Ethical Tea Partnership facts for kids
The Ethical Tea Partnership (ETP) is a special company that started in 1997. It works with tea farms and companies to make sure tea is grown and sold in a way that is good for people and the planet.
At first, it was called the Tea Sourcing Partnership. It was created by big tea companies in the UK. They wanted to work together to make sure workers in their supply chains (the journey tea takes from farm to cup) were treated fairly. Later, other tea companies from outside the UK joined. The ETP also started focusing on protecting the environment.
The ETP works in all the main places where tea is grown. It has an office in London and managers in Kenya, India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and China.
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Making Sure Tea is Fair and Green
The ETP has been checking tea farms since 1997. This check-up program is free for the tea producers. The ETP has a set of rules called the ETP Global Standard. These rules cover how tea farms should treat people and the environment. They are very similar to the rules of other well-known groups like Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, and UTZ Certified.
The rules about workers and their rights are based on the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Base Code. This code includes important rules from the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Rules for People
These rules help make sure workers are treated well:
- Workers choose their jobs freely.
- Workers can join groups and speak up for themselves.
- Workplaces are safe and healthy.
- No child labor is allowed.
- Workers get fair pay and benefits.
- Working hours are reasonable.
- No one is treated unfairly because of who they are (no discrimination).
- Workers have steady jobs.
- There are clear rules for how problems are handled.
Rules for the Environment
These rules help protect the planet:
- Farms have plans to manage their impact on the environment.
- Chemicals used on plants are handled safely.
- Soil is kept healthy.
- Natural areas and wildlife are protected.
- Water is used wisely.
- Energy is used efficiently.
- Waste is managed properly.
To do more good and avoid repeating work, the ETP works closely with Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, and UTZ Certified. The ETP helps tea farms get certified by these groups if the tea companies want them to. The ETP also works with many NGOs (non-governmental organizations) and development groups to support tea producers.
Helping Tea Farmers and Workers
The ETP helps tea producers meet international rules for workers and the environment. They do this by organizing training programs. These programs are for both farm managers and workers. They cover many important topics, such as:
- Safety in the factory.
- How to manage chemicals used on plants.
- Treating workers fairly.
- Fairness between men and women (gender equality).
- Protecting the environment, including wildlife and plants.
ETP managers in different regions help with these training projects. They build relationships with tea producers and help them take part in the ETP program.
The ETP has also worked with the ETI on a training program in Africa. This program helps reduce unfair treatment and bullying of workers. This kind of training gives practical help to producers. It deals with long-term problems that cannot be fixed by just checking the farms.
The ETP has also been a valuable partner in CARE International’s project in Sri Lanka. This project aims to make living and working conditions better for people in tea communities.
Planning for the Future of Tea
Besides fixing immediate problems for workers and the environment, the ETP also works on issues that affect the long-term future of tea. For example, in Kenya, the ETP is working with GIZ (a German development agency). They are helping over 10,000 smallholder farmers (farmers who own small plots of land) to deal with the effects of climate change. This helps them secure their future income from tea. Together, ETP and GIZ are creating guides for good ways to adapt to climate change. These guides include practical farming tips, social and economic ideas, and ways to work with local governments.
The Ethical Tea Partnership works closely with tea producers to share ideas on how to make tea production more sustainable. They also work with NGOs and other development organizations.
Who Can Join the ETP?
Any company that buys, sells, or packs tea sold in Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand can join the Ethical Tea Partnership. The ETP works with its members by checking that their tea suppliers meet social and environmental standards.
Members in the 21st Century
In 2014, the ETP had 29 member companies. Some of these included:
Founding Members
When the ETP first started, only UK-based tea packing companies could join. The founding members were:
- The Tetley Group
- Twinings
- Bettys and Taylors
- Spicers
- Unilever
- Windmill Tea
- DJ Miles
- Gala Tea and Coffee
- Finlays
- Williamsons
- Matthew Algie
