Berghaus aiming to make a big impact with award
A leading outdoor clothing firm has been hailed for its commitment to making a more positive impact on the planet.
Sunderland-based Berghaus has been awarded B Corp status – joining a global group of organisations that use business as a force for good.
B Corp Certification is a designation that a business is meeting high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency on factors from employee benefits and charitable giving to supply chain practices and input materials.
The accreditation follows a rigorous assessment covering governance, workers, community, customers, and environment.
Berghaus has been designing, developing and selling long-lasting and repairable outdoor clothing, footwear and equipment for over half a century and also operates a free repairs service for consumers – Repairhaus – to reduce the need for replacing products.
It also provides staff with the opportunity to commit work time to get actively involved in local, national and international good causes.
The company aims to use its new status to promote wider outdoor industry initiatives that address social and environmental challenges.
Charlie Pym, Berghaus brand director, added: "We're proud to be B Corp certified. Quite rightly, there's a high bar for achieving it, and we've worked extremely hard to show that we're worthy of the status.
“B Corp certification is another significant step forward in striving to make the world a better place with Berghaus in it.”
He added: “Our mission is to open up the outdoors because that's where the best of life is lived."
The award has also led to acclamation closer to home.
Cllr Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “Berghaus is a global brand which we are incredibly fortunate to be able to call one of our own.
“Its commitment to the natural environment, ethically sourcing materials and working with factories that adhere to the highest workplace standards show how firms the world over can do more to give back to the communities they serve.”