WHAT IS B CORP?

SMALL CHANGES, BIG IMPACT

You may have noticed the B Corp logo on some food labels, which means the producer or business is certified as promising to balance purpose and profit. They’re legally required to consider the impact of decisions on workers, customers, suppliers, the community and environment. Instead of focusing solely on profit, B Corp companies are assessed through environmental and social responsibility, from diversity and worker’s rights, to emissions and waste and corporate governance. They must believe in interdependence and that each is responsible for the other’s as well as future generations. The certification is earned and it’s a rigorous process. Only 3,500 companies have been certified so far, and as many as two in three fail. While it isn’t widely publicised yet, you may already buy food and drink from one of these companies. Yeo Valley, Tony’s Chocolonely, Innocent, Sipsmith, Pip & Nut, Oddbox and Hellofresh are all B Corp-certified. Certification lasts for three years, so if companies don’t stay true to their promise, they lose it. Some online retailers allow you to search for B Corp, so if you’re interested in the companies you buy from, you can take a look.