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In the heart of Munich, right by the historic Viktualienmarkt, we opened a new chapter with our new store - and sustainability is its title. To mark the store-opening and the launch of our Tea for Tomorrow Advent calendar, we joined forces with our partners from Gmund Papier and Original Beans to host an evening dedicated to one central issue: How can we work together to shape sustainable product development for a better future?
The evening kicked off with an engaging panel discussion on this very topic. Freelance journalist Fatima Njoya led the evening with her expertise and passion for sustainability. Three partners, known in the industry for their pioneering spirit and commitment, took to the stage: Sabrina Gassner from Gmund Papier, Patrick von Vacano from Original Beans and our very own Jean-Philippe Aiguier, Director of Sustainability. What actually makes a production process sustainable? What difficulties and opportunities does the quest for innovative and environmentally friendly methods present? And can the concept of sustainability be firmly anchored in corporate values? You can watch the exciting debate again in our video.
Tea for Tomorrow - More than just a calendar
The highlight was - and is - of course our Tea For Tomorrow Advent calendar, because it is not just a product, but a vision - a tangible symbol of sustainability and quality. 16 exclusive teas from responsible sources and 8 hand-picked tea chocolates created in collaboration with Original Beans are hidden behind every door. And with them, stories. Stories of the social projects that the respective tea partners support. Stories of collaboration with local farmers, schools and organizations. Stories of how tea and sustainability can go hand in hand.
We are particularly proud of the calendar's packaging: the box is made from an innovative tea paper that we developed together with the Gmund Greenfibra Lab and which is being premiered in this very product. Made from recycled tea leftovers that would otherwise end up as waste, it is a prime example of the circular production methods we are committing to.
We even received the “Green Innovation” Award for it. “Paper & Tea doesn't compromise. When they do something, they do it right,” commented Patrick von Vacano.
Together for the Future
This event was particularly meaningful for us at PAPER & TEA because it was the first time that we were able to talk about what really moves us in such a format. The partnership with Gmund and Original Beans is more than just a cooperation, but an expression of a shared conviction. It's about sharing not only products, but also values - values that unite us as a company and as a community. For generations, Gmund has stood for ecological paper, produced in harmony with nature. Original Beans is committed to the protection of rare cocoa varieties worldwide, creating a regenerative food culture characterized by fair and ecologically responsible farming methods. The collaboration with these partners enables us to work not only on products, but also on a shared mission to make the world a better place.
“Maximum transparency can hurt sometimes. That's the nature of truth and transparency - but it also forces you to go further and be even more uncompromising,” emphasized Jean-Philippe Aiguier. "It's a cycle, or one could say a perpetuum mobile, that once set in motion, never stops moving; there's always more to come, another partnership, another insight, we grow together. That is the greatest reward. And then you can move mountains together. We are looking forward to tackling a few more mountains.”
Because at PAPER & TEA, we are convinced that sustainability is more than just a buzzword – it’s a choice we make every single day. With the creation of our Sustainability Department in the summer of 2023, we took a significant step forward. And so, we ask ourselves daily: How can we improve? How can we be even more sustainable? What might we be missing? To shape the future justly, we must recognize our responsibility and respect for nature, people, and our shared future. This can only be done by challenging conventional thinking and posing new questions. That’s why we are so proud and excited to stand with the greats from Gmund and Original Beans on the same stage. Because taking bold steps is worth it.
