Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) has announced a partnership with the Tea Research Association (TRA), Tocklai, Jorhat. TRA is recognized as one of the oldest and largest tea research associations globally. The collaboration seeks to address the challenges posed by climate change to the tea industry.
HUL stands as a prominent tea producer, boasting renowned brands like Brooke Bond Red Label, Taj Mahal, and Taaza. Through this partnership, HUL strives to enhance the resilience and sustainability of the tea industry by advocating for regenerative agricultural practices.
Multiple factors, such as the delicate nature of tea cultivation, local climate fluctuations, and disruptions caused by irregular rainfall, water scarcity, and soil erosion, can present challenges in tea production. HUL, in collaboration with TRA, will undertake a comprehensive ‘Lifecycle Analysis’ for Indian tea. The aim is to formulate strategies that mitigate carbon footprint throughout the value chain. Leveraging the gathered data, the partnership will engage with experts to devise appropriate mitigation and adaptation plans applicable across the tea industry.
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This study aims to provide policymakers with pertinent information and data to enhance their understanding of the intricacies involved. It will aid in crafting supportive policies conducive to transitioning towards a sustainable, low-carbon production system. The tea industry is already experiencing the social, environmental, and economic ramifications of climate change. Despite the implementation of various climate change adaptation measures financed by both private and public sectors, the mitigation aspect remains largely unaddressed.
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HUL spokesperson said, “Through this study, an attempt will be made to calculate the carbon footprint for tea estates. This will help businesses make informed decisions about how best to manage their carbon impact and where the biggest return on investment in carbon mitigating activities can be achieved. Additionally, large tea estates will be able to adopt suitable mitigation strategies to achieve low carbon tea production. This, in turn, will also help manufacturers to address the needs of climate-conscious consumers in India and abroad.”
Presently, the project’s scope encompasses 19 tea estates/factories and 19 small tea growers, encompassing all major tea-growing regions across Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. It is projected to benefit approximately 15,000 hectares of land.
