Sustainability at Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC: Rejuvenating Nature, Empowering Lives.

Rooted in resilience, our sustainability strategy blends tradition with innovation, ensuring a regenerative and inclusive future.

Discover Our Sustainability Vision
Explore Our ESG Journey

Our Sustainability Commitment

At Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, guided by our philosophy of ‘Rejuvenate and Regenerate.’ We are proud to align our efforts with global frameworks like the UN Sustainable Development Goals and science-based targets, driving meaningful action for a better planet.

Environmental Stewardship

Commitment to preserving ecosystems and addressing climate challenges.

Economic Sustainability/ Economic Excellence

Driving sustainable growth and fostering shared prosperity.

Social Responsibility

Empowering communities and fostering inclusivity.

Governance Excellence

Empowering communities and fostering inclusivity.

Environmental Stewardship

Caring for the Planet We Depend On.

Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC is steadfast in its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Our strategy focuses on harnessing renewable energy sources such as solar and hydropower, implementing energy-efficient practices across all operations, and investing in carbon offset initiatives like afforestation and biochar programs. By prioritizing sustainability in every step, we are reducing our environmental footprint while contributing to a greener future.

At Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC (TTE), we are dedicated to conserving biodiversity and transforming our tea estates into thriving tea sanctuaries. Our Integrated Environment Conservation Model (IECM) minimizes environmental impact by promoting responsible fertilizer use, natural pest management, and protecting vulnerable water sources with chemical-free buffer zones.

Efforts like the St. Clair Ecosystem Restoration Project, which planted over 18,000 native plants, and community awareness programs further enhance local ecosystems. Marshes and ravines on our estates now flourish with diverse flora and fauna, from rabbits and falcons to butterflies and pond skaters.

TTE remains committed to protecting biodiversity while sustaining our operations and preserving the natural environment.

At Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC (TTE), we prioritize sustainable water management to protect vital water sources and maintain water quality. We safeguard waterfalls, springs, and streams with chemical-free buffer zones and ensure effluent water is tested and purified before release into natural waterways.

Our efforts focus on conserving water resources critical to our estates and supporting the surrounding ecosystems, ensuring a balanced and sustainable approach to water stewardship.

TTE is committed to reducing reliance on conventional energy by embracing renewable solutions. We operate three mini-hydropower plants and solar rooftop projects to generate clean energy and enhance energy efficiency across our estates.

By integrating renewable energy, TTE not only reduces its carbon footprint but also contributes to the global shift towards sustainable energy practices.

Our Guiding Principles for a Sustainable Future

Innovating for nature-positive outcomes and fostering global partnerships to drive conservation impact.

2003

Mini-hydro plants commissioned

2011

Transformed all fossil fuel boilers to Firewood boilers

2012

One Million Tree Planting Programme with Sustainable Fuelwood and timber planting

2017

First Solar Rooftops in Tea factory

2018

Committed to “UN Climate Neutral Now” initiative

2019

Started “Ecosystem Restoration Project” & Committed to ‘Science Based Targets” initiative

2020

“One Million Trees” Planting project with Rotary International and Rotary Sri Lanka

2021

Starting of Kirulu Project, Climate Neutral Status of “UN Climate Neutral Now initiative” & Science Based Target verified and approved

2022

Feasibility study conducted for Low head, Eco friendly hydropower unit

2023

Biochar Project experiment with Waste Heat recovery process

2024

Concluded the verification of NetZero SBTi targets including FLAG targets

2030

Fully Implement Regenerative Agenda

Empowering Lives, Building Futures

Caring for the Planet We Depend On.

Caring for the Planet We Depend On

Long-term investments in housing, healthcare, and education for estate communities.

Gender Equality and Inclusion:

Long-term investments in housing, healthcare, and education for estate communities.

Employee Development and Well-being

Comprehensive training programs, revenue-sharing models, and well-being initiatives

Voices of Transformation

Stories of Impact from Our Communities and Employees

“Thanks to TTE PLC’s initiatives, our children now have access to quality education.”
John Doe
John DoeCommunity Residen
“Being part of this leadership program changed my life and my family’s future.”
Priya K.
Priya K.Estate Supervisor
“The revenue-sharing model gave me the opportunity to invest in my children’s education.”
Anura L.
Anura L.Employee

Leading with Integrity and Purpose

Awards & Certifications

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Strong Governance Framework

Board-led ESG committee to oversee sustainability performance and compliance.

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Transparent Reporting

Annual integrated reports aligned with international standards like IFRS, TNFD, GRI, SASB, and TCFD.
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Certifications and Recognition

Compliance with Rainforest Alliance, ISO standards, and UN Global Compact Principles.

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Innovation and Future Focus

Innovating for nature-positive outcomes and fostering global partnerships to drive conservation impact.

Digital Transformation
Our focus on digital transformation drives sustainability and operational efficiency through innovative tools. We are developing a sustainable data monitoring dashboard to maintain data accuracy and improve sustainability performance across our estates. Additionally, our digital agricultural operation monitoring systems enhance precision and productivity in field management, setting new benchmarks for smart farming practices.
Committed to sustainability, 97% of our current solid waste is recyclable or compostable. With the goal of reducing solid waste by 60% by 2030, we are implementing robust waste management systems and optimizing material inputs based on the 4R principles—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover. Our regenerative agenda goes beyond the traditional linear model, integrating renewable inputs and circular practices to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency across our tea fields, factories, and packaging operations.
Guided by our ‘Regen Agenda 2030,’ we aim to revolutionize our business through data-driven decision-making and climate-smart practices. By integrating rejuvenate agronomic practices, such as replanting, soil and water management, and precision agricultural techniques, we strive to enhance productivity, optimize costs, and maintain long-term value creation. Our roadmap is anchored in science-based sustainability targets, aspiring to achieve net zero emissions within the next three decades while delivering quality products, engaging stakeholders, and fostering a sustainable future.

Verified and Approved Science Based Targets from SBTi

2021

NetZero Target Verification

2024

Fully Implement Regenerative Agenda

2030

Achieve Net Zero Targets

2050

Our Journey of Positive Impact

Inspiring Change Through Sustainable Actions

Community Housing Initiative

Implementation of Estate Housing Scheme Signage Enhances Employee Identification

A comprehensive signage system has been introduced across all housing schemes within the estates, facilitating easy identification for employees. This initiative aims to streamline navigation and improve accessibility within the estate communities, ensuring convenience and efficiency for all residents.

Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC is dedicated to transitioning towards a sustainable energy portfolio, with nearly 85% of our energy mix now derived from renewable sources such as biomass, hydropower, and solar energy

  • Biomass Energy: We utilize fuelwood and briquettes, including agricultural waste, for biomass energy. We ensure energy self-sufficiency and a sustainable future supply with over 1,039 hectares of fuelwood cultivation in our high-grown estates and 80% of fuelwood sourced from licensed suppliers.

  • Solar Power: Our rooftop solar initiatives span five estates, generating 622 MWh of electricity annually from a total capacity of 599.43 kWp.

  • Hydropower Energy: We own and operate mini-hydro plants in Radella, Palmerstone, and Somerset. Despite lower rainfall impacting generation, we met 77% of our electricity requirements through hydro energy.

Through these efforts, we continue to reduce our reliance on non-renewable energy, contributing to a more sustainable future.

At Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC, we are committed to conserving biodiversity and restoring ecosystems across our estates, located in high-value biodiversity regions such as the Sinharaja Rainforest, Horton Plains, and other national reserves. These areas are critical to Sri Lanka’s watersheds and river systems like the Nilwala, Gin, and Kotmale Oya.


Our efforts include:

  • Educating and engaging employees and communities to safeguard biodiversity.
  • Enforcing zero-deforestation policies and prohibiting wildlife trafficking.
  • Preserving natural habitats by avoiding forestland conversion and creating buffer zones near protected areas.
  • Using GIS and satellite imagery to monitor land-use changes and ensure sustainable practices.

Strong Governance Framework

At TTE, we prioritize strong corporate governance to create sustainable value for all stakeholders. Our framework integrates ESG considerations into decision-making, guided by the Board of Directors, who oversee strategy, risk management, and ESG performance, ensuring alignment with our vision and values.

Governance Key Points:

  • Supported by the Hayleys Group’s governance maturity and Group Management Committee.
  • A 360° Sustainability Management Approach embeds ESG across estates and operations.
  • Adheres to international sustainability standards to protect the environment and stakeholders.
  • The Audit Committee monitors key risks, including sustainability and climate-related risks.

The ESEG Steering Committee, ESEG Steering Committee and reported through Chief Executive Officer to Board. Ensures effective management of sustainability and climate risks, reporting quarterly to the Board. Our transparent reporting and strategic oversight ensure long-term resilience and value creation for a sustainable future.

Transparent Reporting

At Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC, transparency and accountability are the cornerstones of our operations. We are committed to providing accurate, comprehensive, and reliable disclosures across our corporate governance, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, and the entire value chain.

Our Commitments:

  • Achieve a 90% positive rating in corporate governance transparency by 2025.
  • Implement a comprehensive ESG Management Information System (MIS) to ensure 100% data accuracy and completeness by 2030.
  • Improve the transparency of ESG-related disclosures across the value chain by 50% by 2030.

These goals demonstrate our dedication to stakeholder engagement, sustainable business practices, and continuous improvement in reporting standards.

Annual Integrated Reporting:

Our annual reports are aligned with globally recognized frameworks and standards, including:

  • IFRS: Ensuring transparency and consistency in financial disclosures.
  • GRI: Providing detailed insights into our ESG impacts and performance.
  • SASB: Highlighting sector-specific sustainability metrics relevant to our operations.
  • TCFD: Addressing climate-related risks and opportunities with clarity.
  • TNFD: Focusing on nature-related risks to support sustainable growth.

These international standards provide stakeholders with a clear and accountable view of our performance, ensuring alignment with global best practices and reinforcing our commitment to sustainable value creation.