At English Tea Shop, love for our people and our planet is at the core of everything we do. Join us for regular chats with our employees and associates, to find out a little about them as individuals. Next up… a cup of tea with Niroshan, our Assistant General Manager- Materials here at English Tea Shop. We talk about everything from packaging, sustainability and Prajãva to favourite blends.
Tell us about your role at English Tea Shop. What does your job involve?
As the Assistant General Manager for Procurement – Materials at English Tea Shop, it’s a diverse role in ensuring our packaging reflects our commitment to quality & sustainability at every stage from the tea bag to the box. It’s always about elevating the vibrant look and feel of our organic products through constant innovation and long-term supplier relationships.
I play a key part in cost-efficiency and smooth operations with a focus on balancing cost and sustainability at the same time. I also handle supply chain management, negotiating with suppliers, ensuring compliance, and maintaining a steady flow of materials.
Additionally, I analyze product margins, monitor KPIs, and lead monthly procurement reviews to ensure everything is perfectly in control to deliver on-time. For me, my overall goal is to strengthen ETS as a leader in organic tea and gifting around the world.
What do you love the most about English Tea Shop and the farm-to-cup ethos?
It is the nurturing connection between the consumers and its value chain which ensures that our ingredients are organically grown, that communities are supported, and best environmentally friendly practices are followed. It also underscores our continuous commitment to our Prajãva (community).
What does Prajãva or community mean for you?
It is the heart of our value chain, providing nourishment, strength, and a shared sense of identity to the farm-to-cup process.
Tell us more about material sourcing and its integral role at English Tea Shop…
Sourcing is key to English Tea Shop’s operations, impacting product quality, branding, sustainability, compliance, cost, and innovation. We carefully choose packaging materials to preserve tea quality and reflect our brand values while minimizing environmental impact. Our focus is on reliable sourcing, innovation, and sustainability while staying cost-effective.
What is the biggest challenge when it comes to packaging at English Tea Shop?
Balancing sustainability, practicality, and cost in packaging is one of the challenges we face. Consumers demand eco-friendly options, pushing us toward recyclable, biodegradable, and renewable materials. However, these must also preserve tea quality, maintain brand presentation, and remain cost-effective. Sourcing reliable materials and integrating them into our supply chain adds complexity, but we remain committed to sustainable packaging solutions.
Tell us about the open book management initiative at English Tea Shop…
Open book management at English Tea Shop promotes transparency by sharing financial and operational information with employees, encouraging their involvement in decision-making and goal-setting. This approach fosters accountability, collaboration, and shared responsibility, leading to improved performance and engagement.
Additionally, applying these principles to personal finance—such as understanding finances, setting goals, and active management—can enhance decision-making and long-term stability.
Tell us about the most innovative packaging you have done at English Tea Shop?
There’s a lot to highlight, but the tea advent calendar stands out for me. We started with box-board designs and evolved into rigid board gift calendars, showcasing our innovation in gift packaging. This shift also reflects our commitment to sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and premium quality. Our continued focus on modular and unique formats, like our Moments Collection further demonstrates our dedication to innovation in packaging.
What is the impact of packaging on Sustainability?
At English Tea Shop, we are transforming our packaging to be more sustainable while maintaining the premium look and feel. Our focus is on reducing waste, improving recyclability, and lowering our carbon footprint by adopting circular economy principles—Reduce, Recycle, Reuse. Below are our current initiatives:
- Tea Bags & Wrappers – Switching to mono-materials for easier recycling and less waste.
- Cartons & Boxes – Using FSC & PEFC-certified recycled boards to cut raw material use and emissions.
- Gifting & Caddies – Replacing metal tins with recyclable board alternatives and eliminating plastic coatings.
- Supply Chain & Production – Standardizing Shelf-Ready Packaging (SRP) to reduce excess materials and partnering with low-carbon suppliers.
In the future, we hope to implement the following initiatives:
- 100% recyclable or reusable packaging – Eliminating non-recyclable waste in our products
- Modular formats – Reducing printing and material use while offering flexible designs
- Refillable & multi-use packaging – Cutting down single-use materials.
- Material innovation – Using bio-coatings, fiber-based alternatives, and non-toxic adhesives to improve recyclability.
We integrate sustainability across our entire value chain—working with R&D, production, marketing, and suppliers to ensure eco-friendly solutions without increasing costs. Strengthening local sourcing, supporting recycling initiatives, and promoting responsible disposal help us minimize waste and make a meaningful environmental impact.
By embedding sustainability into our packaging strategy, ETS is leading the way in responsible and innovative packaging solutions, balancing premium quality with environmental responsibility.
Your tastes
Are you more of a tea cup or a mug person?
I always prefer to go with a mug.
What is your favourite blend of tea and how do you enjoy it?
I love Apple, Rosehip & Cranberry—it’s so versatile! Enjoy it hot, cold, or even with gin. Definitely my favourite!
What blend do you reach for when you’re feeling unwell?
Lemongrass Ginger Citrus is packed with remedies, no doubt about it!
What is your favourite ingredient in its natural form, and why?
It’s cocoa— a natural and delicious way to boost energy, lift my mood, and support overall health. Whether enjoyed as a warm beverage or in other forms, cocoa makes a tasty and beneficial addition to my daily routine.