The designation of being a Certified B Corporation (CBC) is a new business concept. To become a CBC, the main focus of the business is to balance profit and purpose. CBC’s are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on their workers, customers, suppliers, and the environment.
Certification requires a score of at least 80 (out of 200) against 5 areas of impact: Governance, Community, Workers, Environment and Customers from B Lab, a non-profit organization.*
Right now, there are about 4,381 CBCs spanning over 153 industries and 77 countries.* Some examples of CBCs include many companies you probably heard of but never realized met this new business standard. They include:
- Allbirds
- Athleta
- Ben & Jerry’s
- Bombas
- Grove Collaborative
- Helpsy
- Patagonia
- Thrive Market
There is actually a “B Corp Declaration of Interdependence”, which all CBCs must adopt and utilize in their business practices. It reads…
THE B CORP DECLARATION OF INTERDEPENDENCE*
We envision a global economy that uses business as a force for good.
This economy is comprised of a new type of corporation - the B Corporation -
Which is purpose-driven and creates benefit for all stakeholders, not just shareholders.
As B Corporations and leaders of this emerging economy, we believe:
- That we must be the change we seek in the world.
- That all business ought to be conducted as if people and place mattered.
- That, through their products, practices, and profits, businesses should aspire to do no harm and benefit all.
- To do so requires that we act with the understanding that we are each dependent upon another and thus responsible for each other and future generations.
Why is a B Corp important?
Many companies that manufacture a product like clothing, skincare, cleaning supplies, etc., may either utilize natural resources and/or harm natural resources via the manufacturing process. In addition, they may also harm the health of their employees and consumers over time. Many companies have not been aware of (or chose to ignore) the long-term effects of their manufacturing processes, which results in a strain on our environmental and “people” resources. CBCs understand the long-term impact of certain manufacturing processes, materials, chemicals, etc., and are choosing to find better ways to produce similar or even better goods. Making clothing from recycled plastic or using organically grown products are just some examples of how these companies are making a difference to help preserve our precious resources and ensure there is no harm to those who make or consume the products.
This is a start to making companies accountable to take care of the earth, people and our communities. The Untamed Thread is tiny compared to some of these companies but we are striving to do our part by extending the life of clothing and other fashion, utilizing sustainable packaging and only working with wholesalers and suppliers who have the same values we do.
If you are interested in supporting and/or finding out whether some of your favorite companies and brands are a B Corp, click on this link to search companies and learn more about B Corps in general: https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/find-a-b-corp/
Thank you for supporting our small business to help build a more sustainable environment. ♻️
*Reference: https://usca.bcorporation.net/about-b-corps