There are few qualifications as coveted in the modern world of branding and business as the B Corp classification. In a landscape where green credentials are one of the most important factors for millions of customers when choosing which brands to throw their money down on, the B Corp badge is something many businesses would probably quite willingly pay millions for. If they could.
Thankfully, as far as I’m aware, all B Corps must meet the rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency set by the non-profit B Lab, a non-profit organisation. There are currently over 4,000 B Corps across 70 countries and these businesses are driving real change in their communities and around the world.
So, as we bid farewell to sustainability month, let’s shine the old Creativepool spotlight on some of the brands that truly understand what it takes to be a B Corp.
1. Patagonia
Founded in 1973, Patagonia is a clothing and outdoor gear company that has long been known for its commitment to environmental sustainability. Patagonia is an outdoor apparel company that is committed to environmental activism. The company donates 1% of its sales to environmental causes, and it has been a vocal advocate for climate change action. Patagonia has also been a leader in the development of sustainable materials, such as recycled polyester and organic cotton. Patagonia also encourages consumers to repair their clothing instead of buying new items, which helps to reduce waste.
2. Thrive Market
Thrive Market is an online grocery store that sells healthy and sustainable food products. The company offers its members a membership fee that gives them access to discounted prices on its products. Thrive Market also donates a portion of its profits to social and environmental causes.
3. Athleta
Athleta is an athletic apparel company that is committed to sustainability. The company uses recycled materials in its products, and offsets 100% of their energy consumption in both the US and Canada. Athleta also has a social mission, and it partners with organizations that support women's empowerment and girls' education.
4. Etsy
Etsy is an online marketplace that connects buyers and sellers of handmade and vintage goods. The company is committed to social and environmental responsibility, and it has several initiatives in place to support its sellers, including a Fair-Trade program and a Greener Etsy program.
5. Warby Parker
Warby Parker is an online eyewear retailer that offers affordable, high-quality eyeglasses. The company has a social mission to make eyewear more accessible to everyone. Warby Parker partners with non-profit organizations to provide free eye exams and glasses to people in need. The company also supports social causes through its Buy a Pair, Give a Pair program.
6. Ben & Jerry's
Ben & Jerry's is an ice cream brand that is known as much for its social and environmental activism as for its bizarre flavour combinations. The company has been a vocal advocate for fair trade, and it has also been a leader in the development of sustainable packaging. Ben & Jerry's has also been a vocal critic of climate change, and it has pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2030. The company is committed to using only fair trade and non-GMO ingredients in its products, as well as reducing its carbon footprint. The brand also vocally supports social justice causes through its activism campaigns.
7. Dr Bronner’s
Dr Bronner's - This natural soap company has been a B Corp since 2012 and has been recognized for its commitment to fair trade sourcing, ethical business practices, and environmental stewardship. The company is also known for its advocacy on issues like drug policy reform and animal welfare.
8. Method
Method is a cleaning products company that is committed to sustainability. The company uses plant-based ingredients in its products, and it has a goal of being carbon neutral by 2025. Method also has a social mission, and it partners with organizations that support environmental causes.
9. Green Mountain Coffee Roasters
Green Mountain Coffee Roasters is a coffee company that is committed to sustainability. The company uses renewable energy in its operations, and it has a goal of being carbon neutral by 2020. Green Mountain Coffee Roasters also has a social mission, and it partners with organizations that support coffee farmers and their communities.
10. New Belgium Brewing
New Belgium Brewing is a brewery that is committed to sustainability. The company uses recycled materials in its packaging, and it has a goal of being carbon neutral by 2030. New Belgium Brewing also has a social mission, and it partners with organizations that support environmental causes. The company is committed to reducing its environmental footprint and supporting sustainable agriculture practices through its sourcing of organic ingredients.
These are just a few of the many B Corps that are driving real change in their communities and around the world. They stand as living proof that it is possible to do good while doing well and show us that there really is a better way to do business and that being more sustainable doesn’t need to mean sacrificing anything important.
