{"id":94900,"date":"2025-07-07T08:35:52","date_gmt":"2025-07-07T12:35:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/?post_type=rbc_my_money_matter&#038;p=94900"},"modified":"2025-07-15T09:18:00","modified_gmt":"2025-07-15T13:18:00","slug":"metropolitan-tea-company-how-sustainability-brews-better-business","status":"publish","type":"rbc_my_money_matter","link":"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/my-money-matters\/business\/get-inspired\/business-success-stories\/metropolitan-tea-company-how-sustainability-brews-better-business\/","title":{"rendered":"Metropolitan Tea Company: How Sustainability Brews Better Business"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<section class=\"wp-block-rbc-section-block  pos-rel\" style=\"border-radius:0px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-section-inner-block  section-inner\" style=\"border-radius:0x\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-block drop-shadow pos-rel top-line-blue block-wpr\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-block-inner-block block-inner\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tldr\">TLDR<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>For Metropolitan Tea, sustainability practices have improved both tea quality and business performance<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Sales have grown up to 70% since 2020, alongside a growing emphasis on sustainability<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Small steps over time can make a meaningful difference in reducing energy use<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>A commitment to social equity, health and safety throughout their supply chain helps support stronger collaboration with suppliers<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-a-tea-business-steeped-in-purpose\">A tea business steeped in purpose<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>With over 45 years of experience in the tea industry, Level 5 Tea Master Gerry Vandergrift has witnessed firsthand the impact of climate change on the tea trade, from unpredictable growing seasons to declining crop quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vandergrift founded <a href=\"https:\/\/www.metrotea.com\/\" data-dig-id=\"LP-94900-ed169e28\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"Metropolitan Tea\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">Metropolitan Tea<\/a> in his Toronto basement in 1991. As the company expanded, so did its sense of responsibility. With support from RBC, Metropolitan Tea has built a model rooted in environmental and social sustainability. The result? A smaller carbon footprint, stronger community impact and a better bottom line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-healthier-the-planet-the-better-the-tea\">The healthier the planet, the better the tea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Metropolitan Tea\u2019s mission is to deliver an unparalleled tea experience. Achieving this means caring about every step in the process, from how tea is grown to how it\u2019s packaged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIn the \u201980s and \u201990s, the seasons were predictable,\u201d Vandergrift recalls. \u201cNow it\u2019s hit and miss \u2014 droughts, storms and too much rain all affect the quality.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As such, sustainability has been a priority for Vandergrift and his team since day one. Key measures include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item mar-l mob-mar-l\">\n<p>2,500+ solar panels on their manufacturing facility<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item mar-l mob-mar-l\">\n<p>100% compostable tea bags and envelopes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item mar-l mob-mar-l\">\n<p>Vacuum-packed designs that reduce shipping volume by 15\u201320%<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item mar-l mob-mar-l\">\n<p>Post-consumer waste used for all carton boxes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item mar-l mob-mar-l\">\n<p>LED lighting and energy-saving systems throughout their production facility<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item mar-l mob-mar-l\">\n<p>Rehabilitating a 200-acre abandoned farm into a carbon sink<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item mar-l mob-mar-l\">\n<p>Sourcing tea from high-altitude regions where pesticides aren\u2019t needed<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cAs a company that deals with agricultural products and a global supply chain, concern for the environment, sustainability and governance factor into every facet of our business and every decision we make,\u201d says Vandergrift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ethical-tea-tastes-better\">&#8220;Ethical tea tastes better&#8221;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Exceptional tea starts with empowered people. From growers to employees to consumers, Metropolitan Tea upholds high ethical standards across its supply chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cGreat teas are not produced by a workforce under duress,\u201d Vandergrift says. \u201cEveryone has to be a winner \u2014 from the worker at the estate to the person enjoying the cup of tea.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That belief informs their buying strategy, and they source only from reputable global producers with proven ethical records. For instance, they work closely with tea estates to ensure safe housing, schooling and food allowances are provided to workers and their families, as well as access to pension funds to support their long-term security. \u201cThese workers have lives \u2014 they have dreams and dreams for their kids. The tea estate has to give the workers the ability to dream. To do that, you have to have a social conscience,\u201d says Vandergrift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-sustainability-drives-results\">Sustainability drives results<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Since 2021, sales have increased substantially \u2014 a growth Vandergrift attributes to a forward-looking strategy, underpinned by their sustainability focus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cOur environmental initiatives have affected our bottom line significantly,\u201d he says. \u201cNot just in the last few years \u2014 in the last 20. Every step we\u2019ve taken has realized a saving in some way. Even if it\u2019s one cent here and two cents there\u2026 do that 300 times, and it adds up.\u201d He points out that many companies have the misconception that prioritizing environmental and social sustainability practices is too expensive or indulgent. \u201cOur experience shows that a commitment to people and the planet has the opposite effect,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-always-striving-to-do-more\">Always striving to do more<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Even with decades of progress, Metropolitan Tea keeps raising the bar, driven by its own values and those of its customers. Recently, a client asked them for a measurement of their carbon emissions. With RBC\u2019s help, they collaborated with Carbonhound, a company that extracts shipping data, provides a dashboard to benchmark and monitor their sustainability goals, and clear insight into how to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe didn\u2019t know where to start,\u201d says Vandergrift. \u201cSince RBC\u2019s introduction to Carbonhound, we\u2019re measuring ourselves constantly and adjusting when needed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"RBC Supports The Metropolitan Tea Company&#039;s Sustainability Journey\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/WTKOIHnswNU?feature=oembed&#038;rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-collaboration-is-key\">Collaboration is key<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Vandergrift points out that sustainability is a team effort. \u201cWe work with our farmer-growers \u2013 we give them ideas, they give us ideas. It\u2019s collaborative,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That same collaboration extends to RBC. Their ability to connect clients with third-party experts like Carbonhound and sustainability advisors like Natasha Shute is a key differentiator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s a priority for RBC to understand clients\u2019 transition plans and help facilitate the capital and tools to move forward,\u201d says Shute, VP, Commercial Sustainable Finance Team at RBC. \u201cSupporting this journey helps foster innovation and create competitive advantages.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cRBC has always been there for us,\u201d Vandergrift adds. \u201cThey listen, and they have the experience to help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Carbon Measurement in Action: Mapping a Canadian Company\u2019s Environmental Sustainability Journey:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/my-money-matters\/business\/right-sized-business-advice\/commercial\/carbon-measurement-in-action-mapping-a-canadian-companys-environmental-sustainability-journey\/\" data-dig-id=\"LP-94900-80ed95ba\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"How a Tea Company Tracks and Reduces its Emissions\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">How a Tea Company Tracks and Reduces its Emissions<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-brewing-a-better-future\">Brewing a better future<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2004, Metropolitan Tea was carbon positive. Since then, the company has significantly reduced its energy use and carbon emissions. Today, Carbonhound estimates Metropolitan Tea\u2019s emissions are net negative, even with sales three times higher than in 2004. Every year, they set new goals and take steps toward achieving them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Their journey shows that a commitment to people and planet helps lead to a better product and stronger financial results. Profit and purpose aren\u2019t trade-offs. Rather, they go hand in hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group  mar-b-hlf has-rbc-bright-blue-tint-4-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"h-learn-more-about-rbc-s-commercial-sustainable-finance\">Learn more about RBC\u2019s Commercial Sustainable Finance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Supporting Canadian companies in their transition to a low carbon economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons pad-b-hlf is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-button  is-style-primary primary btn before\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/business\/advice\/commercial-sustainable-finance-solutions.html\" data-dig-id=\"LP-94900-d98bff85\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"button click\" data-dig-label=\"Learn More-https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/business\/advice\/commercial-sustainable-finance-solutions.html \">Learn More<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Level 5 tea master Gerry Vandergrift founded Metropolitan Tea in his Toronto basement in 1991, building a model rooted in environmental and social sustainability along the way.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":319,"featured_media":94920,"parent":57335,"menu_order":0,"template":"wp-custom-template-mmm-sticky-nav","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"advgb_blocks_editor_width":"","advgb_blocks_columns_visual_guide":"","footnotes":""},"tags":[157,65],"rbc_content_type":[31],"rbc_audience":[110],"rbc_lob_group":[35],"rbc_difficulty_level":[33,70],"rbc_mmm_category":[305,388,391,325,326],"class_list":["post-94900","rbc_my_money_matter","type-rbc_my_money_matter","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-entrepreneur","tag-esg","rbc_content_type-article","rbc_audience-business-owners","rbc_lob_group-business","rbc_difficulty_level-beginner","rbc_difficulty_level-intermediate","rbc_mmm_category-business","rbc_mmm_category-business-success-stories","rbc_mmm_category-commercial","rbc_mmm_category-get-inspired","rbc_mmm_category-right-sized-business-advice"],"acf":{"contently_publication_id":"","custom_author":"Royal Bank of 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