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B Corp Alternatives

Updated: Oct 18


B Corp Alternatives


What is B Corp?


"B Corporations are leaders in the global movement for an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy" - B Corp

Essentially, a B Corps runs its business and creates products with a focus on sustainability prioritizing people and the planet.


Who is a B Corp?


Representing over $150 billion in annual revenue, B Corp has over 5,000 companies globally across 77 countries.These companies include;

  • TOMs

  • Ben and Jerry's

  • Kickstarter

  • Allbirds

  • Alpro

  • Mindful Chef

  • The Body Shop


B Corp Brands

Check out some causes to donate to for B Corp


Why do businesses become a B Corp?


While many businesses promote sustainability as a core value because it is just something they believe in. Sustainability is also an incredibly valuable brand value for a business to have customers associate with it.


Studies have shown that high-sustainability companies outperform low-sustainability companies by 2.3% annually. While this comes down to many factors (including great company leadership), it is important to note that customer purchasing and engagement metrics also support this fact- as 75% of consumers are likely to stay loyal to a brand that supports a social or environmental cause versus brands that do not.


While there might be a short-term cost to making a business more sustainable, the long-term gains far outweigh, especially, if your brand would like to connect and attract purpose-driven conscious consumers.


Customer Retail Demographics


B Corp's value comes from the trust it has built with consumers. To keep this trust, B Corp has put in many steps to ensure that greenwashing businesses cannot slip it. However, their rigorous auditing process can cost up to $50,000 and take more than 18 months for large businesses.


For businesses looking to align with alternative (or additional) certifications and initiatives, here are a few options to consider:


Check out some causes to donate to for B Corp


B Corp Alternatives


Benefit Corporation


Benefit Corporation is in the same family as B Corp but serves a different purpose. B Corps are applicable for any for-profit entity who receives a verified score B. Benefit Corporation's is only relevant for corporations in select geographies.


Nore: Their performance is also self-reported.


B Corp vs Benefit Corporation

1% for the Planet


1% for the Planet

1% for the Planet was founded back in 2002 with a very clear objective - get businesses to pledge 1% of their revenue (not profits) towards vetted environmental causes and initiatives. These causes support several pillars including; Rights to Nature, Conservation & Restoration, Resilient Communities, and Just economies.


Note: Many 1% for the Planet brands use Virtue to pay their causes!


Notable Brands:

  • Patagonia

  • Ben and Jerry's

  • oxo

  • kelpy


B Corp Charity Fundraising


Check out some other causes to donate to for B Corp


United Nations Sustainable Development Goals UNSDGs



The UNSDGs were developed in 2015 as a framework and set of rules for a sustainable future. They address the many challenges facing our planet today from all facets of life from Poverty and Hunger to Affordable Clean Energy.


What are the UNSDGs?

  • No Poverty

  • Zero Hunger

  • Good Health and Well-being

  • Quality Education

  • Gender Equality

  • Clean Water and Sanitation

  • Affordable and Clean Energy

  • Decent Work and Economic Growth

  • Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

  • Reduced Inequality

  • Sustainable Cities and Communities

  • Responsible Consumption and Production

  • Climate Action 14. Life Below Water

  • Life on Land

  • Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  • Partnerships for the Goals


Notable Brands supporting UNSDGs:

  • The Open Bank Project

  • Patagonia

  • Ikea

  • Ben & Jerry's

  • Tesla


Carbon Neutral


Carbon Offsetting eCommerce

Carbon Neutral is a program supported by Natural Capital Partners. This certification is focused solely on carbon emissions (as the name would suggest). Carbon Neutral helps brands measure their emissions, create strategies for reducing their emissions, offset their remaining emissions, and communicate their commitment to carbon neutrality


Notable Brands working with Carbon Neutral:

  • Microsoft

  • sky

  • Logitech

  • Brooks

  • Lime


Plastic Neutral


Plastic Neutral Certifications

Many organisations are supporting the plastic-neutral movement - with some great options including rePurpose and our Friends at Seven Clean Seas. It is estimated that there are over 78 million tonnes of plastic packaging flowing into our oceans - working towards plastic neutrality is a great way to show your support for our oceans and waterways.


Notable Brands:

  • Iceland

  • Better Nature

  • Nature's Logic


Check out some other causes to donate to for B Corp

 

B Corp Plastic Offsetting

Check out some other articles on our site:


Virtue Case Studies:


For Brands:


For Causes:


Best eCommerce Charity Apps:


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