At a time when the climate crisis, social inequality, and distrust of large corporations are becoming topics of daily debate, the need for a new approach to business is growing. Consumers are increasingly asking not only "how much does it cost?" but also "how was it made?", "was no one harmed along the way?" , and "does the company I'm buying from take responsibility for its actions?"

In response to these expectations, the B Corp movement was born —a global community of companies that believe business can be a force for good . This isn't about one-off CSR initiatives or PR campaigns with a green leaf in the background, but about a deeply rooted business philosophy—one that integrates social and environmental goals with the pursuit of profit.

Where did B Corp come from?

B Corp stands for " Benefit Corporation , " though the movement itself has gone beyond simply creating a new category of company. It was founded in 2006 by the nonprofit organization B Lab , which set out to define a new standard for responsible business. A standard based not only on declarations but also on concrete actions and measurable results.

Since then, B Lab has developed a tool – the B Impact Assessment – ​​that allows companies to self-assess and audit their social and environmental impact. Companies that achieve a certain level (minimum 80 points out of a possible 200) can apply for B Corp certification. This is not a one-time process – each company must recertify every three years and continually improve its standards. This makes B Corp certification a dynamic development process , not a one-time award.

What does it mean to be a B Corp?

B Corp certification isn't just confirmation that a company operates responsibly. It's also a commitment to conducting business in a sustainable and transparent manner , with respect for people, the environment, and local communities.

B Corps treat profit as a means, not an end in itself . Their strategy assumes that business success doesn't have to come at the expense of others—on the contrary, it can be a catalyst for positive change.

This means, among other things, ensuring employee well-being, offering fair wages and equal development opportunities. It also means making informed decisions about the supply chain, selecting suppliers who respect human rights and work ethics, reducing CO₂ emissions, minimizing waste, investing in local communities, and designing products and services with a focus on their social impact.

Equally important is the aspect of transparency – each certified company must publish a report with the results of its impact assessment. This gives consumers and stakeholders insight into the brand's actual actions, not just marketing slogans.

B Corp and the traditional business model

Traditionally, under capitalism, companies' mission was to maximize profits for shareholders. In this model, stakeholders such as employees, local communities, and the environment were treated as "costs" or secondary factors. The B Corp movement reverses this logic, promoting so-called stakeholder capitalism .

In this sense, a company should consider the well-being of everyone affected by its activities—not just shareholders, but also employees, customers, suppliers, local communities, and the natural environment. This approach is not only more ethical but, as research shows, often proves more sustainable and resilient in the long term .

Who is already a B Corp?

There are over 8,000 B Corp-certified companies worldwide , operating in over 160 industries and over 95 countries. These include both small, local businesses and renowned global brands that have decided to give their development a deeper meaning.

One of the most well-known examples is Patagonia , a clothing company known for its radical environmental initiatives and social engagement. Another is Ben & Jerry's , an ice cream brand that has for years combined commercial activity with social activism. In Europe, a growing number of startups and technology companies are joining the movement, eager to operate according to clear, responsible principles from the outset.

In Poland, B Corp is still a relatively new phenomenon, but it's growing rapidly. Among those who have achieved this status are our LaCava roastery , Ubrania do Oddania (a platform supporting the circular economy), and Tylko (a custom furniture manufacturer focused on sustainable production and local production).

Why does this matter?

In an era of greenwashing and corporate declarations of "sustainability," it's increasingly difficult to distinguish real actions from superficial ones. B Corp certification provides consumers and business partners with a tangible verification tool —confirmation that a company truly lives up to its declared values.

For companies themselves, it also provides inspiration and a roadmap for further development. The certification process often reveals areas for improvement and helps set priorities for the future.

At a systemic level, the B Corp movement is a clear signal that a different model of capitalism is possible – one that does not marginalize social and environmental issues but puts them at the center of business decisions.

Summary

Today, being a B Corp means more than just having a certificate – it's a conscious choice of values ​​and direction . It's a commitment to conducting business every day in a transparent, honest, and responsible manner – with people and the planet in mind.

In a world facing enormous challenges, we need companies that not only want to make money but also create lasting, positive change . B Corp shows that this is not only possible but also profitable—for companies and for all of us.