Harrisons Malayalam to Adopt ESG Initiatives

KOCHI:
Plantation major Harrisons Malayalam Limited (HML) will implement Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives that aim to ensure sound agricultural practices and enhance broader business sustainability, giving a new impetus to its eco-friendly practices for the benefit of its employees and communities alike.

HML has initiated the process for ESG-compliance even as it is not mandatory as of now.

Amsterdam-headquartered Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) provides guidelines to businesses and companies for the practice of sustainability reporting and taking action that creates economic, environmental and social benefits for all.

HML CEO Cherian M George said the future involves advancing ESG integration, driving innovation, and aligning strategies with global sustainability goals.

“The company is practising sustainable agricultural standards in its seven tea estates and also for the small tea growers, who are supplying tea leaves to HML regularly. Sustainability certification standards ensure good agricultural practices as well as safe products. We protect the environment by taking care of the employees and communities around us,” George noted.

HML, a pioneer in corporate farming that runs plantations for tea, rubber, cocoa, coffee, and a wide variety of spices, is conducting awareness campaigns among small tea growers and estate employees about biodiversity conservation, integrated pest management (IPM), occupational health & safety, natural resource conservation and waste management.

Sustainable agriculture certifications are designed for creating a healthy environment, while ensuring economic profitability, maintaining social and economic equity, and creating a quality life for human beings and animals.

The company has implemented sustainability standards also to encourage gender equality in agriculture sector. HML has partnered with IDH International for a year-long training and awareness on POSH (Prevention of sexual harassment at Workplace) and gender-based violence through Women Safety Accelerator Fund programme.

HML’s SBU-B Tea Division has been certified with globally-recognised sustainability certification standards like Rainforest Alliance, UTZ, Ethical Tea Partnership and Trustea from 2014 onwards.

Besides, HML is the pioneer in ensuring plastic-free zones and effective waste management in all their Locations.

The company’s other sustainability initiatives include wildlife protection, water conservation, good working milieu for workers, community relations, integrated crop management, and soil management and conservation.

An annual audit by an external accredited auditing agency ensures that all HML locations comply strictly with the requirements and sustain them.