Ethical Tea Partnership
Twinings
Given the size and scale of the tea sector, Twinings believes that the best way to improve conditions is at an industry level and that is why the company is a founding member of the Ethical Tea Partnership (ETP). Established in 1997, all members share a vision for a thriving tea industry that is socially just and environmentally sustainable.
The ETP manages a continuous monitoring programme of tea estates, using the ETP standard, which is based on the ETI Base Code and the ILO conventions. The aim of the programme is continuous improvement.
In 2009, ETP began working closely with key certification programmes (Rainforest Alliance, Fairtrade and UTZ Certified) to increase impact, avoid duplication and to help prepare tea producers for certification.
Alongside its monitoring programme the ETP works with a range of partner organisations to develop projects aimed at tackling key sustainability issues; from improving labour relations and reducing discrimination, to safe management of agrochemicals and adaption to climate change.
The ETP works in all major tea producing regions including Argentina, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malawi, Sri Lanka and Tanzania. The level of activity varies by region. In China, the focus has been on building capacity around health and safety and by the end of 2010 the first full assessment of a producer will be carried out against the standard. The ETP is funded by tea packers and is free for producers.
Twinings is an active member of the ETP with two employees on the board of directors. More detail can be found at www.ethicalteapartnership.org.