By Lola Connelly
So what is a B-Corp certification?
Companies with the B-Corp certification are committed to using their business as a force for good. And it is not easy to achieve. It is a rigorous assessment consisting of 4,000 exam questions within 5 categories:
- Governance
- Workers
- Customers
- Community
- Environment
To receive the accreditation, the company has to achieve a minimum score of 80. Of course the higher it is, the better. The B-Corp communities have to retake this exam every 3 years, and have to improve their score. Otherwise lose it.
With a legal accountability to balance both profit and purpose, the B-Corp community is truly a sustainable and ethical business.
Furthermore, these are some of the highest standards of environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability. Have a look at these inspirational B-Corp brands.
With a multitude of responsibilities, it is no wonder Eileen Fisher has held the B-Corp certification since 2015. It even stands as one of the largest women’s fashion companies with this recognition.
Why Eileen Fisher is B-Corp
- Organic fibres
- Responsible fibres
- Certified dyeing
- Fair trade
- Human rights
What is inspirational about Eileen Fisher is the support towards the environment, human rights and initiatives for women and girls.
Through the ‘Renew’ and ‘Waste No More’ programmes they are committed to changing the fashion industry. These systems allow you to return your old clothes as part of a circular system. Either given to another home or turned into a completely new design. So far have taken 1.4 million pieces of clothing!
In terms of empowerment of women, Eileen Fisher promises to:
“Do all we can to empower women and girls, especially as advocates for the environment”
This is through the Women Together programs and Eileen Fisher Leadership Institute. Ultimately, helping women to find their voices and journey of success.
Shop Eileen Fisher
2. Kotn
Kotn has been a B-Corp company since 2017, and is well known for their Egyptian cotton essentials. Above all, Kotn has worked hard in developing a positive impact socially and toward the environment.
For instance, Kotn funds many social impact projects within Nile Delta including:
- Advocating for education
- Building and operating new schools
- Providing resources to smallholder farms
Meanwhile, Kotn works with family run farms to pick the Egyptian Giza cotton. Ensuring fair pay and safe working conditions. The Nile Delta is actually the only place it grows in the world, so listen to the farmers’ needs. It is incredibly important as it is presently saving Egyptian cotton from extinction.
Shop Kotn
3. Organic Basics
Organic Basics, is the everyday essentials brand aimed to take care of you, the environment and people who work for them.
They aim to reduce their impact in many ways:
– Only working with factories holding the same morals and values. This includes the workplace being free of forced labor, treated with respect and paid a living wage.
– Only ever use natural, renewable, recycled, biodegradable and or low-impact textiles.
– Design everything to last. With new innovations such as Silvertech for their underwear and activewear
The new innovation of Silvertech, contains recycled nylon and a recycled silver salt called Polygiene. To clarify, this material kills 99% of bacteria whilst wearing it. You can go weeks without having to wash your clothes. So, by encouraging you to wash your clothes less, you will reduce your CO2 emissions and water usage.
Have a look at The Low Impact Project to see how people are trying to reduce their environmental impact.
Shop Organic Basics
4. Veja
Since 2004, 3.5 million pairs have been sold. Whilst 4 out of 5 of the highest earners are women.
Shop Veja
5. WE-AR
The inspirational brand name WE-AR informs everything they do. For instance, WE-AR is the mantra ‘I am’ or ‘We Are’. Meaning, ‘All is one’ in other words. Above all, kindness is at the root of their ethos. For the people, community and planet equally.
- Carefully selected textiles which considers the environment, health and social impact.
- Social and economic development
- Conscious collaborations
- Above and beyond human rights
This yoga brand’s inspiration is the endless artistry of the human form, therefore create clothing to accentuate individual beauty. Not only to accentuate ourselves, but also the responsibility we have to the planet. To further impact their B-Corp status WE-AR have become Accredited Living Wage Employers. And will only partner with companies who share their vision. To which the Sustainable Business Network partnership connects them with.
Shop We-Ar
6. Norlha
With a minimum score of 80 to achieve a B-Corp certification, Norlha has 125.2! So has the highest standards of social and environmental performance.
With Tibetan culture at the core, Norlha hopes to change the way we see luxury. Rather as an ethical conscience with dedicated artisans.
This is certainly seen through the handwoven creation of their products. Containing the rare fibre of yak wool, beautiful creations come from the nomads on the Tibetan Plateau.
Norlha currently has 120 employees, who spin, weave and felt shirts, dresses and oversized scarves. Inspiration is all around them when it comes to the colour palette. From the tundra of winter to the grasslands of the summer.
Through these products, Norhla hopes to educate a Tibetan culture, but also bring everyone together as one.
Shop Norlha
These brands are leading the way to inspire their customers to make the sustainable choice. There is a story behind each and every one. All wanting to make a positive difference.
Lola Connelly
Lola is a Media and Communications graduate from Newcastle University who is highly passionate about sustainable and ethical fashion. She is also an enthusiastic photographer and avid film lover.
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This article may contain some affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, KeiSei Magazine receives a small percentage of the sale price, or some brands may have paid a small fee to be featured. We only recommend brands that match our sustainable and ethical criteria and that we truly believe in.
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