A total of 165 UK businesses that are part of the B Corp movement have been recognised in the 2022 ‘Best For The World’ rankings, which highlight exceptional social and environmental impact.
One in seven companies on not-for-profit organisation B Lab’s annual list are from the UK.
Organic vegetable box company, Riverford, food waste-fighting veg box business, Oddbox, and confectionary brand, Divine Chocolate, have all been recognised for their work over the last year and are included in the rankings.
Purpose-driven beer brand, Brewgooder, and bio-bean, which recycles coffee grounds, also made this year’s list, while luxury accessories retailer Elvis & Kresse was recognised in the ‘workers’ category.
B Lab included companies for their work in five different areas: community; governance; customers; workers; and environment.
UK retailers and consumer goods companies in the environment category include, Y.O.U Underwear, 918 Coffee Co, Homethings, Mama Bamboo, Monarc Jewellery, and Oliver Co. London.
Ecologi, a social enterprise platform that empowers businesses and individuals – including retailers – to collectively reverse climate change, and digital transformation consultancy, Kin + Carta, were also recognised.
The B Corp movement, or B Corps, are companies verified by B Lab to meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. They are committed to building an inclusive, equitable and regenerative economic system, and believe in continuous improvement.
Companies must verify a score of 80 through the B Impact Assessment to certify as B Corp, and they can achieve a maximum score of approximately 200. B Lab’s Best For The World list spotlights the businesses creating the deepest impact on people, profit and planet, which is the mantra of the B Corp movement.
B Corp certification doesn’t just evaluate a product or service, it assesses the overall social and environmental impact of the company that stands behind it. As part of the B Corp movement, companies must recertify every three years and, once certified, they are expected to increase their score over time as they progress towards becoming more equitable, inclusive, and regenerative businesses.
Chris Turner, executive director at B Lab UK, commented: “B Corporations are proving that businesses flourish when they are committed to aligning the interests of all stakeholders: society, the environment, and their shareholders.
“Best for the World is the B Corp movement’s opportunity to spotlight the businesses that are pioneering business as a force for good. While there’s much more to be done to transform our economy to benefit all people, communities and the planet, the UK is becoming one of the world’s hotspots for better business.”
[Image credit: Elvis & Kresse]
