Guwahati: Recognising the imperative of understanding the environmental impact of the tea value chain, Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) has embarked on a collaboration with the Tea Research Association (TRA), Tocklai, Jorhat, a pioneering institution in global tea research. This partnership aims to address the challenges posed by climate change to the tea industry.
HUL, renowned for household tea brands such as Brooke Bond Red Label, Taj Mahal, and Taaza, is committed to enhancing the resilience and sustainability of the tea sector through the promotion of regenerative agricultural practices.
The intricate nature of tea cultivation, coupled with local weather variations and challenges like uneven rainfall and soil erosion, underscores the need for proactive measures in the industry. To this end, HUL and TRA will undertake a comprehensive ‘Lifecycle Analysis’ of Indian tea production. The analysis will identify key areas of carbon impact across the value chain, paving the way for targeted strategies to mitigate environmental footprint.
By leveraging expert insights and data-driven approaches, the partnership aims to develop tailored mitigation and adaptation strategies applicable to the entire tea industry. Crucially, the findings will inform policymakers, enabling the formulation of supportive policies conducive to a sustainable, low-carbon production system.
The FAO Intergovernmental Group on Tea, during its 25th session in Guwahati, emphasized the significance of understanding the environmental ramifications of tea production for fostering sustainable solutions. Highlighting the complex nature of tea production and consumption, the FAO stressed the importance of responsible practices to ensure long-term viability and environmental protection.
The global tea industry, valued at over $17 billion in production and $9.5 billion in trade, faces pressing challenges exacerbated by climate change. With smallholders contributing 60 percent of world tea production, the need for concerted action to combat climate change is evident.
A spokesperson for HUL affirmed that the carbon footprint analysis aims to empower tea estates to make informed decisions regarding carbon management. By adopting suitable mitigation strategies, large tea estates can achieve low carbon production, aligning with the preferences of climate-conscious consumers domestically and internationally.
The project’s scope encompasses 19 tea estates and factories, along with 19 small tea growers spanning major tea-growing regions such as Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. With an estimated benefit to approximately 15,000 hectares of land, the partnership underscores HUL’s commitment to supporting the tea industry while prioritizing consumer, environmental, and community welfare.
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