Riding a wave of consumer interest in sustainability-minded companies, the number of B Corp certified companies is on the rise. Throughout the world, there are now more than 6.400 certified B Corps in 89 different countries, and the number keeps increasing.

Through this certification, companies show their commitment to pursuing not only financial value, but also value for people and for the environment. 

With the EU’s target of achieving net zero by 2050, developing a business strategy that combines profit-making with changes to support the planet and community is more important than ever. 

Certified B Corporation 

B Corp stands for Benefit Corporation. The B Corp label is a certification for for-profit companies assessed on their impact on social and environmental issues. To become a B Corp, companies must go through a rigorous certification process by B Lab. 

B Lab is the non-profit organisation behind the B Corp designation. B Lab certifies companies based on how they create value for non-shareholding stakeholders, such as their employees, the local community and the environment. 

Some of the most illustrious international examples are Patagonia, Ben and Jerry’s and TOMS. In the Benelux Alpro, Rituals and Tony’s Chocolonely are leading the way.

Any company, regardless of its size, legal form or industry can become a certified B Corporation. Today, most B Corporations are privately held small and medium-sized businesses. As this strongly matches the Belgian corporate landscape, this marketspace could prove to be a favourable and fertile soil for this type of business to thrive.

The Benefits of Becoming a Certified B Corp

The B Corp form is a reliable way to show that you consider sustainability important as a company. This certification comes with additional benefits such as:

- an increased credibility towards customers and suppliers

- a competitive advantage in the marketplace

- better networks and strategic partnerships

- access to best practices across multiple industries 

- easier attraction of top talent and a more engaged and loyal workforce 

Making a Difference 

Becoming a B Corp is a commitment. There is no time like the present to consider becoming a certified B Corporation to help boost and formalise your company’s ESG commitments. But, even if the B Corp certification is not the best fit for your business at this stage, you can still apply the B Corp tools and practices that are most suitable for your organisation to already start making a difference. 

Indeed, whether formally or informally, directly or indirectly, any company can use the B Corp framework to do well by doing good.