06:00, 21 May 2026
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
If there is one thing we know about in Britain, it’s tea. From a strong builder’s brew to delicate herbal blends, tea remains part of the nation’s daily routine and a comfort we reach for in almost every situation. Yet behind many of our favourite cuppas are complex global supply chains, with issues ranging from unfair wages to environmental damage. For International Tea Day, it feels only right to celebrate the brands working to make tea a little fairer, greener and more sustainable for everyone involved.
When shopping for sustainable tea, there are a few key things consumers should look out for. Fairtrade certification is a strong starting point, as it helps ensure growers and workers receive fairer pay and safer working conditions. Organic labels are also important because they reduce the use of harmful pesticides and support healthier ecosystems. Packaging matters too. Plastic-free tea bags and recyclable or compostable boxes can significantly cut waste. Transparency is another good sign. Brands that openly share information about sourcing, farmer partnerships and environmental goals are often more committed to ethical practices than those making vague sustainability claims. Finally, shoppers should pay attention to wider company behaviour, including carbon reduction efforts, biodiversity projects and support for tea-growing communities, as highlighted by The Good Shopping Guide’s ethical tea rankings.
Among the brands leading the charge is Clipper Teas, which scores highly in ethical rankings thanks to its Fairtrade commitment, organic ingredients and environmental standards. According to The Good Shopping Guide’s ethical tea page, Clipper performs particularly well across categories linked to people, animals and the environment, making it one of the strongest all-round choices on supermarket shelves.
Cafédirect is another standout. Long associated with Fairtrade products, the company has built its reputation on supporting farmers directly and investing back into producer communities. Likewise, Hampstead Tea and Dragonfly Tea have gained recognition for combining organic farming with more responsible sourcing practices. These brands may not dominate television adverts in the same way as larger household names, but they are proving that ethical tea can still be widely available and affordable.
Some mainstream brands are also making progress, even if there is still room for improvement. Pukka Herbs is often praised for its organic credentials and environmental reporting, while Twinings UK and Yorkshire Tea have both increased their focus on responsible sourcing and sustainability initiatives in recent years. However, ethical rankings suggest that many larger tea companies still fall short when it comes to Fairtrade commitments and full supply chain transparency.
There is no such thing as a perfectly sustainable tea industry, and certifications alone cannot guarantee flawless working conditions or environmental practices. Still, choosing brands that prioritise Fairtrade sourcing, organic farming and transparent business practices is a meaningful step in the right direction. After all, Britain drinks millions of cups of tea every single day. If more of those brews supported workers, wildlife and the planet, that would surely be something worth putting the kettle on for.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Tearfund. This UK-based charity works to fight poverty and injustice globally, supporting fair trade initiatives, sustainable agriculture, and community development in tea-growing regions. Learn more here.
Slow Food USA. A nonprofit focused on promoting sustainable food systems, protecting biodiversity, and supporting small-scale farmers and ethical production practices across the United States. Discover their work here.
Fairtrade International. An international organisation that sets global standards for fair trade, ensuring farmers and workers receive fair wages, safe working conditions, and environmental protections. Find out more here.
