Sustainability

Our pronounced focus on sustainability, exemplified by our compostable packaging, conscientious transportation, and solar-powered production, stems from a deep-seated commitment to minimising our environmental footprint. Recognising the detrimental impact of conventional packaging on landfills, we've opted for compostable alternatives, ensuring our products contribute to a circular economy.

Similarly, our efforts to optimise transportation reflect a dedication to reducing carbon emissions associated with distribution. The adoption of solar-powered production further underscores our proactive approach to renewable energy, minimising reliance on fossil fuels and promoting a cleaner, more sustainable operational model. This holistic sustainability strategy is integral to our ethos, demonstrating our dedication to responsible business practices and a healthier planet.

Packaging

We are one of the few UK-based tea company to use 100% compostable envelopes for our teas. They cost us more but are better for the environment as they are made from NatureFlex (a cellulose-based film), paper, vegetable ink and a water-based glue. 

In 2024 we used 10,000m of this material, helping us avoid 500kgs of plastic-equivalent weight.

Inside this we put our made-from-sugarcane PLA tea bag. Once it’s been enjoyed, the tea bag can go in the food waste bin, where, within 6 months, 90% of the mass will turn into compost in an industrial composting facility. 

Our loose tea bags and leaf teas are enclosed in foil-lined, resealable Kraft packs, which thanks to their bio-plastic seals, are biodegradable.

All of these are shipped in FSC-certified cardboard boxes, again with no plastic in sight.

Production

Our carefully sourced teas are sent to our production facility in Somerset where they are converted into loose tea bags, enveloped teas and loose-leaf packages.

We are the only UK-based tea company to combine our tea bag materials on site, saving around 500kg of CO2e in transportation emissions, and our 50m2 of solar panels enable us to use renewable energy sources for 50% of our production.

In fact, we frequently put an excess of solar-generated energy back into the National Grid - last year it was 500kW. 

The site also collects rainwater for use on site and in 2024 harvested 100m3 of grey water. Combined with our tightly controlled procurement and production processes, we only produced 50kg of tea and 50kg of packaging waste in 2024. That’s the equivalent of 0.0001% waste for every kilogram of tea packaged.

Transportation

Nationally, we work with DPD to deliver our teas to over 1,100 sites across the UK. Since 2012, DPD has had a carbon neutral pledge and in 2024 they helped us make 5,000 carbon neutral deliveries over 10,000km.

Last year 90% of our teas arrived in the UK by sea, with the rest by road. We are committed to improving this ratio and further reducing our supply chain’s environmental impact.