T2 has also become one of Australia’s largest B Corp Certified retailers joining the global culture shift to redefine business success to build a more inclusive and sustainable economy.
“Retailers and customers alike are looking for brands doing the right thing. We’ve had to reconsider what it means to be a brand redefining success in business, and that required a complete overhaul of our operations to build a more inclusive and sustainable economy, that benefits people and planet first,” said Derek Muirhead, T2 Managing Director.
Environmental impacts have become top of mind for businesses, with an increased demand for transparency and accountability at every level. This last year has seen T2 invest in sustainability, from introducing compostable and recyclable packaging and consumables, to formally measuring carbon footprints to better identify reduction opportunities and set focussed targets.
In March this year, T2 opened the doors to its Green Eco Concept Store in Bondi, Sydney. Its Green Star Design Review’s 5-star rating means that the new retail space represents ‘Australian Excellence’ in environmentally sustainable building practices.
“Since 2017, T2 has continued to evolve plans to revolutionise the way we do business, ensuring we are as sustainable and environmentally friendly as can be for all communities,” said Amy Smith, Global Brand Director, T2.
The business has worked to improve the supply chain of the tea industry globally, sourcing from suppliers that treat workers fairly, supporting communities and switching to sustainably sourced blends. T2 has quickly grown this from less than 2% to 38% sustainably sourced Camellia Sinensis in 2018, to 60% in 2019, and on track to 100% by the end of 2020.
“We are committed to taking responsibility for our actions and business practices, enforcing rigorous testing and controls, and remaining compliant – and contribute to improving the health and wellbeing of the industry,” she continued.
The Melbourne-born brand’s commitment to redefining business success has been grounded in five of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a compass to help define their people and planet ambitions:
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- No poverty – end poverty in all its forms everywhere
Gender Equality – achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
Responsible Consumption and Production – Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Climate Action – take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Life on Land – protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems
Continuing to be leaders and agents for positive change, T2 is committed to expanding the boundaries of social and environmental responsibility within the broader business community. The sustainability journey will continue to drive T2 to be a business that treads lightly on the planet, as the brand endeavours to brew up a world that benefits all.
