At Carmién, sustainability is more than just a buzzword, it’s at the heart of everything we do. As a brand rooted in nature, we recognise our responsibility to protect the environment while continuing to bring you the finest rooibos tea. Through innovation, responsible practices, and a dedication to minimising our carbon footprint, we are proud to share our journey towards a greener future.
Harnessing Green Energy
Our rooibos tea is naturally dried under the African sun, making the production process inherently energy-efficient. But we don’t stop there. We have made significant investments in solar power and energy storage systems to maximise our use of renewable energy. Since 2015, our solar initiatives have expanded, with new projects in 2023 and 2024 ensuring that we continue to harness the power of the sun.
South Africa’s power challenges mean that we often have to generate our own electricity. To do this efficiently, we have:
- Installed a Power Factor and synchronising system to reduce diesel consumption.
- Added timers on generators to prevent unnecessary nighttime energy use.
- Equipped all worker housing units with solar geysers.
- Installed solar-powered pump stations for energy-efficient water distribution.
- Incorporated skylights to minimise artificial lighting needs.
- Invested in fuel-efficient, low-emission vehicles to reduce our transport carbon footprint.
Water Conservation Efforts
Water is a precious resource, and we take great care to use it wisely. All wastewater is collected in a dedicated dam and reused for irrigation, ensuring zero wastage. Our farming methods also prioritise sustainability:
- Minimum tillage practices help preserve soil moisture and structure.
- We focus on dryland crops like rooibos tea and vineyards, which require no artificial irrigation.
- Rooibos tea is completely non-irrigated, relying solely on groundwater and rainfall, making it a naturally water-efficient crop.
Sustainable Packaging for a Greener Tomorrow
We believe that a sustainable future starts with responsible packaging. Our commitment to eco-friendly materials ensures that every cup of Carmién tea is as kind to the planet as it is to your taste buds.
- Pyramid teabags: Made from PLA compostable material derived from renewable resources like cornstarch, sugarcane, and cassava. These teabags are non-toxic, biodegradable, and designed to reduce environmental impact while delivering premium quality and flavour infusion.
- Cold Brew teabags: Crafted with Bioweb, a sustainable, non-plastic filter paper that ensures an eco-friendly and refreshing tea experience.
- Pillow teabags: Made with Fibre+, a non-plastic filter paper that provides a sustainable alternative without compromising on quality.
- Recyclable outer packaging: FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified, ensuring that for every tree used, a new one is planted.
- Printing inks: Made from environmentally friendly materials derived from renewable raw sources.
- Glues: Non-toxic, non-flammable in wet form, and safe for indirect food contact.
A Future We Can All Be Proud Of
Sustainability is an ongoing journey, and at Carmién, we remain committed to continuously improving our practices to protect the planet for future generations. By choosing our sustainably sourced, eco-friendly rooibos tea, you’re joining us in making a positive impact, one cup at a time.
Thank you for being part of our green journey. Together, we can brew a better world.