5 B Corporations Changing Manufacturing for the Better
Manufacturing is a sector driven by stewards — companies that aren’t afraid to forge a new trail to reach a better destination. Today, those stewards are B Corporations.
B Corps represent a growing movement of businesses focusing on social and environmental impact alongside profitability. By voluntarily meeting rigorous standards of transparency, accountability, and performance, B Corps demonstrate a commitment to using business as a force for good.
B Corp certification
B Corporation status is granted to companies prioritizing social and environmental standards while generating a profit. This is no easy feat, as it requires a business to meet rigorous criteria and undergo a thorough evaluation.
Although it may seem like a mere label, B Corp status holds weight — it distinguishes companies committed to making a positive impact on society and the planet. It’s a way for consumers to know they’re supporting a company with their best interests in mind.
Manufacturing B Corps
Despite the challenges of meeting B Corp requirements, several manufacturers have managed to achieve this status. Producers leading the way include:
- Patagonia: Renowned for its outdoor clothing and gear, Patagonia is also celebrated for its unwavering dedication to sustainability. The company has been a certified B Corp since 2012, using recycled materials, reducing waste in its supply chain, and donating a portion of its sales to environmental causes.
- Ben & Jerry’s: Well known for its ice cream, Ben & Jerry’s is equally famous for its social and environmental activism. Ben & Jerry’s advocates for fair trade, supports local communities, and strives for sustainable ingredient sourcing. It also engages in social justice campaigns and causes like climate change and LGBTQ+ rights.
- King Arthur Baking Company: As one of the first certified B Corps in 2007, King Arthur Baking Company is an employee-owned flour and baking product manufacturer. It is committed to sustainability and ethical business practices, prioritizing responsible sourcing of ingredients, supporting fair labor practices, and promoting sustainable agriculture and a reduced environmental impact.
- New Belgium Brewing Company: Joining the B Corp community in 2013, New Belgium Brewing Company is a craft brewery focusing on environmental sustainability and social responsibility. It works to minimize its carbon footprint through energy-efficient brewing processes, waste reduction, and the use of renewable energy sources.
- All Good: As a personal care product manufacturer specializing in organic skincare and sunscreens, All Good became a certified B Corp in 2011. It is dedicated to environmental and social initiatives, using organic and sustainably sourced ingredients, minimizing packaging waste, and supporting fair trade practices.
A future of B Corps
With sustainability on the rise, we’re likely to see more B Corps entering the market. The five listed manufacturers are among the first to achieve this impressive certification, but many more are on the horizon. Honorable mentions include Seventh Generation, Preserve, Guayaki, and Emeryville Pharmaceutical Services — all of whom are working toward a greener, more sustainable future. Hopefully, they’re the first of many B Corp manufacturers to come.
