We’re proud to form part of a global consortium led by the UK Tea & Infusions Association (UKTIA) and the Tea and Herbal Association of Canada (THAC), which has helped to develop a tea-specific typology within the Cool Farm Platform, giving producers the ability to accurately measure greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at a farm level.
Our commitment to long-term relationships with suppliers means we’re well placed to share knowledge and collaborate on initiatives that reduce emissions and strengthen resilience against climate change. A key focus area for us is investing in research and practical tools to accurately measure emissions, assess environmental risks and empower farmers to make informed decisions.
What is the Cool Farm Platform?
The Cool Farm Platform is a globally recognised, science-based sustainability calculator designed to help farmers, agronomists, and supply chain stakeholders measure greenhouse gas emissions, water use, biodiversity and other environmental indicators — turning complex data into practical insights. Farmers can use the tool for free for up to a maximum of five assessments and the user-friendly design of the tool makes it easy to calculate a carbon footprint without needing specialist knowledge.
Why it’s important
By adding a dedicated tea typology to the platform’s Perennial Pathway the tea sector now has a consistent, globally aligned way to track progress toward climate goals.
Kathryn Dixon, Sustainable Development Manager at Taylors, explains:
We’re proud to have been involved in designing a tea specific carbon measurement tool which is accessible for all. This will make it much easier for farmers to calculate and report their GHG emissions and other metrics at a farm level. In turn, the data gathered helps us to strengthen the quality of our carbon data and refine our measurement processes, improving the accuracy of Bettys & Taylors’ overall footprint. This enhanced understanding also informs how we shape and prioritise our value chain investment programmes, ensuring our support is targeted where it can have the greatest impact. Ultimately, this work strengthens transparency and drives meaningful progress toward sustainability targets across the tea sector.
"“This typology represents a significant milestone for our industry,” said Shabnam Weber, President, THAC. “We now have a tool tailored to the realities of tea production that supports accurate carbon calculation, transparency, and progress toward sustainability commitments. Working with the Cool Farm Alliance has been essential in making this possible,” added Sharon Hall, Chief Executive UKTIA.
What is a typology?
A typology is a way of grouping and describing different types of crops — for example, by where they’re grown, how they’re farmed, or the specific varieties involved. These categories matter because they shape how carbon calculations and forecasts are made, ensuring that carbon assessments are accurate today and reliable for future planning. Beyond tea, the Cool Farm Tool includes typologies for other crops, such as coffee, each tailored to the specific growing and processing methods and practices, and
How will the tool help tea producers?
With the new typology in place, farmers and supply chain partners can:
- Accurately measure farm‑level emissions, using data tailored specifically to tea systems
- Model the impact of farming practices, from fertiliser use to land‑management changes
- Track progress toward net‑zero targets and other climate commitments
- Report within sustainability frameworks
- Compare best practices across regions, helping identify what works and where
Looking ahead
As the work progresses, we’ll continue to share updates but for now, Kathryn outlines how Taylors plans to use the Tool:
Work is already underway within the consortium to collate and input data from a variety of producers and countries to further refine the tool, as well as building training resources to help farmers everywhere get the most from the tool and use it with confidence. Within Taylors where our carbon data for certain tea producers is incomplete, we will ask them to use the Cool Farm Platform to calculate their emissions and then work with them to identify opportunities for improvement.
"The Consortium includes:
Ahmad Tea
Bettys and Taylors of Harrogate Limited
Camellia Plc
Finlays
George Williamson & Co. Ltd.
LIPTON Teas and Infusions
Mother Parker’s Tea & Coffee
Rainforest Alliance
Reginald Ames
Solidaridad Eastern and Central Africa
Suntory
Tata Consumer Products
Tea and Herbal Solutions Ltd
Twinings
