B Corp certified
An independent, family run British business, measured on how we treat people and the planet, not only on profit.
Home / Sustainability & ethics
About Twist
Sustainability & ethics
Tea that’s kind to the people who grow it, the land it grows on, and the family who blend it.
Why it matters to us
It started at sea.
As a young family we spent our summers sailing around the Greek islands, Croatia and the Caribbean, sharing the salty sea and the sunshine with pods of dolphins. Year by year we watched the plastic and rubbish in the water rise, and it changed how we saw the balance of the planet.
So minimising our impact is part of every decision we make at Twist. We’re here to bring you the best tasting tea, and we do it in a way that’s as kind to the natural world as we can manage, so our children and theirs can feel the same connection to it.
Plastic? Not for us
Plastic free and biodegradable.
- The teabag. Our pyramids are made from Soilon, a plant material from corn starch, with no plastic and no glue. Our own testing confirms they break down with minimal impact.
- The tag and string. Cellulose based, strong enough to hold, and it composts with the bag.
- The refill bags. Compostable, so a caddy can be refilled for years.
- The packaging. Recyclable cartons and reusable caddies.
Ethically sourced
We know where every leaf comes from.
Every ingredient is 100% natural and tested against pesticides. Our blenders are SALSA accredited, and every batch is checked for moisture, EU pesticide and heavy metal limits, microbes, leaf style and taste. Each ingredient can be traced back to its source.
Suppliers are screened for their quality systems and working practices, and our blender visits the estates in person.
- UK and Europe. Herbs from specialists with strict controls on working practices.
- Japan. Eight small, independently owned family estates, each visited and audited by our blender.
- India. Ten estates certified by the Fairtrade Foundation, the Ethical Tea Partnership or the Rainforest Alliance.
- Sri Lanka. Fifteen estates, each visited and audited by our blender.
- Kenya. A co-operative of 69 smallholdings certified by the Kenya Tea Development Agency.
- China. Thirty smallholdings our blender has worked with for over 23 years, every one audited.
Jobs that start careers
We’ve created over 30 roles for young people at risk of long-term unemployment, working with the Department for Work and Pensions on entry-level jobs that build skills, confidence and experience. Dan, one of our first Kickstarters, is still with us.
Charitea
Every cup of Twist helps the Peterson’s Fund for Children, which provides therapy, equipment and respite care for disabled children and their families.
How you can help
Compost, recycle, refill.
- Compost the teabags, the tags and the refill bags. Loose leaf goes straight on the garden.
- Recycle the cartons and boxes with your paper and card.
- Refill your caddy rather than buying another. Refills come in compostable bags.
Our work on this never stops, and we’re always open to a better idea. If you have one, get in touch.
Taste the difference
Hand-blended at Pollards Farm.
Pick any three blends for £2.50, delivered free, with £5 off your next order.