Author: Peter Leatherland

It is becoming more and more apparent that a lot of businesses, particularly large international corporations are not behaving in a way that benefits society. As corporations get bigger they get further and further away from the idea or inspiration that started them up, the focus is no longer on making the best of whatever it is they make, instead the focus becomes entirely on profit to reward shareholders. The drive for profits may encourage them to improve how they do things, improve what they sell to appeal to more people, but the easier route to profit is to make things cheaper, put pressure on suppliers, pressure on the environment, to cut corners, to cheapen ingredients etc. Sadly the majority of household brands take this approach and it is difficult for consumers to know if a company is really acting in a responsible manner and will often hide behind a lot of advertising, most consumers are totally unaware of unethical practices large companies engage in.

Most people would rather buy from a company that does things right, they may be happy to get a few pence off the cost of their products but not when they find out about how that saving was made. Certified B Corporations are a new kind of business that balances purpose and profit. B Corporations could help us get around this problem and help people make better choices. Society’s most challenging problems cannot be solved by government and non-profits alone so this is where better ran, more ethical and sustainable businesses come in.

The B Corp Declaration of Interdependence:
We envision a global economy that uses business as a force for good.
This economy is comprised of a new type of corporation – the B Corporation – which is purpose-driven and creates benefit for all stakeholders, not just shareholders.
As B Corporations and leaders of this emerging economy, we believe:
• That we must be the change we seek in the world.
• That all business ought to be conducted as if people and place mattered.
• That, through their products, practices, and profits, businesses should aspire to do no harm and benefit all.
• To do so requires that we act with the understanding that we are each dependent upon another and thus responsible for each other and future generations.

The number of businesses choosing to become a Certified B Corporation is increasing and the certification is becoming more recognised by consumers who want to see businesses working for a better world at the same time as running a sustainable business. Some of our favourite brands on Natural Collection are Certified B Corporations, here are just a few;

Patagonia

Patagonia became a B Corp six years ago, but have been an ethical business from their inception. Patagonia are one of the leading outdoor clothing companies creating organic cotton clothing, sportswear and adventure gear whilst maintaining a sustainable and environmentally friendly business ethic. Their simple and inspirational Mission Statement is “Build the best product, do no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.

Patagonia hold environmental and sustainable values, reflecting the ethos of those who run the company; a passionate crew of climbers and surfers who believe in minimalism, simplicity and style. Many of Patagonia’s clothing garments are made from organic cotton and recycled polyester.

Cafédirect

Cafédirect produce some of the most delicious coffee on the planet, and at the same time act as a responsible, sustainable business committed to Fairtrade. Cafédirect was the first UK coffee brand to be awarded this prestigious B corps certification. Cafédirect has always been pioneering. As well as being the first UK coffee company to be Fairtrade certified, Cafédirect always goes above and beyond to champion better ways of doing business. Unlike any other coffee company, Cafédirect invests 50% of its profits directly back into Producers Direct, a UK charity that works directly with growers around the world.

Badger Balm

Badger is a small, family-owned, family-run, and family-friendly company nestled in the woods of Gilsum, New Hampshire. Badger uses pure organic ingredients, blends them up to make them creamy, dreamy and ready to soothe, heal, and pamper. Badgers’ products are never tested on animals and contain no chemicals, preservatives, synthetics or GMOs – leaving room only for the best ingredients. Badger work hard to maintain a healthy community-minded business with ethical and charitable social principles.

That is only the tip of the iceberg, we work with a number of B Corps including; Dr Bronner, Divine Chooclate, gNappies, Herbatint, Ella’s Kitchen, Elvis and Kresse
Delphis, Bees Wrap, Cheeky Panda, Tony’s Chocolonely, Preserve, Rebel Kitchen, Yogi Tea, Lilys Kitchen, Pukka Organic, Full Circle and we are adding more and more all the time!