tea harvesters is an integral part of our company. True to our motto of being “Passionate Growers with sustainability at heart”, we have made it a way of life here, at Bogawantalawa. While adopting Climate Smart Agricultural practices across all our estates and focusing on overall ecosystem and quality of life of our tea harvesters, we bring to the world, the finest teas ethically produced with the highest level of sustainability.
Going beyond Carbon Neutral status, Bogawantalawa has achieved the pinnacle of environmental sustainability by reaching to world’s 1st tea growing, manufacturing, and marketing company to offer Uncompensated Climate Positive Teas, certified for 100% renewables. To quote our Chairman, Mr. Dinesh Ambani, “Sustainability in our DNA and we take pride in these efforts being monitored and recognized creating a new direction for the industry which undoubtedly is the way forward”.
The sustainability of the company mainly stands upon three pillars of sustainability: Social sustainability towards the people, Environmental sustainability towards the planet and Economic sustainability towards the profits. We believe the essence of sustainability is encapsulated in a phrase penned century before the word sustainability itself was coined. That is when the Red Indian Chief Seattle conveyed to the American president, “Earth does not belong to us. We belong to Earth”. This as our creed, we at Bogawantalawa Tea Estates consider sustainability as a core pillar of its day today business operations and Sustainability is a way of life at Bogawantalawa. Behind every action we take and each of our operations and processes our attention is on achieving stellar performances in the triple bottom line
Pledging our stance in climate action, we maintain solidarity with the dialogues at COP26 in being mindful of the 1.5C challenge. In this vein and in keeping with the urgency to address climate change, we invite all like-minded leaders, corporates, and individuals to join us in this critical task in alignment with overarching sustainability goals of mitigation, adaptation plans, finance pledging and collaboration.
Going beyond Carbon Neutral status, Bogawantalawa has achieved the pinnacle of environmental sustainability by reaching to world’s 1st tea growing, manufacturing, and marketing company to offer Uncompensated Climate Positive Teas. To quote our Chairman, Mr. Dinesh Ambani, “Sustainability in in our DNA and we take pride in these efforts being monitored and recognized creating a new direction for the industry which undoubtedly is the way forward”.
True to our motto of being “Passionate Growers with sustainability at Heart”, protecting our planet, we call home and minimizing our carbon footprint is a way of life, for us and so, our teams have, over the years enabled responsible production and consumption, charting a relentless path in sustainability. A culture of sustainability permeates from Board Level, and we are probably the only positive company in the world with control of the entire value chain, from growing to packaging.
While adopting Climate Smart Agricultural practices across all our estates and focusing on overall atmosphere, water, soil and quality of life of our tea harvesters we focus to bring to the world the finest teas ethically produced with the highest level of sustainability. As part of our mission to be environmentally sustainable, we follow key initiatives including R&D projects that help us utilize natural fertilizers and the promotion of efficient water management.
Reinstating our stance in climate action, we maintain solidarity with the dialogues at COP26 in being mindful of the 1.5C challenge. In this vein and in keeping with the urgency to address climate change, we invite all like-minded leaders, corporates, and individuals to join us in this critical task in alignment with overarching sustainability goals of mitigation, adaptation plans, finance pledging and collaboration.
Commenced working on Carbon Footprint
Commenced first solar trial
Energy improvements with the goal of achieving 100% renewables
Trials on Solar Parks
Industry is trying to be Carbon Neutral by 2030
Bogawantalawa ensures sustainable management of the natural resources, eco systems and social wellbeing by making it part of our core operation. We are mindful of the impact caused to the environment and deploy measures to preserve and protect the environment through sustainability initiatives
We maintain standards and controls across our value chain, developed in alignment with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. These strategies include climate smart agriculture, carbon footprint, renewable energy, energy management, plantation forestry, conservation forestry, social forestry, organic farming, the use of bio-fertilizers, organic pesticides, water and waste footprint management, go back to nature, sustainable soil development, eco designing and climate action…etc.
While adopting climate smart agricultural practices across all our estates, and focusing on overall ecosystem and quality of life of our tea harvesters, we focus on presenting the world with the finest climate positive teas with the assurance of responsible production and consumption.
The heavenly flavours infused into our organic Ceylon Tea have the power to soothe the soul and are part of the wonderful secrets Mother Nature has gifted us in the Golden Valley, which we look to protect.
Not only does Bogawantalawa Tea Estates produce ‘uncompensated’ carbon neutral teas, but with the addition of state-of-the-art carbon neutral facilities and the use of renewable energy, we have become perhaps the world’s first tea growing, manufacturing and marketing company to obtain carbon neutral status for both product and facility. This carbon neutral certification was awarded based on maintaining international Carbon Footprint Standards from the verification of direct, indirect and other greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions adhering to stringent ISO protocols.
As part of our mission to be environmentally sustainable, we follow key initiatives including R&D projects that help us utilise natural fertilisers and the promotion of efficient water management. Additionally, we have switched to non-conventional renewable energy such as solar and hydro power and actively practice agroforestry, where we are more than half way through to reaching our goal of planting one million trees by 2020.
On demand we can deliver Climate Neutral Certified products from our plantation to the shelf. From these products the carbon footprint of the complete supply chain, so inclusive the packaging and all transport to stores must be calculated, reduced as much as possible and the remainder of carbon emissions must be compensated. After independent verification to the climate neutral standard, the logo and claim can be used on the packaging. We deliver already for private labels Climate Neutral Certified tea. Please contact us if you want to know more. For more information about the standard visit www.climateneutralcertification.com.
Bogwantalawa has the distinction of being the world’s first tea growing, manufacturing and marketing company selling uncompensated carbon neutral teas from its state of the art carbon neutral facilities. We are mindful of the impact caused to the environment and takes measures to preserve and protect the environment via opting for renewable energy and net carbon balance which is undoubtedly beneficial to stabilize emission of Carbon Foot Print. The certifications for both the product and the organization were provided after verifying all three levels of direct, indirect and other Green House Gasses (GHG) emissions adhering to the ISO protocol in addition with international Carbon Footprint standards.
Continuous researches and initiatives are being undertaken to utilize natural resources rather than chemical fertilizers to protect and enhance natural soil quality and microbial activity by the research and development team of Bogawantalawa Tea Estates PLC. Natural composting and Site-specific fertilizers are already being utilized after successful trials while research and initiatives are being continuously carried out on the application of Bio film, Micro soil, Fish fertilizer and Wormy wash.
Even though we have been gifted with unlimited supply of water, it is our responsibility to utilize this resource wisely, thus Bogawantalawa Tea Estates PLC has already undertaken initiatives to attain this goal by introducing effective methodologies such as Drip Irrigation systems and Rainwater harvesting systems in few of its estates while conducting continuous water management awareness campaigns among its estate community for efficient water utilization.
Bogawantalawa Tea Estates PLC is practicing the science of forestry to meet the desired goals and needs in a sustainable manner by implementing Plantation Forestry, Social Forestry and Conservation Forestry initiatives.
We are currently managing nurseries with 200,000 Seedlings per year with commercial species, natural species, herbs and fruit plants while aiming to plant 160,000 trees a year. So far we have achieved a milestone of planting more than 500,000 trees and we aim to achieve the goal of 1,000,000 trees by the year 2020.
Bogawantalawa Tea Estates is now looking into the feasibility of adopting other means of generating power, among which the company has already developed many sites for generating renewable energy such as hydro and solar power and continues to focus on research and development on wind power.
Sustainable Soil Development
Invested more than LKR 40 million per annum for Sustainable Soil Development practices.
Conservation Forestry
Biodiversity enrichment and ecosystem stability are initiatives, with training programmers rolled out, for both internal and external stakeholders.
Plantation Forestry
Annual production capacity is 165,000 seedlings and forestry projects are yet another one of our sustainable initiatives.
Social Forestry
Programmers with school children, planting programmers, material distribution, and the promotion of organic vegetable and farming.
Towards Organic
In the context of environmental sustainability initiatives, approximately 200 hectares of tea extent have been converted to organic plantations.
Organic pesticides
Organic pesticides are produced internally by the R & D Team of the company and are being utilized, to minimize the usage of inorganic pesticides.
Bio-fertilizers
We use bio-fertilizers to reduce wastage and improve fertilizer efficiency and nutrient availability in the soil.
Water Stewardship
The calculation of green water, blue water and grey water and water footprint are done to improve the water use efficiency throughout the value chain.
Waste Footprint
We practice the 3R (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) concept in all stages of our value chain, adopting a circular economy with zero waste.
Energy Management
1200 tones reduction of GHG emission by per annum; energy cost savings of 30 to 32 million per annum; savings potential of 30,088 GHG tones per annum.
Hydropower
3.2 MW has been commissioned within the plantation as projects and internal systems. Our sister company Eco Power (Pvt) Ltd has already commissioned more than 40 MW in Sri Lanka and many more projects overseas.
Solar Power
The total potential Green House Gases (GHG) saving from our Renewable Energy development projects is approximately 30,088 tonnes / Yr
Climate Action
The Climate Smart Agriculture Centre was established to undertake R & D activities related to climate change with the slogan of “Climate Smart Agriculture”, to improve the resiliency of our plantations.
The Bogawantalawa Tea Estates family extends not just to our team and their families, but to the Ceylon Tea plantation communities around us as well. An inherent part of our ethos, we look to uplift the lives and livelihood of people through meaningful projects that have a long lasting impact. To meet this end we also partner with local grassroots and government organisations as well as NGOs.
We also support the Lanka Mother & Child Support Foundation, an NGO initially established in 2005 by our parent company Metrocorp and other business partners to help those affected by the devastating Tsunami of 2004.
Today, the focus and scope of this foundation have grown to encompass all mothers and children affected by poverty and lack of resources, with a special emphasis on tea plantation communities and those who are disabled. Through continual and sustained initiatives focusing on education, medical assistance, nutrition and community awareness, we hope to keep making a difference in people’s lives.
Creating a better tomorrow starts with good education for the Children today. Bogawantalawa implements various educational support programs within the estates and beyond its borders to motivate and support children attain their goals in education
Commenced in March 2015 with the sponsorship of Sligro partnering with Liliane Fonds, the project focuses upon developing the human resources required to manage the disabled children and their families in the Golden Valley. This program now supports the development of 136 children identified within 11 estates managed managed by Bogawantalawa in the Valley.
With the assistants of the state medical services, dedicated team of Estate Medical Assistants, Child development officers and NGOs, Bogawantalawa conducts various medical and nutrition programs for the benefit of its employees and estate community.
For any positive change to be implemented successfully, the support of the entire community is vital. In this regard the company implements many community awareness programs on disability, health, nutrition, childcare, child protection, career guidance and many more from time to time in the estates managed by Bogawantalawa.
Housing
We maintained 9,207 houses on an annual basis. Electricity connectivity to the national grid with clean energy supplied to over 80% of households.
Nutrition
Fed over 1,300 children under the age of 5 years of age. Established vegetable gardens in 96% of Child Development Centres, supplying over 20 kgs per annum for daily consumption for both children and mothers.
Health Care
Care for over 3,300 children under the age of 5 years of age, and lactating mothers. Knowledge building rolled out, on the prevention of vector-borne disease, HIV/AIDS, leprosy, disabilities and COVID-19.
Child Care
Childcare provided through 67 Child Development Centres maintained by the Estate Management daily. The growth and nutrition levels of the children are closely monitored on a monthly basis.
Education
Educational support, working in tandem with partners, to support 14 promising female students and those with consistent academic performance from grades 5-11.
Water & Sanitation
Distributed over 3,000 direct water connections to houses. To date, 8,200 houses have been provided with their own latrine facilities.
Gender Equality
Gender balance maintained: 61% of our workforce comprise women and 39% men. Equal opportunities and access to education and training are presented for both men and women.
Child Protection
Adapted Child Protection, Child Rights and Business Principles Frameworks, introduced by the UN Global, with partner organizations.
Care for those with Special Needs
Care for over 114 children and youth registered with this initiative. Medical attention and continuous monitoring are delivered by trained personnel.
Climate Positive
Denotes activities that goes beyond achieving net-zero carbon emissions to create an environmental benefit by sinking additional carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. To ensure that the tea you buy goes beyond net zero and carbon neutral status, look for the Climate Positive Logo
Carbon Neutral
Denotes the state of an entity where the carbon emissions caused by them have been balanced out by funding an equivalent amount of carbon savings elsewhere in the world. These savings are generated bring additional social and community benefits in developing countries as well as reducing greenhouse gases.
Fairtrade
Produced in accordance with Fairtrade International's rigorous environmental, economic, and social standards. This is independently verified through regular audits by an accredited third-party auditor.
Ceylon Tea
A symbol of quality, the Logo is owned by the Sri Lanka Tea Board and globally trademarked. The Lion Logo showcasing on a pack of tea is a guarantee for 100% Pure Ceylon Tea packed in Sri Lanka.
Rainforest Alliance
The Rainforest Alliance Certified™ seal certifies that the product or ingredient was produced using methods that support the three pillars of sustainability: social, economic, and environmental. Independent, third-party auditors—critical to the integrity of any certification program—evaluate farmers against requirements in all three areas before awarding or renewing certification.
EU organic
The EU organic logo gives a coherent visual identity to European Union produced organic products. The organic logo can only be used on products that have been certified as organic by an authorized control agency or body. This means that they have fulfilled strict conditions on how they must be produced, processed, transported and stored.
USDA Organic
The standards address a variety of factors such as soil quality, animal raising practices, and pest and weed control. Synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation, and genetic engineering may not be used. Signifies that product that have been produced using cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that support the cycling of on-farm resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity.
BRC Food Certified
BRCGS is a leading global brand and consumer protection scheme recognized by thousands of customers worldwide. Developed with input from industry, it provides a framework to manage product safety, integrity, legality and quality, and the operational controls for these criteria in the food and food ingredient manufacturing, processing and packing industry.
Halal
Halal logo refers to the logo issued by JAKIM/ JAIN/ MAIN. The Halal mark is synonymous not only to the religious food but also to higher quality.
KOSHER
Kosher Certification is the stamp of kosher approval by a rabbinic Agency verifying they have checked the products ingredients, production facility and actual production to ensure all ingredients, derivatives, tools and machinery have no trace of non kosher substances.
