Australian tea retailer, T2 has released its 2021 T2 Impact Report, which shows 100% of its tea and tea ingredients are now sustainably sourced and carbon emissions have been reduced by 15% between 2020 and 2021.

Commenting on the release of its 2021 Impact Report, T2 global managing director, Derek Muirhead said, “This report provides proof of T2’s deep commitment across the supply chain to do good for people and planet, demonstrating our ongoing dedication to ethical and responsible business practices.

“Underpinned by B Corp, our 2021 Impact Report is part of our purpose to be transparent and to establish leadership in the tea category as a ‘good business’ that supports diversity, inclusion, equity and best sustainable practice for the planet.”

T2 works closely with suppliers who prioritise social and environmental standards. Since 2021, all new tea and tea ingredients are sustainably sourced under third-party standards, tied to an accreditation confirming sustainable origins.

“A prime example is our Certified lemongrass project, which has brought great benefit to T2 and our supplier in Thailand, helping to protect biodiversity in cultivation areas, improving soil health and reducing emissions. This is a key partnership that we plan to continue with further discussions planned later this year,” Muirhead said.

The 2021 Impact Report outlines how T2 is working to further reduce its carbon footprint, from farm to store, as well as increasing its sustainable packaging and zero waste targets. For example, T2 is forging ahead with its Zero Waste Goal to increase waste diversion away from landfill to more than 90% by the end of 2022. In addition, the company continues to source green energy providers and is building on its partnership with the Qantas Future Planet Program.

T2 continues to reduce its energy use across operations, from opening its first Green Star store to implementing energy reduction processes at its Melbourne head office. The company prioritises onsite renewable electricity generation and consumption, which has saved more than 20,000 kg of CO2 emissions after the installation of solar panels in 2020.

“Where possible we choose green energy providers at our retail locations. Approximately 45% of our stores have made the switch, and we continue to work with our vendors to ensure we increase this number in 2022,” Muirhead said.

T2 continues to focus on several key areas in sustainable packaging, which includes use of compostable plant-based polybags, compostable shopping bags that can be recycled, and recyclable gift wrapping.

The 2022 Impact Report also outlines the continuation of the company’s Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) program, which is a core part of its business model. D&I initiatives have been expanded with internal staff programs, including its 2022 Reconciliation Action Plan, ethical supply chain practices and work with the Ajiri Foundation in Kenya.