Nurturing Excellence, Sustaining Our Planet
Kotagala Plantations is deeply committed to sustainability in all aspects of its operations. The company focuses on responsible land management practices, resource optimization, eco-friendly pest and disease management, conservation and reforestation, community engagement, certifications, transparency, and accountability. With a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship and community collaboration, Kotagala Plantations strives to cultivate excellence while nurturing the well-being of the planet and its people.
Sustainability at the Heart of our Roots
At Kotagala Plantations, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to cultivating our plantations in a responsible and environmentally conscious manner, ensuring the preservation of our natural resources for future generations. Our dedication to sustainability is deeply rooted in our values and drives our daily operations.
Environmental Stewardship
We recognize the importance of safeguarding the environment and minimizing our ecological footprint. Through meticulous land management practices, we strive to promote biodiversity, protect water resources, and conserve soil health. Our plantations serve as havens for diverse flora and fauna, contributing to the overall ecological balance of the surrounding regions.
Responsible Resource Management
We employ sustainable agricultural practices that optimize resource utilization. Water conservation measures, including rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation systems, help us minimize water usage. We prioritize responsible energy consumption and explore renewable energy sources to reduce our carbon footprint.
Eco-Friendly Pest and Disease Management
We prioritize integrated pest management techniques to minimize the use of synthetic pesticides and foster natural pest control mechanisms. By practicing good agricultural practices, we ensure a healthy and balanced ecosystem within our plantations.
Conservation and Reforestation
We are committed to conserving natural forests and undertaking reforestation efforts. We actively participate in reforestation programmes to restore and expand forest cover, preserving critical habitats for wildlife and mitigating climate change.
Community Engagement
We believe in the power of community collaboration and recognize the integral role local communities play in our operations. We actively engage with neighbouring communities, providing employment opportunities, education, healthcare, and other social welfare initiatives. We strive to foster a harmonious relationship built on trust, respect, and shared prosperity.
Certifications and Compliance
Our dedication to sustainability is reflected in the certifications we hold. We are proud to be certified by prestigious organizations such as Rainforest Alliance and ISO. These certifications validate our commitment to sustainable practices, ensuring that our products meet the highest standards of quality and environmental stewardship.
Transparency and Accountability
We believe in transparency and accountability in all our actions. We regularly monitor, measure, and report on our sustainability performance. By sharing our progress and challenges, we aim to foster a culture of continuous improvement and responsible business practices.
Together, with our employees, stakeholders, and partners, we are shaping a future where sustainable agriculture thrives, biodiversity flourishes, and communities prosper. Join us on our sustainability journey as we cultivate excellence and nurture the well-being of our planet and its people.
Certification
Kotagala Plantations PLC is proud to announce the successful certification of all ten tea Estates and nine processing centers in the Up-Country region under the stringent Rainforest Alliance (RA) Sustainable Agricultural Standard 2020. This achievement underscores our commitment to sustainable practices and adherence to global standards in agriculture.
Rainforest Alliance Sustainable Agricultural Standard 2020
The Rainforest Alliance Standard is a comprehensive framework consisting of six chapters, each addressing vital aspects of sustainable agriculture. With a total of 112 core requirements and an additional nine mandatory requirements, our Up Country region has diligently met and exceeded all 121 standards. These include Management, Traceability, Income & Shared Responsibility, Farming, Social, and Environment, ensuring that our practices are not only environmentally friendly but also socially and economically responsible.
ISO 22000:2018 and 9001:2015 Certification
In addition to Rainforest Alliance certification, all our Up Country region Estates are ISO 22000:2018 and 9001:2015 certified. ISO 22000:2018 focuses on food safety management, encompassing 92 criteria, while ISO 9001:2015, emphasizing quality management, consists of 116 criteria. Compliance with these standards ensures that our products meet the highest global standards for quality and safety.
Certification Bodies
The Rainforest Alliance certification process was conducted by M/s Indocert, a leading certification body operating from India. Additionally, all ISO Audits are channeled through SGS Lanka (PVT) Ltd which is a further validating our commitment to transparency and credibility.
Expansion into Low Country Region
Extending our commitment to sustainability, Kotagala Plantations Low Country region has an ISO 22000:2018 and 9001:2015 certified Tea processing center. Furthermore, we are currently in the process of obtaining Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification for four Rubber Estates in the Low Country region, showcasing our dedication to responsible land use and resource management.
In conclusion, Kotagala Plantations PLC remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainable and responsible agricultural practices. Our certifications under the Rainforest Alliance and ISO standards demonstrate our dedication to environmental conservation, social responsibility, and product quality. We look forward to continuing our journey towards a more sustainable and ethical future in the agricultural sector.
KPPLC - CERTIFICATION AND COMPLIANCE
| KPPLC – UC REGION | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ESTATE | RAINFOREST ALLIANCE | ISO 22000:2018 | ISO 9001:2015 |
| Craigie Lea | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Derryclare | ✔ | Nil | Nil |
| Drayton | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Stonycliff | ✔ | ✔ | Nil |
| Yuillefield | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Mayfield | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Mount Veron | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Kelliewatte | ✔ | ✔ | Nil |
| Chrystler’s Farm | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Bogahawatte | ✔ | ✔ | Nil |
| KPPLC – LC REGION | |||
| ESTATE | RAINFOREST ALLIANCE | ISO 22000:2018 | ISO 9001:2015 |
| Rayigam | Nil | ✔ | ✔ |