When I first stepped into the world of owning a sustainable business I knew that for me sustainable business practices would be much more than just choosing to use recycled paper for printing, or saving on energy usage where possible. 

In fact, from the get go I have always been committed to putting sustainability first at every step of the way. So here at Eco Ocean Haircare, we created our values and mission around sustainability and supporting a circular economy. We created our products with these values front of mind, and we carefully honed in on all our business practices to ensure our values were leading the way.

For us, becoming Bcorp certified was our way of proving our commitment to operating in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. And so, driven by our commitment to transparency and continuous improvement, we started our journey to B-Corp certification in early 2023. It was an exciting step for us, but not without its struggles!

Join me below where I share a little more of the journey & the importance behind this goal for us!

The Drive behind becoming B-corp certified.

We wanted to achieve BCorp certification for several reasons. Primarily, it was about transparency with our customers and stockists, ensuring they knew we were committed to doing the right thing. Additionally, we wanted to push ourselves and our organisation to find new opportunities to do better and enhance our sustainable practices.

BCorps are for-profit businesses that have met rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. Certified businesses balance purpose and profit, using their influence to drive positive change in the world.

After researching all the steps involved, and all the pros of becoming certified, I knew that becoming B-corp certified was not just a ‘maybe’, but for Eco Ocean Haircare it was a must. And I was committed to taking the steps to achieve the end goal, regardless of what this looked like.

What is BCorp certification?

BCorp certification is awarded to for-profit companies that have demonstrated a commitment to balancing purpose and profit. To become a BCorp, businesses firstly undergo a rigorous assessment of their social and environmental impact, governance, and transparency. The certification is awarded by the non-profit organisation, B Lab, which is dedicated to transforming the global economy to benefit all people, communities, and the planet.

There are over 8000 BCorps businesses worldwide, and to become certified, each and every business is required to meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency, ensuring that they are operating in a socially responsible manner.

Did the rigorous assessment put me off? Not at all. In order to achieve this recognition it’s necessary for the assessment to be intense - how else can we guarantee to be regarded as committed and dedicated to transforming our economy and environment without such practices in place? Plus, I knew we had some pretty good sustainable practices in place already - including our circular economy model and our regenerative product designs, so I was confident we would perform well! 

How long did becoming B-Corp certified take?

Becoming B Corp certified was a transformative journey that unfolded over the course of a year. We undertook the process alongside the daily demands of running our eco haircare business. This rigorous process offered us a profound opportunity to delve deep into every facet of our operations, from supply chain everyday operational procedures.While undoubtedly challenging, the journey was also incredibly rewarding. It pushed us to set higher standards for ourselves and our industry, fostering a renewed sense of purpose and accountability.

As we navigated the complexities of certification, we not only met stringent criteria but also uncovered new avenues for improvement and innovation. Today, proudly bearing the B Corp seal, we stand committed to sustainable practices and ethical principles, ready to inspire others in our industry to join us on this impactful journey towards positive change.

The importance of socially responsible business practices

With today’s rapidly changing business landscape, consumers and employees want to see more than just profitable businesses. They want to see businesses taking care of our Planet, their communities and their stakeholders.

By becoming B-Corp certified we saw this as a massive opportunity to showcase our commitment to doing the right thing which is a huge competitive advantage. 

These days it’s too easy to label a business as ‘eco’ or ‘sustainable’. These buzz words can be used left right and centre without any real transparency about how these businesses follow through on their so called ‘sustainable’ business practices. I saw this as the perfect opportunity to make sure we weren’t labelled as just another eco business.

Here at Eco Ocean Haircare we want our customers and stakeholders to know exactly how we hold up to our values. We are committed to helping our Planet and doing better at every step of the way - whether that’s through our product design or through our operating procedures, we are continually looking at ways to improve.

Benefits of becoming B-Corp certified

Becoming B-Corp certified can bring a wide range of benefits to businesses, both tangible and intangible. One of the main advantages is the increased credibility and reputation that comes with the certification. The B-Corp seal of approval serves as validation of a company's commitment to social and environmental responsibility, which can be a powerful marketing tool and a differentiator in a crowded marketplace - and I wanted in!

Plus, B-Corp certification can also lead to increased customer loyalty and employee engagement. Consumers are increasingly seeking out businesses that align with their values and are making a positive impact. By becoming a BCorp, companies can tap into this growing market of socially conscious consumers and attract like-minded employees who are passionate about making a difference.

The process of becoming BCorp certified can also lead to operational improvements and cost savings. I realised that the comprehensive assessment required for certification could help me identify areas in the business that could be improved, optimised and where I could further reduce my environmental impact. It was a win win for all involved!

B-Corp certification process and criteria

I’m not going to lie, the process of becoming B-Corp certified was a comprehensive and rigorous one. But all within its right, as it’s designed to ensure that businesses meet the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility.

The process from start til finish involved looking at every part of our business. The assessment looked at what stationery we used, what our manufacturing processes are, how we work with our stockists, right through to how we do our banking! As a result, I changed banks and superannuation providers, and created new supplier agreements to ensure their practices were equitable, fair, and sustainable, aligning with our ethos and that of B-Corp. 

Now that these changes are in place, I'm amazed at how small adjustments can lead to significant positive impacts.

Steps to becoming B-Corp certified

The process of becoming BCorp certified involves several key steps, each of which is designed to ensure that a company's commitment to social responsibility is genuine and sustainable.

The first step is to complete the B Impact Assessment (which I mentioned above). This step evaluated my business’s performance across various areas of social and environmental impact. This was the most time-consuming of the process!

Once the assessment was complete we looked at our legal framework and we underwent a verification process. This included lots of documentation, interviews and site visits.

Despite the rigorous steps involved - I’m so thrilled we went through this process. It’s such a privilege to be listed as a BCorp Certified business, knowing that our customers and stakeholders can trust that we are transparent and committed to our environmental and economical standards.

Challenges and considerations in obtaining B-Corp certification

While becoming B-Corp certified can bring numerous benefits to businesses, the process is not without its challenges, and I’d definitely recommend anyone considering the process to carefully look at whether it is right for them.

One of the main challenges is the time and resources required to complete the B Impact Assessment and meet the certification criteria. The assessment can be complex and time-consuming, and businesses may need to invest significant resources in improving their practices and policies to meet the BCorp standards.

To maintain your certification you need to continually monitor and improve your social and environmental impact to remain in compliance. Plus there are financial considerations to keep in mind.  The certification process and annual fees can be a significant investment, particularly for smaller businesses. However, many companies find that the benefits of BCorp certification, such as increased customer loyalty and employee engagement, outweigh the costs.

For anyone considering becoming Bcorp certified please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions - even if it’s just to find out what to expect.

Resources and support for businesses seeking B-Corp certification

For businesses interested in becoming B-Corp certified, there are a variety of resources and support available to guide them through the process.

The B Lab website (www.bcorporation.net) is an excellent starting point, providing a wealth of information on the B-Corp certification process, as well as a directory of certified companies and case studies.

B Lab also offers a range of training and consulting services to help businesses prepare for certification. This includes workshops, webinars, and one-on-one support from experienced B-Corp consultants.

You can also find support through many regional and local organisation who can help you in the process. These include economic development agencies, chambers of commerce, and non-profit organisations that are dedicated to promoting sustainable and socially responsible business practices.

Finally, there are a growing number of BCorp-focused communities and networks that can provide valuable peer-to-peer support and learning opportunities. These include online forums, local meetup groups, and industry-specific BCorp networks.

Embracing a socially responsible future with Eco Ocean Haircare (and our B-Corp certification)!

As the world is faced with pressing social and environmental challenges, the importance of socially responsible business practices has never been more evident.

I believe that for Eco Ocean Haircare, by becoming B-Corp certified, it’s a powerful way for us to demonstrate our commitment to driving positive change in the world and to continue doing better for our beautiful Oceans and Planet!