Every tea we share is a reflection of our commitment to honoring people, preserving the land, and creating lasting, positive impact with every cup.

Social Sustainability

We source exclusively from small, independent tea farms across India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka — growers who share our values of ethical production, community care, and transparency.

These partnerships are personal. We work directly with our growers — no brokers, no shortcuts — so they can set their own prices and maintain autonomy over their craft. This direct relationship ensures that profits go where they belong: into the hands of the people growing your tea.

Social impact is woven into their everyday work. At Amba Estate in Sri Lanka, part of the team includes women from a local halfway home recovering from mental illness — a model of dignified, healing employment that supports both people and place.

Environmental Sustainability

Our partner growers use only natural, chemical-free methods — from vermicompost made with local materials at Assam Heritage Tea, to traditional low-impact farming techniques passed down through generations.

These practices enrich the soil, preserve biodiversity, and help protect ecosystems for generations to come. It’s not just about growing great tea — it’s about restoring balance to the land that makes that tea possible.

From the farm to your cup, we’re committed to reducing waste. Route 636 is a near-zero waste business, and all of our packaging — including our labels — is 100% compostable. Our goal is full zero waste within three years, and we’re well on our way.

Economic Sustainability

We believe a sustainable tea business should be just as fair for the grower as it is for the customer. That’s why we operate on a direct trade model — allowing us to pay growers directly and fairly, while keeping pricing accessible for conscious tea drinkers.

By removing unnecessary steps in the supply chain, we support economic resilience in rural farming communities and help ensure that small farms can continue their work with pride and autonomy.

Our Ongoing Commitment

Sustainability at Route 636 isn’t an add-on — it’s embedded in every decision we make. From who we partner with to how we pack your order, we hold ourselves to a simple standard: Is this hospitable to people and planet?

As we grow, we remain committed to:

• Ethical, pesticide-free farming partnerships
• Direct trade that puts growers first
• Regenerative practices that protect the land
• Packaging that leaves no trace
• Transparent, traceable sourcing from field to cup

Because a better tea industry is possible — and we believe it starts small.