The non-profit organization behind B Corp certification, B Lab, has introduced updated criteria.
Described as the “most significant evolution” since B Lab’s founding in 2006, the updated B Corp standards include the adoption of climate action plans aligned with the 1.5°C goal.
B Lab stated that as the climate emergency worsens and social inequities increase, these guidelines offer businesses clear direction on how they can undertake significant and concrete measures regarding challenges affecting both individuals and the environment.
According to the organisation, nearly 10,000 companies across 100 countries and 160 industries hold B Corp status.
Nevertheless, the program encountered criticism. Recently, UK-based pet food company Scrubbles opted against renewing its certification. In a LinkedIn update, co-founder Aneisha Soobroyen shared their reasons for this decision. wrote Although we felt honored to become one of the initial pet food brands to achieve certification back in 2019, this accreditation doesn’t carry the same significance anymore. Now, it often seems more like a promotional emblem and an act of greenwashing instead of being a genuine indicator of ethical practices within our industry.
Just Food In the announcement about the updated guidelines, Clay Brown, who serves as co-lead executive at B Lab Global, described these new criteria as "an entirely new approach to assessing business impact aimed at addressing today’s significant challenges." The organization was also asked for their perspective on those remarks.
Previously, companies seeking certification underwent an assessment process involving a 'B Impact' assessment form, which evaluated their environmental, worker, material, community, and governance practices.
In order to earn certification, the business had to attain a score of at least 80 from a total possible points of 200.
In order to keep their certification, B Lab requires companies to recertify every three years by undergoing a 'B Impact Assessment' and providing supporting documents for review.
The revised framework advocates for a transition from scoring to achieving minimum performance standards in seven crucial "impact areas": purpose and stakeholder governance; climate action; human rights; fair labor practices; environmental management and circular economy; fairness, equality, diversity, and inclusivity; and engagement with governmental bodies and collaborative initiatives.
Judy Rodrigues, who leads global standards at B Lab, noted that this update comes after a four-year period encompassing two stages of public consultations and an evaluation of 26,000 comments submitted by businesses, the broader public, and specialists in relevant fields.
She stated, "We are convinced that these updated guidelines are transparent, demanding, and genuinely able to elevate the benchmark for companies across the globe."
The seventh iteration of these standards also includes distinctions according to business size. Organizations classified as larger—those with either 250 to 999 staff members or an annual income ranging from $75 million to $350 million—are subject to stricter criteria.
Firms employing between 1,000 and 9,999 workers, or generating $350 million to $1.5 billion in yearly income, must meet more rigorous requirements.
As stated on B Lab's website, bigger corporations typically face a greater number of (more challenging) questions and must adhere to stricter criteria regarding verification, transparency, and various other aspects to achieve certification.
Emma Aberg from the UK-based firm Greenheart expressed her approval on LinkedIn, stating: "In my view, this is fantastic news because it ensures that B Corporations remain exactly where they belong—a genuine driving force for positive change globally and pioneers guiding us toward a more sustainable and restorative future."
"The new B Corp standards were initially developed and released by B Lab" was first crafted and shared by Just Food , a Massimaowned brand.
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