The English Tea Shop Organic (ETS) brand has created a sustainable ecosystem that supports suppliers’ livelihoods as well as its competitiveness in the market. In 2021, it embarked on a second 10-year plan, aiming to become a sustainable, employee-owned business with a purpose-driven brand, and by 2022 30% of the company was employee owned.

The case describes the story of Sri Lanka-based Dilmah Ceylon Tea. Founded in 1988 by the current CEO’s father, the company pioneered the concept of ‘single-origin tea picked, perfected and packed’ in Sri Lanka, with a brand based on taste, goodness and purpose. Present in over 105 countries, it is one of the most well-known Sri Lankan brands worldwide.

The 2015 Paris Agreement, signed by all 195 UN signatory nations, put a global focus on the impending climate emergency, with a mandate to achieve nationally determined commitments (NDCs) to exit fossil fuels and accelerate financing of global sustainability projects.

Strong urbanisation leads to mega-cities with huge environmental problems. Singapore has managed to combine strong economic and population growth with keeping the city liveable and green. There is a lot to be learned from their unique experience.