Title: Application of cleaner production techniques in small and medium scale tea industry in Sri Lanka

Authors: D.M. Jayasena; Rasangi A.G.D. Duneesha; M.K.S.M. Samaranayake

Addresses: Department of Industrial Management, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Kuliyapitiya, Sri Lanka ' Department of Industrial Management, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Kuliyapitiya, Sri Lanka ' Department of English Language Teaching, Faculty of Business Studies and Finance, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Kuliyapitiya, Sri Lanka

Abstract: This paper examines the possibility of adopting cleaner production (CP) practices as a sustainable approach along the tea supply chain in the tea industry under small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Data were collected through questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and observation from 100 farmers, 60 transport drivers, and 5 SME factories. The observation showed that the average monthly raw tea leaf yield per acre was 499.03 kg. Further, to produce 1 kg of black tea, 4.53 kg of fresh tea leaves, 0.30 hours of human energy, and 0.89 kWh of electricity were required. Additionally, there was a significant inorganic fertiliser usage in the sector's planting and plucking stages. The study recommends reducing water consumption, practising wastewater treatment, promoting good manufacturing practices and teamwork, shifting to organic fertiliser, growing ground tea plants instead of basket tea plants and improving the motivation and attitudes of workers as CP options.

Keywords: tea industry; material and energy flow analysis; MEFA; cleaner production; supply chain; small and medium scale industry; Sri Lanka.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSSS.2023.135918

International Journal of Society Systems Science, 2023 Vol.14 No.4, pp.349 - 364

Received: 09 Oct 2022
Accepted: 10 Sep 2023
Published online: 09 Jan 2024 *

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