B Corps are businesses that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices, allowing consumers to shop with confidence knowing that the company has a positive impact on the planet and its people. What makes a famous B Corp Companies? Well lets take a look examples of B Corp corporations below to get to the bottom of it. But first, lets understand what is a B Corp and how does a company become a B Corp.
B Corp brands: so, what is a B Corp?
A B Corp, short for Benefit Corporations, is a business that puts equal emphasis on its social and environmental impact as it does on its profit margins. B Corps are certified by B Lab, a non-profit organization committed to businesses used for environmental and social good. To receive the certification, companies must take the B Impact Assessment, a questionnaire that examines every detail of how their company operates, and receive a score of 80 or higher out of 200 points.
B Corps are for-profit companies that have met rigorous standards of social, environmental and community performance and accountability. Certification is achieved by assessing the company’s social, environmental and community impact, as well as their commitment to transparency, legal accountability and stakeholder interests. The B Corp movement is quickly gaining traction around the world, with certified companies spanning across 76 different countries.
Why are B Corporations Important?
The importance of B Corporations cannot be overstated. They represent a shift in the way businesses are held accountable for their social and environmental impact. By achieving certification, companies are demonstrating their commitment to protecting people, planet, and profit.
Moreover, B Corps are not just paying lip service to social and environmental responsibility, but have a stringent process in place to ensure they uphold shared values and practices. This allows mission-driven businesses to better communicate their commitment to society and the natural environment. The rise of the B Corporation is a much-needed step in the right direction when it comes to addressing climate change. It is essential that we create a system of accountability for global emissions.
B Corps are essential to creating a sustainable and socially responsible economy.
Why should you buy from a B Corp?
Being a B Corp is about more than just making a profit: it’s about becoming a force for good. B Corp certification is a third-party assessment that evaluates a business to make sure it meets the highest standards of social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability. B Corps must take the B Impact Assessment, a rigorous questionnaire that examines every detail of how their company operates, and score at least 80 out of 200 points to become certified.
By shopping from B Corp brands, you are voting with your wallet and showing your support for holding them accountable. Shopping with these retailers gives you the peace of mind that you are actively supporting a company that puts the planet and people first. It also sends a message to other businesses that they should be doing the same.
B Corps are part of a global culture shift that is redefining success in business and building a more inclusive and sustainable economy. Supporting B Corp brands is not only important for our planet, but it also helps to create an economy that works for everyone. With their commitment to a greater purpose, B Corps are leading the way for more responsible and conscious business practices. By shopping B Corps, we are helping to create a better world for present and future generations.
How do you identify a B Corp brand?
B Corp brands have undergone an extensive third-party assessment administered by B Lab, a non-profit organization. If you’re looking to identify a B Corp brand, here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Look for the B Corp certification symbol on the bottom of a company’s website or product.
- You can find a list of B Corp brands on the B Corp Directory, which allows you to search for brands across any industry and location in the world.
Our List of Famous B Corp Companies
Vivobarefoot
Vivobarefoot’s mission is to reconnect people with nature, restore and regenerate the environment, and improve foot health. The company designs shoes with barefoot design principles in mind, to ensure maximum comfort and protection for the feet. They have also implemented a business model designed to reduce their environmental impact by sourcing materials locally and supporting sustainable practices. In addition, they have set up a program to allow customers to return used shoes and have them reconditioned – a process that diverts thousands of shoes from the landfill each year. By doing this, Vivobarefoot is actively working to reduce its environmental footprint, while also helping to improve the health and well-being of the community.
Patagonia
Patagonia is taking a stand on environmental issues and making a difference in its communities in a number of ways. Firstly, they are a Certified B Corporation, meaning they adhere to the strictest standards of social and environmental performance. They have also implemented an Earth tax, donating one percent of annual sales to grassroots environmental groups. Additionally, they are the first California company to sign up for B certification and have given 100% of their profits from Black Friday in the past to nonprofits focusing on air, water, and soil quality.
Allbirds
Allbirds’ mission is to create sustainable and ethical footwear using natural and renewable materials, with an emphasis on making a difference in the communities in which it operates. The company works with suppliers to develop more sustainable practices, such as longer-term contracts, and to create new materials. Allbirds products are ZQ-certified, meaning they meet stringent standards for sustainable farming and animal welfare, and use 60% less energy than synthetic materials.
Additionally, Allbirds is a certified B Corp, which means it pledges to do business differently and considers the environment one of its stakeholders. The brand also works with Fair Trade Certified cotton and factories to create ethical clothing. Through its commitment to sustainability, animal welfare, and ethical fashion, Allbirds is helping to create a better world and a more sustainable future.
Ocean Bottle
Ocean Bottle is a notable B Corp company due to its dedication to sustainability and its commitment to protecting the environment. The company has diverted 3.2 million kg of plastic from entering the ocean, and they are aiming to reach 22 million kg by 2022.
They are also working to support the establishment of recycling infrastructure in areas of the world’s coastline most affected by plastic pollution. Additionally, Ocean Bottle is committed to using sustainable and eco-friendly materials for its water bottles and is continuously striving to reduce single-use plastic. As a certified B Corp, they are setting an example of how businesses can take proactive measures towards protecting our planet.
Finisterre
Finisterre is an outdoor clothing brand that was founded on three commitments to people, environment, and product. As one of the original brands to certify as a B Corporation, Finisterre has long held a commitment to sustainability and strives to make informed decisions about its impact on the environment. This has resulted in Finisterre becoming a pioneering force for good, with initiatives such as their “leave no trace” garment bags, which break down harmlessly into non-toxic biomass in the soil and sea.
Not only has Finisterre improved its score from 80.8 to 93.2, but they also continue to push for even more sustainable steps every day. This commitment to sustainability and the environment is what makes Finisterre such a famous B Corp company.
Cariuma
Cariuma is committed to making a positive difference in its community by focusing on sustainability. To that end, the brand handmakes its sneakers using high-quality natural materials such as organic fair-trade cotton, natural rubber, and leather from gold-rated tanneries. Cariuma also ships its shoes directly in the shoebox, eliminating the need for wasteful packaging, and offsets its carbon emissions associated with shipping products. Additionally, the company is certified as a B Corp and is a Climate Neutral Certified B Corp, and a member of 1% for the Planet, highlighting its mission of reducing land, water, and greenhouse gas emissions.
As one of our famous B Corp companies you can check out Cariuma here.
Cotopaxi
Cotopaxi is an outdoor brand focused on making a difference in its community. From its inception, Cotopaxi has been built on the idea that the interests of profit and people can coexist and should. To achieve this, Cotopaxi implements B Corp values at all levels of operation. Employees spend 10% of their work time in their local communities, adventuring outdoors, or doing service. The company also donates 1% of its annual revenue to ending poverty by supporting local organizations working on sustainable solutions.
In addition, Cotopaxi creates a skills-based volunteering initiative to respond to community needs. This includes a card-writing program that provides a paid first job for refugees in Salt Lake City and gives them the opportunity to practice their English language skills. They also have a Repurposed Collection of limited-edition gear made out of product scraps. This helps to ensure that those who enjoy the outdoors get the gear they need while also promoting the protection and preservation of the environment.
By creating these initiatives and donations, Cotopaxi shows a commitment to making a difference in its community and the environment while also providing quality outdoor gear.
Tentree
One off our favourites on the list of famous B Corp Companies is Tentree’s mission is to create sustainable clothing with the smallest environmental footprint and to plant 1 billion trees by 2030. To achieve this goal, the company partners with charitable organizations all over the world to plant trees and rehabilitate natural ecosystems. As of now, Tentree has already planted over 45 million trees, helping to reforest the earth and build sustainable local economies.
The company also has a code of conduct that it follows to ensure that its partner factories are compliant with international labor standards. Thus, Tentree’s mission is to benefit its community by helping to reduce the environmental impact of its clothing while simultaneously supporting local economies and providing better working conditions.
As one of our famous B Corp companies you can check out Tentree here.
United by Blue
United by Blue is an outdoor apparel and accessories brand that is focused on preserving and protecting the places in which explorers go to play. The company utilizes sustainable materials, and for every product sold, United by Blue removes one pound of trash from the world’s oceans and waterways. They are also working to ban single-use plastic from their business operations, and encourage their customers to join them in a cleanup.
By using sustainable materials and engaging in conservation activities, United by Blue is making a difference in its community by helping to preserve the environment and reduce waste. In addition, their efforts to ban single-use plastic helps reduce plastic pollution which is a major problem that needs to be addressed in order to protect our oceans and wildlife. By engaging in these activities, United by Blue is making a positive impact in their community and beyond.
Eileen Fisher
Eileen Fisher is a notable B Corp company due to its commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, and ethical practices. The brand has been certified since 2015 and has an overall B Impact Score of 96.2, making it stand out from other companies in the fashion industry. With a focus on timeless design, Eileen Fisher has incorporated circular design into its products and is dedicated to saving them from landfills by reselling gently used garments and upcycling the imperfect ones.
The company is also committed to empowering women and girls through its “Women Together” initiative, an interactive livestream designed to draw on each other’s strengths. Moreover, it has implemented “green initiatives” at its headquarters, stores, and distribution centers and has designed a grant program that supports women involved in environmental justice. With these and other sustainable and ethical practices, Eileen Fisher is a clear example of a B Corp company that is making a difference in the fashion industry.
West paw
West Paw is a B-Corp certified company that specializes in creating durable, high-quality eco-friendly pet toys. The company’s mission is to provide products that are safe and sustainable for both pet owners and the environment. With their commitment to producing sustainable materials and reducing their environmental impact, West Paw has been able to make a positive impact on the environment.
The company uses recycled materials and uses a non-toxic dye process that is free of chemicals, dyes, and heavy metals. Additionally, they donate 10% of their profits to organizations that support animal welfare and conservation. As an added benefit, their products are backed by a satisfaction guarantee, so pet owners can feel confident that their purchase is an investment in their pet’s health and the environment. West Paw is a remarkable B Corp company that demonstrates the commitment to sustainability and the health of our planet.
Sabai Design
Another of the famous B Corp Companies is Sabai Design is a home and fragrance brand that was founded with the mission of creating beautiful, handmade products that are made with natural and certified organic ingredients, are 100% vegan, and have minimal environmental impact. All the ingredients used are sourced with sustainable and ethical practices, and the brand employs 150 artisans in Kenya to produce its products. By offering fair wages, safe working conditions, and recognition for their talent, Sabai Design is making a positive impact on the lives of its artisans and their communities.
The brand was inspired by Scandinavian and Danish design and is committed to using recyclable bioplastics and 100% recycled plastic for its packaging. To ensure quality and sustainability, Sabai Design tests its ingredients and materials to confirm they meet or exceed industry standards.
Sabai Design’s success is a testament to its commitment to creating products that are both beautiful and sustainable. By prioritizing slow fashion and employing ethical manufacturing practices, the brand is making the world a better place, one product at a time.
Trailblazers: The world’s oldest B Corps
The world’s oldest B Corps are certified organizations that utilize their operations to build a more inclusive and sustainable economy. These companies are committed to reducing inequality and poverty levels, as well as creating healthier environments, stronger communities, and good jobs. The U.S. is home to the sector’s founding father, Mal Warwick Donordigital, which became the world’s first-ever B Corp in May 2007. Canada followed soon after with FlipGive in February 2009, followed by TriCiclos in Chile (January 2012), ECHALE in Mexico (February 2012), and Emprendia in Argentina (June 2012).
How do you become a famous B Corp company?
To become one of the famous B Corp companies you must:
- Take the B Impact Assessment, an online tool created by B Lab. This assessment will grade the business on five key areas: Governance, Workers, Environment, Customers, and Community. The B Impact Assessment includes 150 questions that dig into every part of a business, from the supply chain and charitable giving, to employee benefits and customer satisfaction.
- Companies must achieve a score of at least 80 out of 200 points in order to receive B Corp Certification.
- After receiving the minimum score, companies must meet virtually with B Corp team members to discuss their commitment to the overall impact of their business.
- The applicant must then pass an independent Standards Advisory Council review, which ensures that the company is meeting all of the necessary standards for B Corp Certification.
- Finally, the applicant must pay an annual certification fee to become officially certified as a B Corp.
If you own a company or business head to the B-Corp website to find out more and start making change in your community.