Greyston Bakery is B-Corp Certified
That might sound a bit technical, and while it does involve a rigorous third-party assessment of our operations, the bottom line is simple: we run our bakery, and use the profits we make, to maximize the positive impact we have on our community and the world at large.
What is a B Corp?
A B Corp is a company focused on using the power of business as a force for social, environmental, and economic good. But you can’t become a B Corp without certification from the non-profit B Lab. Through the certification process, B Lab evaluates an organization’s impact on its workers, suppliers, community, and the environment. A minimum score of 80 out of 200 possible points is required to achieve certification. If a company passes this hurdle, it can then sign a Term Sheet and B Corp Declaration of Interdependence to achieve certification.
Why does being a B Corp matter?
Being a B Corp helps us do two important things: 1) communicate our values, and 2) live up to them. As we like to say, we don’t employ people to bake brownies, we bake brownies to employ people. Being a B Corp embodies this commitment. But it also helps us deliver on it by holding us accountable to a rigorous and objective third-party standard. It constantly pushes us, and inspires us, to do better.
We’re not just any B Corp; we’re a top 5% B Corp
In 2008, we became one of the first B Corp companies in New York state. And we’ve been so successful at improving our community impact that, since 2013, we’ve been rated as “Best for the World,” an honor the B Lab bestows on only the top 5% of all B Corps.
Would I have heard of any other B Corps?
Most likely you have! There are now over 9000 certified B Corps from more than 160 industries in more than 100 countries. They range in size from small to large, all unified by their commitment to making their businesses a positive force in the world. Some of our favorites include: Ben & Jerry’s, Cabot Cheese, Rhino Foods, and Patagonia.
Is There a Difference Between a B-Corp and a Benefit Corporation?
Yes. Both are part of the global movement to use business as a force for good, but the most important difference between the two is that Benefit Corporations self-report performance standards, while B Corps are assessed and scored by the non-profit B Lab. We’re proud to be both.
