What do Patagonia, Ben & Jerry’s and Fairphone have in common? These companies, along with many others, stand for a sustainable economy and are certified with the seal “Beneficial Corporation”.
This means that, while these companies are generally profit-oriented, they are also committed to the environment and society to an extraordinary extent. In addition, BCorps are characterised by a high degree of corporate responsibility. The network of BCorp companies is committed to poverty reduction and the sustainable use of environmental resources.
A few weeks ago, we were able to join the gang. At the very least, we’re on the way. In late summer, Tomorrow received “Pending BCorp” status. We are incredibly proud and happy to be part of this illustrious group.
However, before we can properly adorn ourselves with the BCorp certificate, there is still a lot of work ahead of us. Before the seal is awarded, the nonprofit organisation B Lab puts the candidates through their paces. As part of this process, companies are thoroughly screened and tested for sustainability on the basis of various factors. The so-called “B Impact Assessment” includes not only a substantive examination of the product or service but also the influence of the company on the entire business environment. So not only supply chains or used materials are checked, but also the performance of a company as an employer. In addition to the way everyday and strategic decisions are made, the B Lab, above all, involves looking at how transparently these are made and documented, and including this in the evaluation.
Applying for the title of “Beneficial Corporation” has shown us that we are already doing a great deal. With our investments and the Tomorrow Climate Protection Contribution, we’re supporting projects that serve the common good and address the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN. The comprehensive questionnaire also made it clear to us that, in many ways, there is still work ahead of us. In terms of gender diversity in the management board, for example.
We now want to work on that, because we’re ambitious to become even better. To achieve this end, we must and will question ourselves again and again. But for the moment we are happy to be part of it and are working diligently to put into action all our intentions so that we can soon bear the full BCorp seal.