BTE consistently practices the concept of 5R; refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, and then recycle throughout its value chain to minimise waste:
Bogawantalawa Tea Estates (BTE), a 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 and its sister companies, took the opportunity to raise awareness and take action on crucial environmental issues, emphasising their collective responsibility towards sustainability.
To mark the 50th anniversary of World Environment Day, BTE conducted a series of activities from June 5-10, as part of raising awareness and taking collective responsibility to protect the planet. These initiatives were 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 said.
Marking the commencement of the week-long program, BTE hosted a ‘Plastic Waste Awareness Campaign’ 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 6 and 7 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.
Recognising the significance of keeping streams and waterways clean, BTE also organised a water streams, catchments and watershed cleaning program. By involving estate communities and BTE staff members, the program 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.
The tree planting campaign was held in collaboration with the local community, schools, and environmental organisations, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for the planet.
Executive Director of BTE, Lalith Munasinghe said, “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.”
Director of Low Country Operations, Sustainability and Research and Development, Dr. Thusitha Bandara outlined BTE’s commitment to environmental sustainability through various initiatives, including research and development projects aimed at utilising natural fertiliser, 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 minimises waste.
“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 said.
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.
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 flavours of Mother Nature.