Introduction
We are proudly part of a global community of over 6,000 companies doing business that puts people and place first – by reducing inequality, lowering levels of poverty, creating healthier environments, building stronger communities and imbuing jobs with dignity and purpose. We made radical changes and have the top certification in the world to prove it.
Read on to discover what it means to be a B Corp.
What is a Certified B Corporation?
Certified B Corporations are businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. B Corps are accelerating a global culture shift to redefine success in business and build a more inclusive and sustainable economy.
Society’s most challenging problems cannot be solved by government and non-profits alone. The B Corp community works toward reduced inequality, lower levels of poverty, a healthier environment, stronger communities, and the creation of more high-quality jobs with dignity and purpose. By harnessing the power of business, B Corps use profits and growth as a means to a greater end: positive impact for their employees, communities, and the environment.
B Corps form a community of leaders and drive a global movement of people using business as a force for good. The values and aspirations of the B Corp community are embedded in the B Corp Declaration of Interdependence.
Some of our biggest achievements so far:
100% Sustainably Sourced teas
Back in 2018 we decided to switch our entire tea range to sustainably sourced ingredients, officially meeting our goal on 1 June 2021. 100% of our Camellia sinesis range was sustainably sourced by 2020, with our herbs, fruits and spices range achieving 100% later in 2021.
Ethically Sourced Teaware
Another goal of ours was to achieve ethically sourced teaware. From the very first stages of product design, we’re thinking about how to responsibly source and select the right materials. We ensure all of our suppliers are audited to the standards of either SMETA or BSCI.
Sustainable Packaging
Through consistent hard work, T2 has numerous achievements within this space. This includes: all T2 teabags made entirely from plant-based sources, using FSC cardboard in most of our product boxes, using Natureflex, a plant-based material, to replace soft plastic poly bags and our in-store gift wrap and tissue paper being fully recyclable.
Sustainable Materials in Stores
Our first Green Star store at Bondi Junction in Australia opened in 2020. It has since set a precedence for our design approach moving forward. The use of materials has been a big focus, with our fixture countertops finished in a product called Betta Stone. This product is developed and made in Australia from 80% recycled glass.
Carbon Offsetting
We are partnered with Qantas Future Planet to offset our measured carbon emissions whilst we work hard to reduce our carbon emissions. We currently contribute towards two projects, one here in Australia and another in India.
Arnhem Land Fire Abatement Project, Northern Territory, Australia.
This project is owned and managed by Aboriginal Traditional Owners. Using traditional methods and local knowledge rangers practice controlled burns early on in the season. In this way frequency and extent of destructive dry season wildfires is reduced and so too carbon emissions. In the absence of fire management the land here is prone to extreme, devastating wildfires that damage the landscape including rock art galleries, cultural sites and biodiversity.
Winds of Change, Madural, India.
This is a renewable energy project where farmers sell small portions of their land for wind turbines to be built, allowing for farmers to continue growing crops and grazing livestock up to the base of the turbines. This project helps reduce power shortages, contributes to increased values on agricultural land and residential properties.
Diversity and Inclusion
The diversity of our people is one of our greatest strengths. We value and recognise the benefit of individual differences in the workplace, which supports both the realisation of a individuals full potential and the achievement of our strategic priorities. Our Diversity & Inclusion Policy helps us to support and facilitate a diverse and inclusive workplace. We achieve this through:
- Establishing a dynamic and engaged global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Steering Committee (DEI)
- T2 Reconciliation Action Plan Australia sees us committed to creating a culturally safe environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, building lasting relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurs and businesses, as well as building a truly inclusive working environment.
From our friends at B Corp
"We are thrilled to have T2 on board as a certified B Corporation. Since it first began as a shop-front in Fitzroy T2 has grown to become a major brand in the tea industry. From the beginning T2 has had a focus on purpose, people and planet. Their passion for the hard work of managing impact throughout their supply chain has been a key driver for their certification, with so much work behind the scenes going into making T2 a significant leader in sustainable sourcing. It's a great development for B Corps throughout Australia and New Zealand for a brand like T2 to join the B Corp community and we're looking forward to seeing T2 continue to thrive."
- Andrew Davies, CEO B Lab Australia and New Zealand