Abstract:
. Introduction
Thalawakelle Tea Estates PLC is an emerging leader in the Sri Lankan tea
industry by being environmentally sustainable and utilizing green
practices. This study examines how Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC
implemented green practices to successfully achieve environmental
sustainability and the actions taken toward addressing the barriers
associated with these practices.
2. Research Methodology
The study is based on an interpretivist philosophy and thus follows a
qualitative, inductive approach. In this regard, a single case study strategy
has been implemented that includes semi-structured interviews conducted
among sustainability managers, sustainability executives, and estate
managers. The data were thematically analyzed, and all ethical
considerations were made to ensure both credibility and trustworthiness.
Purposive sampling allowed for the selection of well-informed participants,
thus allowing precise insights into the objectives set by the study.
3. Findings and Discussion
The results showed that Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC was involved with
different green practices, such as water conservation, soil fertility
management, energy management, waste management, carbon emission
management, and biodiversity conservation. Sustainability initiatives and
practices, financial coordination, research, and continuous improvement
were vital in overcoming the challenges of implementing these green
practices. The study also noted innovative practices such as the use of the
Buyback Weed System, which had a great effect on environmental
sustainability in the company.
4. Conclusion and Implications
This study is a relevant contribution to the literature on green practices by
highlighting the successful green practices that are needed to become a
pioneer in environmental sustainability in the tea industry, and the ways to
overcome barriers that arise when implementing those green practices.
Theoretically, it aids sustainability managers and policymakers in planning
and enhancing green practices in agricultural settings, emphasizing
continuous improvement and coordination for long-term environmental
sustainability goals
