What the heck is a B Corp?

That is a damn good question. We have put in our fair share of hours to go into detail and looked into every little corner of our company to finally become one. So let us tell you about our new governance model and what a certified B Corporation is.

The bottom line of being a B-Corp is to always strive towards a balance between purpose and profit. Work towards reduced inequality, lower levels of poverty, a healthier environment, stronger communities, and the creation of more high-quality jobs with dignity and purpose. It means that organisations should be economically sustainable and at the same time have a purpose and a higher goal. But that’s not really how the world works. Right? 

B Corporations want to accelerate a global culture shift to redefine business success: a shift towards where growth is not just a percentage increase in profit or a record high share dividend, but rather an economic system that is regenerative, inclusive and equitable.

Even though sustainability is a top priority in most governments and the driving force for many non-profits, more so now than ever, it is not enough to solve our most challenging problems.

Businesses play a big role in the global economy and have a significant impact. And that is the power that the B Corp movement want to harness. To empower businesses that create a positive impact for employees, their communities and the environment. As of 2020, there are almost 4,000 B Corps in 150 industries and 74 countries around the planet.

What makes the B Corporation certification unique is that it is not a material, product or process certification. It looks at the whole business – almost like a management or governance model – and guides business leaders to look at sustainability across five categories: governance, workers, customers, community, and the environment.

Framme is one of the first B Corporations in our industry

As a certified B Corporation, we need to be completely transparent with everything we do in our daily operations. Show our sustainability goals, collect data and evidence that we operate sustainably because all B Corporations have to reapply for the certification every three years.

It might sound a little daunting, but we look forward to this journey becoming a good company. We believe being in a certified B Corporation amongst brands like Patagonia, Ben&Jerry’s, The Body Shop, Ace&Tate and agencies like Wieden+Kennedy is already a fantastic achievement.

But for us, sustainability and running a good business is a continuous journey of improvements. Hopefully, with you right by our side.