B Corp: The certification driving corporate sustainability

As global interest in sustainability, social responsibility, and transparency grows, more companies worldwide are waking up to their role as engines of positive change. In this context, B Corp certification emerges as a standard that not only verifies but also transforms businesses that achieve it, leaving a lasting positive impact on people and the planet.

What is B Corp?

B Corp, short for Benefit Corporation, is a certification awarded to companies demonstrating an exceptional commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, and ethical practices. It is granted by the international non-profit B Lab, which assesses a company’s impact on employees, customers, communities, and the environment.

But this isn’t just another quality seal. B Corp is a promise to consumers that a company is committed to balanced growth, where profits go hand-in-hand with caring for society and nature.

B Corp as a Catalyst for Change

The certification sets a new benchmark for business models rooted in sustainability and growth. While traditional companies are often focused on maximizing profits for shareholders, B Corp-certified companies adopt a broader mission: the focus is on sustainability and social value.

This shift is visible in several key aspects:

1. Ethics and Transparency: B Corp companies demonstrate a high level of transparency in their processes – from sourcing raw materials to their treatment of employees. This openness fosters trust with customers and society.
2. Environmental Commitment: Certified companies undergo a thorough evaluation of their environmental practices, including waste management, renewable energy use, and carbon footprint reduction.
3. People-Centric Practices: The certification covers not only customers but also employees. Work conditions, pay equality, and employee well-being are central to the assessment.

How Does a Company Achieve B Corp Certification?

The process is detailed and demands a true commitment to sustainability. Here are the key steps:

1. Impact Assessment (B Impact Assessment):
   Companies complete an online questionnaire covering five core areas: governance, employees, communities, environment, and customers. To qualify, they must score at least 80 points.
2. Legal Changes:
   Companies make legal changes to their structure to ensure that decision-making takes into account the interests of all stakeholders, not just shareholders.
3. Audit and Verification:
   After submitting the questionnaire, B Lab conducts a comprehensive audit, which includes site visits and a detailed evaluation of the provided information.

Why is B Corp Certification Important?

The world is facing a number of challenges – climate change, social inequality, and loss of biodiversity. B Corp offers a solution by placing companies at the center of efforts to build a more sustainable future.

• Consumer Trust: Today’s consumers are informed and demand transparency. B Corp certification serves as a guarantee that a company is prioritising both their interests and the planet’s, alongside profits.
• Long-Term Sustainability: B Corp companies are better prepared for the future. They invest in long-term solutions that contribute to global well-being.
• Inspiring Role Models: B Corp companies are often innovators in their industries. They set a standard that inspires other businesses to follow their lead.

Wooden Spoon – Striving to Lead the Way

For Wooden Spoon, obtaining B Corp certification is a natural step in reinforcing our mission to create high-quality, ethical natural cosmetics. This certification proves that our philosophy of caring for nature, consumers, and employees is more than just a marketing approach. With B Corp, Wooden Spoon joins the ranks of global leaders in the natural cosmetics industry—companies that don’t just sell products, but inspire change.

Innovations for Nature

Wooden Spoon is making significant strides toward a sustainable future by implementing innovations that minimize our environmental impact:

• Recyclable and Biodegradable Packaging – We actively incorporate recyclable and biodegradable packaging with the goal of reducing the waste left in nature. This is part of our broader strategy to close the production loop and create products that leave a minimal environmental footprint.
• Energy-Efficient Production – Our production process is designed to be energy-efficient and have a low environmental impact. We invest in technologies and methods that significantly reduce carbon emissions.
• Sustainably Sourced Raw Materials – We pay special attention to the origin of our certified organic raw materials, working exclusively with suppliers who follow sustainable practices.
• Uncompromising Quality for Consumer Health – The health and safety of our customers is our top priority. We never compromise on the quality of our raw materials or products, ensuring every formula is carefully developed and tested.

Cause-Driven Initiatives

In addition to our dedication to sustainability and innovation, Wooden Spoon actively participates in cause-driven campaigns and social responsibility initiatives:

• Supporting Women’s Health: This October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we launched a campaign to raise awareness and encourage women’s health care. With every natural cream deodorant purchased, we gave a second one as a gift, encouraging our customers to share it with a loved one—whether a friend, sister, or mother. This is not just a gesture of care, but a message for a healthier lifestyle.
• Helping Children with Dermatitis: We offer a 50% discount on our innovative Bio Silver Cream for atopic skin for families with children diagnosed with this condition. This initiative not only alleviates the financial burden on parents but also provides high-quality skin care for children suffering from this painful condition.

Supporting Sports and Community Events

We sponsor events like Burgas Run and Kalandja Run, which promote an active and healthy lifestyle. Supporting these events highlights our commitment as a company to the community and our efforts to encourage physical activity and health care.

B Corp in Bulgaria and the World

Currently, there are only five B Corp-certified companies in Bulgaria, alongside Wooden Spoon. Although few in number, these companies are pioneers in sustainable business practices, already making a tangible impact on the business environment:

• Setting New Standards for Responsibility: These businesses are showing how companies can operate in harmony with society and nature.
• Inspiring Other Businesses: These companies serve as role models, encouraging others to adopt a sustainable model.
• Attracting Conscious Consumers: Consumers who choose B Corp brands become part of the global movement for positive change.

At the European level, the number of cosmetic companies with B Corp certification is significantly higher, placing Wooden Spoon on the global map. Currently:

• Europe has over 800 certified companies, with approximately 10% in the cosmetics industry.
• Well-known names like The Body Shop, SBTRCT Skincare, Medik8, UpCircle, and others prove that sustainability is not just a trend, but a foundation for success in the industry.

These companies show that sustainability and innovation can go hand in hand, setting high standards for quality and ethics.

We are proud to say that Wooden Spoon is an example of how a Bulgarian family business can achieve global recognition. We strive to inspire our customers and colleagues to understand the importance of sustainable practices and together to solidify the idea that sustainability, ethics, and success complement one another.