Is B Corp Worth It?

Imagine a world where companies aren’t just selling products, but selling a vision of a world where capitalism and social responsibility aren’t mutually exclusive; a future where profit and purpose are not enemies, but allies.

This, in short, is what the B Corp movement signals.

As the world grapples with environmental crises and social injustices, the B Corp movement takes on increasing importance. For many, (including ourselves), your impact is no longer a nice to have but a necessity. B Corp certification is not just about making a profit; it’s about making a statement — a promise to prioritise people and the planet alongside profit, to be accountable and to continuously improve.

However, the B Corp movement is not without controversy.

Critics argue that the certification process relies heavily on self-assessment, potentially allowing companies to showcase easy wins rather than tackle more complex issues. This leaves room for greenwashing, where companies might prioritise minor improvements to earn certification while ignoring more impactful steps e.g. Nespresso’s certification has been criticised due to its parent company Nestlé’s troubled human rights and environmental record as have Evian and their parent company Danone.

All this has led to calls for stricter criteria and stronger, more transparent standards. And, as the movement evolves, a new standard is being implemented this year to ensure the certification remains relevant and impactful.

We’ll be discussing all this and more in our next FORUM, whilst also exploring what success looks like in the modern economy:

You'll learn:

1. The balance between profit and purpose - How can companies effectively manage this dual focus?
2. Transparency and accountability - Are the current B Corp standards good enough to ensure genuine corporate responsibility?
3. Greenwashing - How can the B Corp movement address criticisms of potential greenwashing?
4. Scalability - Can the B Corp model work for businesses of all sizes, from side-hustles and startups to multinational corporations?
5. Global impact - How can the B Corp movement drive positive change on a global scale?