What is a
B Corp?
Since May 2023, we are a B Corp. You may have noticed the B Corp logo on our website or on our recent products. Here we tell you what's behind this special certificate..
What does B Corp mean?
What does B Corp mean?
As a B Corp (which stands for "Benefit Corporation"), we are part of a global movement of companies working and networking under the motto "Make Business as a Force for Good". The B Corp community is a growing global movement actively advancing a sustainable, social, and fair future. Every B Corp commits to regularly measuring, disclosing, and continuously improving its social and environmental impact. So, a B Corp certification is only awarded to those who have nothing to hide and are truly doing something good for the world.
There are over 5000 certified B Corps worldwide, including companies like Patagonia, The Guardian Media Group, or Ben & Jerry’s. In Germany, there were exactly 100 certified B Corps in December 2023.
What is the B Corp Movement fighting for?
What is the B Corp Movement fighting for?
The B Corp movement envisions a global economy that uses business as a force for good. The following four principles come from the "Declaration of Interdependence", outlining mutual dependence.
B Corporations are convinced that:
... we must be the change we seek in the world.
... All businesses must be conducted on the understanding that people and the planet always play a significant role.
... companies should strive, through their products, practices, and profits, to do no harm and benefit all.
... we must act with an understanding that we are interdependent and, therefore, responsible for each other and for future generations.
How does a company become a B Corp?
How does a company become a B Corp?
A prerequisite for B Corp certification is the B Impact Assessment, a kind of "application process" for each B Corp. The B Impact Assessment thoroughly examines and evaluates the five dimensions: 1) Governance, 2) Employees, 3) Community (including location, industry, partners, and supply chain), 4) Environment, and 5) Customers. There is a transparent point system. If a company achieves a total score of at least 80 points, it qualifies for B Corp certification.
A fundamental principle of the B Corp movement is continuous improvement. As a "Movement of Improvement," B Corps strive to continually improve and increase the positive impact of their business activities. This commitment is promoted by the certification system. Every B Corp must recertify every three years, surpassing the score of the previous certification. We were certified as a B Corp in May 2023 with a score of 88.2 in the B Impact Assessment. But certification is just the beginning of our "B Corp Journey."
As a B Corp, we commit to continuously improving, operating even more sustainably, and creating an even more positive impact for people and the planet!
Who's Behind the B Corp Label?
Who's Behind the B Corp Label?
B Corp certification is awarded by the globally active organization B Lab to companies that act responsibly and meet high social and environmental standards. The non-profit, predominantly donation-funded network was founded in 2006 – with the aim of reshaping the global economy for the benefit of all people, communities, and the planet. B Lab Germany is headquartered in Berlin.
Certification Notice
Certification Notice
“Certified B Corporation” is a trademark licensed by B Lab, a private non-profit organization, to companies like ours that have successfully completed the B Impact Assessment (“BIA”) and therefore meet the requirements set by B Lab for social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
It is specified that B Lab is not a conformity assessment body as defined by Regulation (EU) No 765/2008, nor is it a national, European, or international standardization body as per Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012. The criteria of the BIA are distinct and independent from the harmonized standards resulting from ISO norms or other standardization bodies, and they are not ratified by national or European public institutions.