We’ve been B Corp certified since 2022. This globally recognized certification is not only a recognition of our efforts to make a positive impact, but also helps us take a critical look at how we do business and where we can continue to improve. The recertification process encouraged us to be even more critical: we closely reviewed our policies and impact ambitions and set new goals for the future.
What does B Corp mean again?
B Corp is a certification awarded by B Lab, a global nonprofit organization. B Corp stands for Benefit Corporation. In simple terms, it refers to a business that aims not only to make a profit, but also to create a positive impact on people, society, and the environment.
Why did we need to get recertified?
Once a B Corp, always a B Corp? Not quite. B Corp certification doesn’t last forever. Companies must continue to demonstrate the steps they’re taking and undergo regular assessments to maintain their certification. This year, it was our turn. We’re happy to share that we’ve successfully completed our recertification. An achievement we’re incredibly proud of.
This recertification is especially meaningful now that stricter European rules on sustainability claims have been in place since September 27, 2026. These rules aim to better protect consumers against greenwashing and set clear requirements for the reliability, transparency, and independent verification of sustainability certifications. B Lab’s new Standards V2 align with these developments, raising the bar even higher for B Corps. A challenge we were eager to take on. And our hard work paid off.
B Corp from 2026 onward – what has changed?
From points to performance
The previous points-based system, in which scores from different impact categories were added together, has been abolished. Companies needed to score at least 80 out of 200 points. This meant that a high score in one category could compensate for a lower score in another. There was room to raise the bar, and that’s exactly what has happened: companies must now meet strict minimum requirements in every individual category.
From 5 to 7 Impact Topics
A significant step forward, covering even more aspects of a company’s impact. Because there’s always room for improvement. These are the 7 Impact Topics: Climate Action, Environmental Stewardship & Circularity, Human Rights, Fair Work, JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion), Purpose & Stakeholder Governance, and Government Affairs & Collective Action. In short, a truly comprehensive framework. Want to know all the ins and outs of each category? Here you can find everything you need to know, and more.
An ongoing process of improvement
B Corp certification is much more than a certificate to frame and hang on the wall: it’s a process of continuous improvement. B Corp companies are expected to keep increasing their positive impact. In the third year of certification, a company must demonstrate that it has implemented its planned improvements and multi-year plans. To qualify for recertification in the fifth year, a B Corp company must prove that it has genuinely increased its positive impact.
Thorough verification
B Lab, as the organization behind the B Corp certification, makes the final certification decision, but only after an independent third party has verified the information submitted by the company. This ensures greater accountability and trust in the process.
What does B Corp recertification mean for A Beautiful Story?
For us, this recertification is a meaningful recognition of our efforts, because our impact ambitions are big: creating fair and meaningful work for makers in India and Nepal, ensuring living wages, responsible sourcing and traceability of our materials, taking climate action, and building an inclusive workplace. Meeting B Corp’s high standards doesn’t happen on its own: it takes hard work and dedication from all of us, putting our hearts and souls into what we do.
The recertification process not only highlighted our achievements, but also helped us identify challenges and areas for improvement. Born in 2006, never too old to improve.
Not an end goal, but a tool for impact
Does this mean we’ve reached our goal? Definitely not. Achieving recertification doesn’t mean everything is perfect. The B Corp framework is a tool that helps us stay focused, ask new and better questions, measure our progress, and continue to increase our positive impact. Because making an impact is never a finished story.
Together, we make a difference
Our B Corp recertification is a milestone we could never have achieved without our colleagues, makers, suppliers, and partners. Thank you all. Together, we’re the dream team that gives our mission wings.
