S6 
EMBED SUSTAINABILITY
At Tata Consumer Products, we operate our business in a manner that strives for better nutrition, better sourcing, better communities and a better planet.
At Tata Consumer Products, we operate our business in a manner that strives for better nutrition, better sourcing, better communities and a better planet.
Our sustainability strategy at Tata Consumer Products is centred around ‘Better Living’ drawing from our corporate positioning of ‘For Better’. The strategy encompasses initiatives towards sustainable sourcing, natural resource management, net zero, circular economy and community development.
We have a robust sustainability governance committee comprising the Group CFO, CHRO and COO. The committee has overall accountability and responsiblity for:
We also have sustainability working groups that maintain oversight on specific ESG-related parameters, human rights and operations. The groups are responsible for:
Of the salt packaging is recycable Impacted over
Renewable energy
women and adolescent girls through mentrual hygiene management
Of plastic packaging reduced through packaging optimisation
Of groundwater recharged in Himachal
Signed up for the European Plastics Pact
Biodegradable tea bags introduced in the UK market
Established partnership with Bright Green Future, a charity supporting the next generation of sustainability leaders
Extended our 1% for the planet partnership to France and Poland
The Trustea programme has achieved the world’s largest sustainable agri-certification position, and aims to sustainably transform the India tea industry. An ISO 9001:2015 certified organisation and member of ISEAL* under a globally recognised framework, Trustea is driving sustainable sourcing that benefits both the planet and farmers.
The programme has facilitated better working environment for women (maternity benefits, crèche facility), market access and better prices for small tea growers, in addition to structured grievance redressal system, better housing, potable drinking water, and uniformity in the system of wage payment for tea workers.
Programme impact
Tea sustainably transformed
Tata Tea verified by Trustea
The Trustea programme exceeded the verification target of 100 million kg in 2021 and has cumulatively verified 790 million kg till 2022, which is over 60% of the total tea sold in the Indian market. About 81,000 smallholder farmers were verified, 6.4 lakh workers were reached through Trustea and 59% of Tata Tea is Trustea verified.
The Rainforest Alliance is aimed at conserving biodiversity and supporting sustainable livelihoods. The Alliance has launched a new certification with a focus on building climate resilience, cultivating rural prosperity, protecting forests and biodiversity, and advancing human rights.
Tetley Tea in our International business is Rainforest Alliance certified
* (ISEAL members are sustainability systems and accreditation bodies dedicated to delivering benefits for people and planet)
Conserving rainwater
Tata Coffee, our subsidiary, created 273 natural water storage ponds. The total area converted into reservoirs exceeds 120 hectares with water holding capacity of over 3 million litres. Rainwater harvested meets the entire requirement of coffee cultivation and processing.
Natural water storage ponds (3.4 million m3 capacity) to impound excess rainwater run-off in an area of 120 hectares
Water holding capacity of reservoirs where rainwater is harvested
In line with the Tata Group sustainability commitments, we are also moving forward to align with and devise robust Science Based Targets (SBTi). We monitor and calculate the carbon footprint of our tea and coffee estates, that is verified by the British Standards Institution (BSI) as per the ISO 14064 standard.
Decrease in Scope 1+2 emissions between 2010 and 2021
Of current energy needs met by renewable energy in the India supply chain
Are powered with solar energy and also equipped with a biomass boiler for reducing GHG emissions
In collaboration with Tea Research Association (TRA), we were apprised on climate change impacts and predictions on Assam’s tea growing regions. We are cognisant of the impact climate change can have on our tea business and we are actively facilitating dialogue between our stakeholders to empower them to face and address the challenges posed by climate change in order to build a climate-resilient tea supply chain.
Our Foods and Beverages units adopt effective water management practices to minimise wastage and encourage recycling and re-use. Our project Jalodari supports community watershed initiatives and has aided in groundwater recharge in the project areas.
All our hazardous and non-hazardous wastes are managed scientifically and as required by the Pollution Control Board norms. The manufacturing units have onboarded authorised recyclers for collection, treatment and disposal of waste.
To create a positive ecological impact, we conserve biodiversity hotspots and forests near plantations in our subsidiary and associate companies – at Coorg, Munnar and Assam. Our conservation measures include, guarding the forest areas and preventing human encroachment.
Conserving India’s rich biodiversity
The Kanan Devan Hills Plantations (KDHP), an Associate Company of Tata Consumer Products, administers a land area of ~60,000 acres. Being a biodiversity hotspot, located in the Western ghats, the plantations are tuckered within ecologically sensitive areas. The areas under the Company were managed as a landscape with the objective of maximising tea productivity while conserving the area with all its natural habitat. The inherent culture of biodiversity and environmental protection inculcated among employees helped maintain the ecological equilibrium in the area, which comprises Shola forests, secondary forests, grasslands, watersheds and areas abundant in flora and fauna.
In addition, KDHP was certified carbon neutral using the PAS2060 standard. A scientific survey was conducted in its plantations at Munnar, which revealed the carbon sequestered from KDHP’s landscape was ~4x of what was emitted. The study determined that because of its environment friendly initiatives, KDHP releases ~3.90 lakh tons of oxygen per annum.
We are founding members of the India Plastics Pact, aimed at creating and enabling a circular economy for plastics. We had earlier joined the UK Plastics Pact in 2018 and EU Plastics Pact in 2021. Our teams are actively engaged in the advisory committee and Collaborative Action Groups (CAG) to co-create a road map for plastics management.
Cutting down on packaging waste
All our beverages factories worldwide are zero waste to landfill, with waste being disposed through authorised vendors, who recycle or re-purpose the same.
We are extending this model in our Foods and RTD factories in India. In the international markets, there is continued rollout of biodegradable tea bags.
We began converting the packaging of our largest selling line of Tetley Original 240’s in international markets. Once the transition is complete, 60% of our core black tea volume will be compostable. We have started shifting towards plant-based teabags in a phased manner.
Furthering our sustainability packaging initiatives, Tetley is taking a big step forward with its programme to explore options to eliminate single-use packaging by taking part in a 10-store trial with Tesco and Loop, offering Tetley everyday tea bags in reusable tin cannisters.
Spreading awareness on plastic waste management
We conducted various capacity building sessions in collaboration with an NGO, Saahas Zero Waste with an objective to create a zero-waste world through circular economy. The events were conducted across Udupi, Bengaluru, Pondicherry and Oulgaret to interact with employees handling garbage and waste. Through the trainings we educated them on basic personal hygiene and a good working environment. We performed a baseline health examination on workers and their families.
People participated across locations
We are conducting trials of a widely recyclable solution for Tetley polybags and Good Earth, while our business in India continues to increase the use of recyclable packaging. In the Salt category, 80% of laminate used in FY 21-22 was recyclable.
We are engaging in constant dialogue with our suppliers to add recycled plastics during the secondary packaging phase. Currently, we are undertaking plant scale trials with secondary packaging with recycled plastic.
Our EPR target in India is to collect 100% of total packaging for Beverages, Foods and RTD divisions. Our cross-functional team implemented EPR in Indian states and UTs with identified waste Producer Responsible Organisations (PROs) and are planning capacity building and awareness programmes for sanitation and waste workers, in collaboration with Urban Local Bodies and implementation partners across some South Indian states.
Project Jalodari, our flagship water stewardship programme, achieved key milestones in helping communities create sustainable water sources and raising awareness on water conservation and sanitation in rural communities of Himachal Pradesh and Assam. The project is part of Tata Trusts’ WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) initiative, aimed at supporting ~2.5 million people across 4,000+ villages in 12 states.
Paonta Block of Sirmaur District, Himachal Pradesh and estates in Jorhat and Golaghat districts of Assam have seen significant development as part of this project. Holistic strategies to conserve and improve rural water quality were promoted and implemented in these regions. This project also provides rural communities with sanitary infrastructure, through the Toilet Board coalition and menstrual hygiene management initiatives, in partnership with local NGOs.
“Water resource management continues to remain a critical part of our sustainability strategy at Tata Consumer. Through multi-stakeholder intervention, Project Jalodari creates sustainable water sources along with raising awareness on water conservation. We are motivated by the progress made so far with this initiative and hope to benefit many more communities through Project Jalodari.”
Mr. Amit Chincholikar
Global CHRO, Tata Consumer Products
Tata Trusts focuses on creating a healthy and watersecure future for underserved communities through the provision of access to safe, assured and adequate water along with improved hygiene services. Through a decentralised, demand-responsive and community managed approach, we promote innovative solutions that are technologically and economically sustainable.
The partnership between Tata Consumer and Tata Trusts, deploys a complementary approach to address the gaps of water management, sanitation and hygiene services among the vulnerable communities.”
Mr. Divyang Waghela
Head – Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene, Tata Trusts
Impact on Paonta Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Regions covered
People benefited
Households given access to freshwater
Water conserved
Impact on Jorhat and Golaghat districts, Assam
Estates
Households provided safe water collection resources
Households were given water purifiers
We are working to make healthcare affordable for over 1,00,000 community members annually by supporting healthcare infrastructure building, as reflected in our efforts in developing the High Range Hospital, Munnar and Referral Hospital and Research Centre, Chubwa.
High Range Hospital, Munnar
This hospital caters to ~3.5 lakh people covering a range of 40 kms where indigenous patients of Muthanan are treated gratuitously. The hospital has provisions for Covid-19 management, comprising a 12-bed high dependency unit with a dedicated team of doctors, nurses and attendees.
Patients treated
Referral Hospital and Research Centre (RHRC) Chubwa
RHRC Chubwa provides patient care (OPD and IPD) across Tinsukia, Margherita, Namrup, Borhat and parts of Arunachal Pradesh. Medical consultations are provided to the patients through the telemedicine facility of e-Hub at RHRC.
Patients treated
High Range School, Munnar
The High Range School (HRS) is currently educating ~1,035 students (44.14% of the children in HRS are from affirmative action) and operates under the High Range Education Trust. In collaboration with the British Council, HRS has successfully achieved the International Dimension in Schools certificate for the period between 2022 and 2025.
Srishti – Skill development for differently abled
Srishti is a charitable trust dedicated to the rehabilitation and generation of sustainable livelihoods for differently abled children and young adults in the rural plantation communities of Munnar, Kerala. Shrishti has rehabilitated 123 youths through education, social and vocational skill development initiatives and received an increased grant of INR 4.4 crore in FY 21-22 for the upgradation of critical infrastructure and transportation facilities in the skill development centre.
The Improving Lives programme for children and women in Assam's tea community is managed by UNICEF and the Ethical Tea Partnership (ETP) and funded partly by Tata Consumer. The programme promotes early childhood development and adolescent empowerment among women and children.
Over the past seven years, the programme has made a huge difference to the lives of children and young women in 205 tea estates across 8 districts of Assam. The project has expanded across the domains of education, health and nutrition, as well as water and sanitation challenges.
ASHA/Anganwadi workers have confirmed that WASH implemented in gardens has improved post the UNICEFETP programme
Mothers think that malnutrition is no longer a problem in the region
Coorg Foundation
The Coorg Foundation, established by our subsidiary, Tata Coffee in 1994, is synonymous with bringing economic, ecological and social change in Coorg. Its objective is to promote the welfare of the local community of Coorg. Swastha Centre for Special Education & Rehabilitation supports around 237 beneficiaries with different needs through their community-based rehabilitation programmes.
Menstrual hygeine
Activities in 2021 included:
Phase III of this project is under discussion, which is being curated with a focus on integrating Family Friendly Policies (FFPs) at the workplace, improving gender equity, and co-creating solutions for the sustainability of the environment.
Under the Tetley brand we had committed to a 5-year Tetley - UNICEF Project for Early Childhood Development (ECD) in Malawi tea estates. With this programme we intend to support a thriving, profitable and sustainable Malawi tea industry for producers, workers and smallholder farmers.
The project will support children aged between 0 and 5 with focus on the first 1,000 days in tea estates with quality, integrated early childhood development (ECD) services, including health, nutrition, early learning, child protection, caring, nurturing and a clean and protective environment.
Through Tata Tea, we launched the latest edition of ‘Iss Baar, Sab ke Liye, Jaago Re’, to spread awareness on an important cause. The initiative called on individuals to come forward and aid everyday workers such as maids, drivers, security guards and gardeners who may not have access to the right resources or platforms to register for their vaccination or may have limited access to knowledge on vaccination.
Salt is one of the core businesses of Tata Consumer Products and it is supplied by Tata Chemicals Limited (TCL). The Tata Chemicals Society for Rural Development (TCSRD) was established by TCL in 1980 to fulfill the social responsibilities of TCL to communities neighbouring the Company’s manufacturing plant in Mithapur (Gujarat).
We are extending financial assistance to TCSRD since 2019 for carrying out work towards building economic capital, environmental integrity, and social development.
LAMP, in partnership with the American India Foundation, has helped implement learning and migration programmes across vulnerable communities in Kutch, Banaskantha, Dahod, among others. The programme has benefitted 9,035 students.
The TCRSD has aided conservation and water management in 45 villages. The water harvest capacity in FY 21-22 reached 23 million cubic feet litres. The programme covered 412 farmers in the watershed management programme.
Additional income earned by farmers
Survey respondents confirm that they have benefitted from ponds and check dams
During the year, our employees volunteered in multiple activities, which were organised across our offices and manufacturing locations.
Employee volunteering (India)
Positivi-tea
Our employees volunteer through the Positivi-tea team to engage with and help people through donations and collection of goods. Our CSR committee organises events and fundraisers that help us champion our volunteering programme.
Manufacturing tea and care
We support the local community of Teesside, UK through numerous programmes focused on promoting well-being and skill development. These include conducting mind and body workshops, supporting training initiatives towards local skill development, as well as helping generate employment opportunities for locals across our manufacturing sectors.
Covid-19 Support
We collected donations and raised money to support individuals in need. The vaccination rollout programme in the UK was successful thanks to the effort of our volunteers.
Fareshare
Fareshare redistributes surplus food to charities and during the year, we donated 16.6 tonnes of surplus food products to Fareshare, which contributed towards 39,451 meals for people in need.
Donated through Tesco’s winter food collection initiative
Tesco Food Collection Week, in partnership with Fareshare and Trussell Trust collected extra food to support people in urgent need during Christmas.
We also backed a local programme ‘Donate a Plate’ during Christmas, collecting food for underprivileged people.
