Video: How You Can Contribute to a Resilient Tea Industry in Sri Lanka Through the Seal Initiative

Tea has been enjoyed for centuries, yet its rising popularity has not been matched by improved conditions for the producers who make it possible. Tea producers, especially in Sri Lanka, continue to face extremely low prices for their products, and the profit margins on tea estates are razor-thin. However, improving working conditions – particularly for women and children – requires real investment. Tea producers cannot take on this responsibility alone, but a growing number of Sri Lankan tea estates, factories, and exporters are joining a transformative movement to reshape the industry for the better.

Currently, the seven largest tea companies and brokers in Sri Lanka are leading the charge. By investing in the Mother and Child-Friendly Seal for Responsible Business, these industry leaders are strengthening children's rights, improving gender equality, and creating safer, fairer workplaces for women, children, and families in tea communities. This initiative is helping to build a more resilient and ethical tea sector, one that is more attractive, inclusive, and capable of meeting tomorrow's workforce challenges.

The commitment of Seal members is reshaping Sri Lanka’s tea industry by improving working conditions, attracting young talent, and increasing the overall value of Sri Lankan tea. This is a sector-wide movement that is open to a variety of stakeholders: tea estates, brokers, exporters, international brands and retailers, local retailers, and even financial institutions.

How You Can Strengthen the Tea Sector and Support Women and Children

Our latest video explains how the Mother and Child-Friendly Seal initiative works and highlights the steps businesses are taking to improve the lives of tea workers and their families.

For Sri Lankan businesses, joining the Seal initiative is an accessible way to make a lasting impact, with a modest annual fee to participate. Please contact us for more details.

For brands, retailers, and financial institutions, you have a critical role to play in driving this positive change and ensuring that Sri Lanka’s tea industry meets robust human rights due diligence standards. Here's how you can get involved:

Invest in the Seal Initiative:

• Local producers: Join the Seal initiative via an annual membership fee

• Brands and retailers: Share the responsibility for the Seal registration cost by contributing to Seal activities such as the Seal Challenge and annual conferences.

• Financial institutions: Invest in the Seal to help sustain and grow this impactful initiative.

Share the Story of the Seal and Its Members’ Commitment:

• Local retailers can actively support the initiative by offering dedicated shelf space for teas from Seal-certified members. Have other ideas? We’d love to hear from you.

Advocate for Gender Equality in Tea Communities:

• Support the expansion of the Gender Champions initiative to empower women in the tea industry and tackle persistent gender-based inequalities.

The demand for better working conditions and meaningful human rights due diligence is increasing, and now is the time to shape and invest in the tea sector. By actively investing in the people behind the tea, you can help shape a more sustainable, ethical and future-proof industry.

Contact us to learn more and join this important movement for change.