Hallmark: B-Corp

What is Benefit Corporation (B-Corp)? The B-Corp label was created by B-Lab, a nonprofit network dedicated to transforming the global economy and making a positive impact on all communities, people and planets. Key values for B-Lab are transparency, accountability and high standards of social and environmental performance. They encourage and inspire companies from around the world to balance a company's purpose and its profits. In this way, we can transform the global economy from a system where few profit to one where all profit. In other words, the transformation from wealth and power for the few to greater equality for all.

The purpose of this label is to ensure that, in addition to making a profit, companies are also positively influencing society and the environment. B-Corp does not look specifically at the impact on society and the environment per product, but rather at the impact a particular company makes as a whole.

Performance, Accountability & Transparency

To get B-Corp certification, there are basically three criteria that a company must meet. The first criteria is Performance: delivering exceptional environmental and social performance. This means that a company must complete a so-called "B Impact Assessment," in which at least 80 of the maximum 200 points must be achieved. This assessment is divided into several themes, namely: environment, customers, employees, governance and community.

The second criteria is Accountability: establishing that as a company you are committed to positive values for the environment and people. In practical terms, this means that as a company you are legally obliged to be conscious of your decisions and their impact on people and the environment. This should be recorded in articles of association so that this will always be protected, even if the company changes hands, for example.

Finally, there is the criteria Transparency: being transparent as a company about its results. This means that companies must be transparent about their B Impact Report including the score on the five themes as a result of the B Impact Assessment. This increases your company's credibility and makes you appear more trustworthy.

After completing the B Impact Assessment and scoring a minimum of 80 points, you as a company can apply for certification. After comprehensively reviewing your evidence and being interviewed by an independently assigned B-Lab analyst, they will verify the score according to the assessment, after which you are B-Corp certified as a company!

Check

There are several ways to verify that a company meets all the requirements for B-Corp certification. First, an independent party, B-Lab, verifies that a company meets all the requirements as mentioned above. In addition, B-Corp certified companies must be transparent about their B Impact Report. To remain B-Corp certified, member companies must successfully complete a B Impact Assessment every three years.

At Sophie Stone, we think it's important that the brands we offer are conscious about making a positive impact on people and the environment. For example, the brands EcoAlf, Veja, Mud Jeans, Parafina and Organic Basics B-Corp certified.