Dongda Tea House embraces sustainability in Taiwan’s tea industry

東大製茶廠（Dongda Tea House）致力於推動台灣茶業永續發展

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Dongda Tea House is reinventing its century-old legacy with low-carbon packaging to appeal to younger buyers and sustain Taiwan’s tea culture.

Founded in 1903 with its first tea garden in Nantou County, the family-run business has passed through four generations, per CNA. Its current successor, 36-year-old Li Fang-i (李芳宜), is leading innovation while her brother oversees production.

“During school holidays I would follow my family to pick and process tea,” Li said. “My memories are always of the warmth of sunlight mixed with the fragrance of tea.”

Li initially pursued a nursing career but returned to take over branding and marketing as her family members aged and labor shortages worsened. She said her goal is to preserve the factory while modernizing the brand.

Early reforms centered on consumer habits, with Li introducing small packs and eco-friendly tea bags to simplify brewing for younger customers. “You do not need a teapot and cups to brew tea. Young people just want a cup of hot water to enjoy good tea,” she said.

With support from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Dongda replaced traditional tin cans with book-style boxes inspired by historic tea-making records. The change cut product weight nearly in half and unified the brand image.

Other changes eliminated plastic nets, lamination, and transparent labels, making recycling easier. Li said the measures reduced over 20,000 kilograms of CO2 equivalent annually, roughly the same as driving a car 2.5 times around the equator.

Dongda also optimized storage and shipping by adopting flat-pack arrangements and eco-friendly kraft tape, lowering transport emissions by 33%.

“We’re not just selling tea — we’re carrying on a culture, an aroma,” Li said, adding that making Taiwanese tea accessible to new generations ensures its legacy continues.