In a significant achievement for sustainable Pure Ceylon tea, Bogawantalawa Tea Estates PLC (BTE) has been awarded the prestigious North American Sustainability Tea Award (NASTA) for its exemplary project, ‘the Climate Positive Journey’, during the 2024 North American Tea Conference (NATC) held from September 24th to 26th in Ontario, Canada.
This accolade positions Bogawantalawa at the forefront of the global movement toward sustainable tea production, recognizing its innovative practices in reducing environmental impact, combating climate change, and ensuring social benefits alongside good governance.
Bogawantalawa’s unwavering commitment to sustainability is deeply embedded in our organizational ethos and aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals,” said D. J. Ambani, Chairman, Bogawantalawa Tea Estates PLC. “Our recognition for the sixth consecutive year as a Climate Positive company represents another resounding global endorsement of our impact in the tea industry. By developing and implementing innovative practices, community-focused initiatives, and extensive environmental stewardship, our goal is to radically minimize our ecological footprint while also enhancing quality of life for our employees and surrounding communities.”
The Climate Positive Journey award showcased Bogawantalawa’s dedication to neutralizing its environmental footprint and actively enhancing the ecological health of its tea cultivation practices while delivering social benefits and establishing best Governance. It sets a new standard for the tea industry, showcasing what can be achieved when companies prioritize sustainability and long-term responsibility.
“As the world’s first tea-growing, manufacturing, and marketing company to offer Uncompensated Climate Positive Teas, certified for 100% renewable energy, we are committed to forging a more sustainable future for Sri Lanka tea, and serving the needs of future generations. We invite all stakeholders to join us in pioneering sustainable solutions that promote resilience, innovation, and shared prosperity,” Bogawantalawa Tea Estates PLC Executive Director, Lalith Munasinghe said.
The 2024 NATC gathered leading figures from the global tea sector to explore sustainable production practices and celebrate the contributions to environmental stewardship, including a Gold Medal Tea Competition.
“Our goal is to transform the Sri Lankan and global tea industry by clearly demonstrating how embedding sustainability into every aspect of our operations creates greater value for all stakeholders—from workers and their communities to our buyers and end consumers,” said Dr. Thusitha Bandara, Director – Sustainability, Low Country Operations, R & D, Bogawantalawa Tea Estates PLC. “As the world’s first company to offer Uncompensated Climate Positive Teas, we are taking industry leadership on a global scale. For sustainability to be truly effective, it must become authentically integrated into daily practices. We believe in nurturing a sustainable future where every decision contributes to a legacy of environmental responsibility and social equity, inspiring a global movement toward sustainable tea production for generations to come.”
Bogawantalawa’s innovative strategies encompass climate-smart agriculture and sustainable farming practices. These initiatives not only boost productivity but also ensure premium quality, upholding environmental stewardship throughout tea production processes. By adopting integrated nutrition management and renewable energy sources, the company continues to position itself as a trailblazer in sustainable tea cultivation.
Bogawantalawa is also dedicated to empowering local communities through initiatives aimed at uplifting women, promoting organic farming, and investing in education and healthcare. By enhancing the lives of its workforce and contributing positively to the local economy, the company exemplifies holistic sustainability.
Through its Smart Agriculture approach—which integrates advanced water management, waste management, soil management, carbon-offset projects, and agroforestry systems—Bogawantalawa both improves the economic viability of tea production and nurtures biodiversity. Its vision extends beyond estate borders, inspiring global agricultural enterprises to follow suit.
Bogawantalawa Tea’s legacy of excellence began with its founding in 1869 in Sri Lanka’s Golden Valley. The estate has cultivated a reputation for premium-quality Ceylon tea while embracing environmentally responsible practices. After achieving uncompensated carbon-neutral status in 2017, the company advanced further, earning recognition for uncompensated climate-positive status in 2019.
Bogawantalawa’s operations are also certified for 100% renewable energy (net-zero energy), meaning the company produces all its teas solely using renewable sources. In 2021, it secured the Climate Neutral Certification (CNC) from the Climate Neutral Group in the Netherlands, further validating its dedication to achieving net-zero emissions through transparent and rigorous emissions tracking.
With accolades from various global platforms—including the New Sustainable Product Award in Amsterdam and the Green Ambassador Award in London—Bogawantalawa’s commitment to sustainability continues to garner international recognition.
