We are proud to announce that we have earned B CORP certification, the highest distinction for companies committed to making environmental and social responsibility a core part of their business operations, joining companies such as Patagonia, Divine Chocolates and Guardian Media Group.
Achieving B CORP certification validates Kakou’s credibility, acknowledging and rewarding the efforts we’ve made from the very beginning in 2016.
However, it is not the end of the road. We also view the certification as a fantastic way to identify the areas in which we need improvement, providing us with a great roadmap for future actions and programs.
There are currently 3,243 B CORPs worldwide, 248 in the UK and 2 in the East Midlands/South Yorkshire area (Lincoln and now Chesterfield)!
Using business as a force for good
B Corporations (or B CORPs) are a growing group of companies who are reinventing business, by pursuing purpose as well as profit. Kakou has been certified by B Lab as having met rigorous social and environmental standards which represent its commitment to goals outside of profit.
The B Corp Certification examines an organisation’s entire structure, covering five key impact areas of Governance, Workers, Community, Environment and Customers. The certification process is rigorous – businesses must score a minimum of 80 points and provide evidence of socially and environmentally responsible practices – including energy supplies, waste and water use, worker compensation, diversity and corporate transparency. To complete the certification, the company will legally embed their commitment to purpose beyond profit in their company articles.
Certified B Corporations believe it’s time to expand how success is measured in the business world. For-profit businesses should be a force for good and collectively strive for “shared and durable prosperity.” B Corps voluntarily meet high standards for social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency.
