From Leaf to Cup: Dilmah’s Net Zero Journey
Recognised Globally
Dilmah Tea is proud to announce that we have been recognised as a finalist for the Net Zero: Supply Chain Decarbonisation award category at the prestigious Reuters Global Sustainability Awards. This recognition highlights Dilmah’s commitment to reducing emissions across its supply chain, aligning with its long-standing ethos of sustainability, ethical business practices, and environmental stewardship.
As a global tea brand we are embedding sustainability across its value chain through a sciencebased, supply chain-led climate strategy. With validated targets from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), the company has committed to reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 46.2%, Scope 3 emissions by 27.5% by FY2031, and achieving net-zero by 2050. Dilmah is the first company in Sri Lanka’s food and beverage processing sector to have its near-term, long-term, and FLAG targets validated by SBTi.
Scope 3 decarbonisation is key to Dilmah’s net-zero pathway. The company is cutting emissions across cradle-to-grave operations through sustainable product innovation, low-emission logistics, improved energy efficiency, local sourcing and nature-based solutions.
Recent initiatives reinforcing this strategy include:
Phasing out fossil fuelpowered vehicles, targeting 70% electric fleet conversion within two years
A Comprehensive Energy Monitoring System introduced across operations to track and respond to abnormal usage in real time
Planned revamp of largescale rainwater harvesting and wastewater systems at Kahawatte and other key estates over the next 4–5 years
The ‘Stronger Together’ platform, is a key driver of supplier transformation through:
• Training on environmental metrics, ethical production, and social compliance
• ESG self-assessment tools
• A Supplier Code of Conduct covering climate, labour, and biodiversity
• Regular site visits and technical support
• Prioritised local sourcing to reduce transport emissions and support communities
Dilmah’s strategy is guided by the TCFD framework, with climate and biodiversity risks integrated into enterprise risk management. A double-materiality approach ensures that both business and environmental impacts are addressed.
Innovation and collaboration strengthen these efforts:
• As co-founder of Biodiversity Sri Lanka, Dilmah engages in national multi-stakeholder platforms to address policy dialogues on Scope 3 emissions mitigation and ecosystem restoration.
• Partnerships with NAQDA, the Forest Department, and the UN Global Compact support scalable nature-based solutions
• Flagship projects such as the Endane Biodiversity Corridor, Greening Batticaloa, and ‘Bee A Keeper’ combine climate action with biodiversity and community upliftment
Active in over 100 global markets, Dilmah drives accountable sustainability aligned with the UN SDGs delivering lasting impact across its operations and the tea industry. dilmahfamily.dilmahtea.com