B Corp

/ ˈbiː kɔːp / industry /

RE: BUSINESS, ETHICS, SOCIAL IMPACT, SUSTAINABILITY, UNITED STATES

A B Corp (short for Benefit Corporation) is a US-based certification given to businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental responsibility, transparency, and ethical governance. Certification is managed by the non-profit organisation B Lab, which assesses how companies treat workers, manage their supply chains, reduce their environmental impact, and serve the wider community.

Unlike traditional companies that focus mainly on profits, B Corps are committed to balancing profit with purpose. They must legally consider the impact of their decisions on people, planet, and shareholders, not just financial gain.

The B Corp community includes a growing number of international organisations working in development, sustainability, and human rights. Examples include The Big Issue Group in the UK, Patagonia in the US, and Ben and Jerry's – known for it's tongue in cheek activism.

Certification must be renewed every few years, encouraging continued improvement and accountability. B Corp status is now recognised in over 90 countries, helping show that businesses can be a force for good in both local communities and the global economy.

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