Welcome to DE 1,
where passion for tea meets a commitment to sustainability.
ABOUT US
Our hyper-consumption and 'take-make-waste' lifestyle is carrying us towards an irreversible climate breakdown. To change our ways is no longer an option but an imperative.
But where do we start? Who is leading this change? Where, and how, can we accelerate the pace of progress and help get humankind onto a new path?
As consumers, we do not have much choice sometimes.
As brands, creatives, makers, and doers, we start imagining and building a new future with more sustainable alternatives, so that we ALL can be given a better choice.
Bad choices got us into this mess, and now good choices need to help us out.
That’s why DE1 TEA was invented,
where tea meets creativity and sustainability.
We believe a perfect cup of tea should be tasty
without compromising the environment.
At DE1 TEA, we recognise the profound impact individuals can have by altering their tea consumption habits. As the second-most-consumed beverage globally, after water, tea offers a powerful avenue for positive change.
Our story begins with four tea-loving women, spanning three continents, united by a common frustration – the limited availability of sustainable and creative tea options. Determined to make a change, we embarked on a journey to create a sustainable and tasty option for consumers.
GET TO KNOW
OUR founders:
Weiyena
ART & DESIGN
I’m a designer deeply committed to conservation, sustainability, and animal rights. Hailing from the Zhuang indigenous tribe in China, my upbringing instilled in me a profound love for nature. I specialise in supporting ethical, sustainable, and vegan projects globally, collaborating with over 50 organisations and companies. My work, focused on impactful initiatives, has been featured in esteemed platforms like PETA and Greenpeace Africa.
During my Master’s studies in the UK in 2020, I met my best friend, Elina. Together, we embarked on a journey to develop visually engaging solutions to inspire new behaviours. In 2023, I joined DE1 as a designer, driven by a passion for creating meaningful change.
After spending considerable time in China and the UK, countries deeply rooted in tea culture, I've become enamoured with their distinct traditions. However, the widespread waste and pollution in the global tea industry are concerning. In the UK, it is estimated around 60.2 billion cups of tea are consumed each year. The vast majority are made using teabags. It is also estimated that 96% of teabags used in the UK contain non-biodegradable polypropylene, contributing significantly to environmental issues.
Joining the DE1 team, I’m honoured to contribute towards solving this environmental challenge. As a company, we're committed to reshaping the tea industry's impact, ensuring that the joy of tea is not overshadowed by its ecological footprint.
Jaclyn
OPERATIONS
Elina
PROCUREMENT
Lauene and I are sisters both born in Chaoshan. Chaoshan Gong-fu tea is very well-known custom in Chinese culture. Our love for tea blossomed from the rich tea culture that surrounded us. Growing up, our family and I would gather to share tea after every meal. Tea, for us, became a special way to deepen our connections.
However, many tea plantations suffer severe ecological damage as people excessively clear land for profit, disrupting the entire ecosystem. Additionally, the overuse of pesticides during tea cultivation leads to harmful pesticide residues in the tea leaves, posing risks to people’s health. I aspire to establish a high-quality tea brand that prioritises environmental conservation while delivering exceptional tea.
When my sister Elina expressed her desire to create an eco-friendly tea brand, aiming to share the flavours of Chinese tea with more people while contributing to our society, I felt a sense of pride. I am proud of her vision, and I‘m eager to join her in bringing this idea to life. Drinking tea has always been more than just a tradition for us – it's a meaningful way to bond, and now, it's also a way to make a positive impact on our world.
I'm also excited to discover more delicious ways to enjoy tea and share how to craft various tea beverages with all of you. Please stay tuned to our blog posts to unlock more tea delights!
Lauene
MARKETING
Evelyn
SOCIAL MEDIA
I’m Evelyn, a dynamic and detail-oriented social media analyst with a strong focus on data-driven insights. My role involves analysing the performance of DE1’s digital presence, identifying trends, and optimising strategies to enhance our brand’s visibility.
Passionate about storytelling and sustainability, I leverage data to create content that resonates with our audience while reflecting our commitment to eco-friendly practices. I’m excited to explore new ways to connect people with our tea through creative and impactful social media strategies.
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