Unilever’s premium tea brand T2 has achieved B Corp accreditation, a certification focused on corporate, social and environmental responsibility to use business as a force for good.
Short for Benefit Corporation, B Corp certification is awarded only to businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.
For Unilever, T2 becomes the eighth brand to gain the certification, joining: Ben & Jerry’s, Seventh Generation, Sir Kensington’s, Mãe Terra, Sundial, Olly Nutrition and Pukka Herbs.
For Unilever ANZ CEO, who was previously the global CEO for T2, Nicole Sparshott, the accreditation reflects the company’s mission to be agents of change in the tea category.
“We consider our impact in every step of our business, from the first leaf to the last sip. Our mission is to continuously strive to do good across the business to ensure that all actions we take benefit both people and planet,” Sparshott said.
Launched in Australia 20 years ago, T2 has since become a global brand, using its profits and growth to create a positive impact for employees, economies, communities and the environment.
T2’s use of profits and growth to create an inclusive and sustainable business include:
- In 2020, T2 expects to source over 70 per cent of tea ingredients from certified sustainable sources, with the balance on track to be certified sustainable in 2021.
- Over 90 per cent of T2 packaging is now recyclable, reusable or compostable, on track to reach 100 per cent in 2021. As an example, T2 retail bags are now made from uncoated paper without any plastic lamentation, making them 100 per cent recyclable - which will divert over 100 tonnes of waste from landfill annually.
- The carbon footprint in the brand’s operations has been measured and offset.
- All teawares and accessories are now sourced from suppliers that are ethically audited by the SMETA 6.0 or BSCI standards.
- Implementing ‘blind recruiting’, which means that shortlisting job candidates is done without the hiring manager knowing an applicant’s name, date of birth, gender, educational institution or hiring appearance.
- Supporting charities such as The Smith Family and campaigns to drive inclusion and opportunity in Australia and globally.
“We believe we have a responsibility to uphold sustainable practices so future generations can continue to enjoy this important beverage for all cultures,” said Sparshott.
