With more and more consumers becoming increasingly conscious of the ethical implications of their purchases, B Corps stands out as a beacon of responsible business practices.

Certified B Corporations are businesses that meet the highest social and environmental performance standards, public transparency, and accountability to balance profit and purpose.

But beyond the label, why should you prioritise buying from one, and how does it make a difference in the grand scheme of things?

Before exploring the reasons for supporting B Corps, it’s crucial to understand what a B Corp is.

What is a B Corp?

Think of B Corp certification as similar to Fair Trade certification but for businesses. These for-profit businesses have been certified by the non-profit B Lab for meeting strict criteria related to their social and environmental impact. Currently, over 6,000 Certified B Corporations from 80 different countries are collaborating to change the definition of a successful business.

Today, there is a growing community of more than 6,000 Certified B Corporations from 80 countries working together towards this one goal.

People, Planet, Profit

B Corps are built on the philosophy of the triple bottom line—prioritising people and the planet along with profit. This framework broadens the focus of the company’s performance and success to include social and environmental dimensions, not just financial.

Why Buy from a B Corp?

Commitment to Social Impact

One of the core reasons to buy from a B Corp is their unwavering commitment to creating a positive social impact. Companies that are B Corp are required to consider the impact of their decisions on their workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment.

This means when you purchase from a B Corp, you’re supporting a company that is actively working to improve lives and strengthen communities. On top of that, your purchase contributes to fair wages, safe working conditions, community development programs and so much more.

Transparency and Accountability

B Corps are required to undergo a rigorous certification process and must provide evidence of socially and environmentally responsible practices. They also must recertify every three years to ensure they maintain or improve upon their standards.

The benefits of buying from a B Corp

Quality products with a conscience 

B Corps often produce higher-quality products because they invest in sustainable materials and processes. When you buy from a B Corp, you’re likely to get a product that not only meets your needs but also aligns with your values.

Building a more inclusive and sustainable economy

By supporting B Corps, you play a crucial role in building a more inclusive and sustainable economy. Your purchase decisions have the power to support businesses that are part of solving social and environmental problems, rather than contributing to them.

B Corp Examples: Companies Making a Difference

To illustrate the impact of buying from B Corps, let’s look at a few examples.

Patagonia

Patagonia, the outdoor clothing and gear company, is one of the most well-known B Corps. They have long been recognised for their environmental activism and sustainable practices, including using recycled materials in their products and donating 1% of their sales to environmental groups.

Ben & Jerry’s

The iconic ice cream company Ben & Jerry’s is another B Corp that has made social responsibility a core part of its mission. They use fair trade ingredients and have a history of supporting various social causes through creative campaigns and initiatives.

Reuseabox

Hey look, it’s us! In 2023, we became B Corp certified. We’re on a mission to educate the global community about the environmental impact of single-use packaging and empower people to reuse before they recycle. On top of that, we donate 1% of our revenue to reforestation projects.

The Future of B Corps 

The B Corp movement is gaining momentum as more businesses recognise the importance of responsible practices and more consumers demand transparency and ethics from the companies they support. The future is promising as they continue to lead by example, showing that it is possible to be successful while doing good.

Whether it’s through the purchase of sustainable clothing, environmentally friendly packaging, or ice cream that supports fair trade practices, every decision to buy from one is a step toward a more sustainable and equitable future.