“The B Corp movement is one of the most important of our lifetime, built on the simple fact that business impacts and serves more than just shareholders—it has an equal responsibility to the community and to the planet.” Rose Marcario, CEO of Patagonia.
So what is B Corp company and why is Ethique so proud to be one?
B Corps are for-profit companies certified by B Lab to meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. We love this quote from B Corp:
“B Corp is to business what Fair Trade certification is to coffee or USDA Organic certification is to milk.”
Every B Corp company has gone through a strict assessment process with B Lab and we have put our names to the B Corp declaration of interdependence that states that:
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 benefits for all stakeholders, not just the shareholders.
As B Corporations and leaders in this new economy, we believe:
That we must be the change we seek in the world.
That all business should 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.
In June 2015 Ethique was ranked as the highest certifying B Corp company in New Zealand.
Why?
- We are a living wage certified employer, which means all our staff from production to admin are paid above a living wage (which is set by an independent agency every year.)
- We have committed to donating 2% of revenue, or 20% of profit (whichever is higher) to charity.
- We run a transparent workplace, where all members of our team are encouraged to speak out, ask questions and learn about all aspects of the company.
- Our team are given as much flexibility as possible, with generous sick leave, holiday pay and other bonuses which go beyond the legal requirement.
By shopping with Ethique you are not just buying great products, you are doing great good in the world.
Ethique will continue our certification programme with B Corp, we aim to certify every two years which will see us be in the top 10 B Corp companies around the world.
Other B Corp companies that you may have heard of include:
The Honest Company, Ben and Jerry’s, Patagonia, Etsy, Seventh Generation, Warby Parker to name a few.
If you would like more information on B Corp you can check out their website https://www.bcorporation.net/
