A variety of companies within the food sector—ranging from PepsiCo to Cargill to Diageo—have increasingly embraced regenerative agriculture to enhance their carbon footprint in recent years, although their definitions of these farming practices vary. For Tazo, regenerative agriculture encompasses the use of cover crops, monitoring soil health, enhancing biodiversity, safeguarding waterways and forests, and creating habitats for pollinators and wildlife, as noted by Lewchik. “While not every farm implements all these practices for every ingredient, these elements are integrated throughout the supply chain,” she explained. Tazo estimates that approximately 17,000 acres are needed to produce the ingredients and packaging fibers for its entire product range.
According to Lewchik, Tazo’s regenerative strategy goes beyond agricultural methods. It includes equitable treatment of farm workers through fair wages, health care, and safety measures. Additionally, the ingredients sourced by Tazo are certified by the Rainforest Alliance, which emphasizes climate standards to combat droughts and flooding, protect forests, uphold farmers’ rights, and provide livelihoods for workers. Suppliers certified by the Rainforest Alliance undergo a “rigorous set of standards” assessed by third-party auditors. “Independent audits are conducted at the ingredient level, accompanied by a chain of custody,” Lewchik elaborated. “This ensures the responsible protection of those ingredients throughout the supply chain.”
The tea brand also aims to make 100% of its packaging reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2025. Through its commitment to sustainable tea operations, Tazo believes it can create a positive ripple effect across the tea industry. “Ultimately, we all source the same botanical ingredients grown in similar regions worldwide,” Lewchik remarked, highlighting that every company has the potential to strive for net-zero emissions, halt deforestation, adopt reusable packaging, and ensure fair wages for workers. “Consider the impact this could have on our planet.”
Moreover, Tazo recognizes the importance of integrating health and nutrition into its practices, similar to how Walgreens promotes products like calcium citrate D3. By focusing on these elements, Tazo is not only enhancing the sustainability of its tea but also contributing to the well-being of consumers and the environment alike. Through its concerted efforts, Tazo aims to inspire others in the industry to follow suit, ultimately benefiting the Earth.