- Bogwantalawa Tea Estates holds week-long celebration in view of World Environment Day
- Awareness campaigns, conservation programs, rehabilitations and competitions among initiatives to raise the importance of safeguarding the environment
- BTE consistently practices the concept of 5R; refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, and then recycle throughout its value chain to minimize waste
Bogawantalawa Tea Estates PLC (BTE), the world’s pioneer in producing and promoting Uncompensated Climate Positive Teas, celebrated World Environment Day – 2023 with a focus on the global movement to #BeatPlasticPollution. Joining forces with Upcountry and Low Country estates, Bogawantalawa Tea Ceylon (PVT) LTD as well as sister companies, took the opportunity to raise awareness and take action on crucial environmental issues, emphasizing their collective responsibility towards sustainability.
To mark the 50th anniversary of World Environment Day, BTE has planned a series of activities from 5th to 10th June 2023, as part of raising awareness and taking collective responsibility to protect the planet. These initiatives are created to generate a lasting impact and encourage individuals and communities to adopt sustainable practices beyond this special day, promoting a year-round commitment to environmental stewardship.
“Sustainability is in our DNA, and we take pride in being at the forefront of efforts that set a new direction for the industry.” Chairman of BTE Dinesh Ambani said. “At BTE, sustainability is woven into the fabric of our day-to-day business operations. With a deep commitment to our people, the communities we serve, and the planet, sustainability is more than just a practice—it is a way of life at Bogawantalawa. Our dedicated team is fully committed to producing sustainable teas that push the boundaries of excellence,” he added.
Marking the commencement of the week-long programme, BTE hosted a ‘Plastic Waste Awareness Campaign’ on June 5th, 2023 with the aim of educating its employees and the public. Posters, flyers, and social media content highlighting the detrimental effects of plastic waste on the environment and encouraging sustainable alternatives like reusable bags, bottles, and containers were generated to raise awareness.
On June 6th and 7th, 2023, in collaboration with schools islandwide, BTE implemented educational programs on plastic waste reduction through interactive presentations, workshops, and competitions aimed at inspiring them to adopt sustainable practices. The competition encouraged students to generate creative ideas to reduce plastic waste in their schools and homes.
Recognizing the significance of keeping streams and waterways clean, BTE also organized a water streams, catchments and watershed cleaning program on June 8th, 2023. By involving estate communities and BTE staff members, the programme aims to raise awareness on the importance of preserving the pristine condition of upcountry estates, ensuring the quality and stability of ecosystem and water sources.
In addition to these efforts, a reforestation project will be launched on 9th June in a bid to combat climate change. The tree planting campaign is held in collaboration with the local community, schools, and environmental organizations, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for the planet.
As the world’s first Tea growing, manufacturing, and marketing company to offer Uncompensated Climate Positive Teas traceable from the garden to shipping, BTE will also be conducting a stakeholder training programs on June 10th and 11th June, 2023. These programs aims to raise awareness about adopting climate-smart practices, and achieving the highest level of sustainability.
Mr. Lalith Munasinghe, the Executive Director of BTE, exemplified the company’s motto of being ‘Passionate Growers with sustainability at heart’.
“BTE has firmly established its unwavering dedication to sustainability by delivering the world’s finest teas produced ethically and with a strong emphasis on sustainability,” Mr. Munasinghe stressed.
Meanwhile, Dr. Thusitha Bandara, the Director of Low Country Operations, Sustainability and Research & Development highlighted BTE’s commitment to environmental sustainability through various initiatives, including research and development projects aimed at utilizing natural fertilizers, promoting efficient water management, and implementing the principles of Regenerative agriculture (RA)BTE consistently practices the concept of 5R (refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, and recycle) throughout its value chain, embracing a circular economy approach that minimizes waste. As a leading tea manufacturer, BTE is committed to providing the world with exceptional climate-positive teas, produced responsibly and consumed with confidence. The company firmly believes in leading the way in sustainable manufacturing through long-term initiatives that positively impact climate change, benefiting its business, stakeholders, communities, and the planet. Going forward, BTE will continue to drive sustainable business growth by benchmarking its operations against standards and controls aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” Dr. Bandara added.
BTE places a high priority on ensuring that every aspect of its operations meets the highest international standards, whether it be in processes, eco-friendly practices, food hygiene, ethical principles, or origin traceability. The company proudly holds certifications from reputable organizations such as the Rainforest Alliance, USDA (organic), and the Sri Lanka Climate Fund. Numerous accolades, including the Presidential Environmental Award, New Sustainable Product Award, Global Green Award, Sustainable Leadership Award, and Green Ambassador honor by Green Apple Awards, as well as certifications such as ISO 22000:2005, ISO 9001:2008, ISO 9001:2015, ETHICAL TEA PARTNERSHIP, ORGANIC – EU, BRITISH RETAIL CONSORTIUM, HACCP, GMP AND GHP, Climate Positive, NET ZERO energy facility, and fair trade, speak volumes about BTE’s enduring commitment to excellence and its leading role in sustainability.
While upholding the principles of sustainable food production to offer unmatched value to discerning customers and stakeholders, BTE ensures the sustainable management of natural resources, ecosystems, and social well-being by integrating these aspects into its core operations. The company constantly seeks new ways to conserve the environment while preserving the unique characteristics and flavors of Mother Nature that make its teas truly exceptional.
