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Independent tea brand Birchall Tea has taken a step in reducing its environmental impact, operating what the company claims is the UK's first fully solar-powered tea factory.

The facility in Amesbury, Wiltshire, features more than 460 solar panels on its rooftop, generating all the clean renewable electricity needed for Birchall's on-site operations. In fact, the factory produces twice the electricity it requires, allowing the company to put surplus power back into the national grid.

"We want to make the UK as passionate as we are about good quality, great tasting tea as we are, whilst also having a positive impact on the planet," said Daniel Graham, managing director of Birchall Tea.

The company's commitment to sustainability extends beyond its solar-powered factory. In May 2020, Birchall achieved the Carbon Neutral International Standard, meaning all of its tea products are now 100% carbon neutral.

Birchall has also equipped its website with an automated energy counter, allowing consumers to view in real-time how much electricity is being generated by the factory's solar panels.

"Our solar-powered tea factory has already generated over 500,000kWhs, and this is just the beginning on Birchall Tea's journey," Graham added.

The family-run tea brand's focus on environmental responsibility reflects a growing trend in the industry, as consumers increasingly demand sustainable practices from the companies they support.

"We have always taken our responsibilities to the environment very seriously and are committed to continually reducing the impact of our company's trading activities upon it," Graham commented.