Established in 2006, B Lab is the nonprofit network transforming the global economy to benefit all people, communities and the planet.
Driven by its purpose is to redefine success in the economy, it is building a community of engaged businesses, known as B Corps, united by B Labs across the globe — forming the B Global Network — including Australia, East Africa and mainland Europe, as well as North and South America.
The B in the names refers to benefit, to highlight the benefit that these organisations bring to workers, the community and the environment.
We’ve taken a look at 10 of the most influential companies with B Corp status in the US.
10. Warby Parker
Co-CEOs: Neil Blumenthal and Dave Gilboa
Director of Social Innovation: Hannah Kowlaski
Product: Designer eyewear and eye care services
Founded in 2010, Warby Parker and its innovative direct-to-consumer model became a certified B Corp in 2018. Warby Parker's sustainability strategy focuses on reducing environmental impact, promoting social good and maintaining ethical business practices.
One of the company's most notable initiatives is its "Buy a Pair, Give a Pair" programme. For every pair of glasses sold, Warby Parker distributes a pair to someone in need through partnerships with non-profit organisations.
As of 2024, the company has donated more than10 million pairs of glasses, significantly impacting global vision care accessibility.
9. Vital Farms
CEO: Russell Diez-Canseco
General Counsel, Corporate Secretary and Head of Impact: Joanna Bal
Product: Pasture-raised eggs and butter
Vital Farms operates on a stakeholder model, prioritising the well-being of its farmers, crew members, customers, vendors, investors and the environment in every decision.
At the heart of Vital Farms' sustainability strategy is its commitment to pasture-raised farming.
The company works with more than 350 small family farms across the US, ensuring that each hen has at least 108 square feet of outdoor space to roam and graze. This approach not only improves animal welfare but also contributes to soil health and biodiversity on the farms.
“We've been a purpose-driven business since day one, challenging ourselves every day to forge a path that we believe raises the standards in the food industry and positively impacts the future of all our stakeholders,” says President and CEO Russell Diez-Canseco.
Founded in 2007, the company achieved B Corp certification in 2015 for its commitment to ethical and sustainable farming practices.
8. Natura & Co
CEO: Fabio Barbosa
Chief Sustainability Officer: Angela Pinhati
Product: Beauty and personal care products
Natura & Co, formed in 2017 through the merger of Natura Cosméticos and The Body Shop, achieved B Corp certification in 2014, becoming the largest B Corp in the world at that time.
Natura & Co's sustainability strategy is built on three pillars:
- Addressing the climate crisis
- Protecting the Amazon
- Defending human rights
In terms of climate action, Natura & Co has set ambitious targets to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, 20 years ahead of the UN's 2050 goal.
The company has made significant progress, with 86% of its electricity now coming from renewable sources.
Natura & Co has also committed to eliminating excess packaging and ensuring 100% of its packaging is reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2030.
7. Danone North America
Group Deputy CEO Danone, CEO Americas & EVP Dairy, Plant-Based and Global Sales: Shane Grant
Chief Sustainability and Strategic Business Development Officer: Henri Bruxelles
Product: Food and beverage products
In 2018 Danone North America, a subsidiary of global food company Danone SA overtook Natura & Co as the largest B Corp in the world at that time.
Danone North America's sustainability strategy focuses on regenerative agriculture, circular economy, and social innovation.
At the forefront of Danone North America's sustainability efforts is its commitment to regenerative agriculture.
As of 2022, the company's regenerative agriculture programme covered nearly 150,000 acres, representing 75% of its dairy milk volume and boosting carbon sequestration and soil.
6. Ben & Jerry's
CEO: Dave Stever
Global Sustainability Manager: Jenna Evans
Product: Ice cream and frozen yoghurt
Ben & Jerry's, founded in 1978 and acquired by Unilever in 2000, has long been recognised for its socially responsible business practices.
Its sustainability strategy focuses on climate justice, racial equity and ethical sourcing.
The company's Caring Dairy programme, launched in 2003, works with dairy farmers to implement sustainable farming practices.
As of 2022, 100% of Ben & Jerry's dairy comes from Caring Dairy farms or those certified by the Milk with Dignity programme, which focuses on farmworker rights.
The company achieved B Corp certification in 2012, maintaining its commitment to social and environmental causes even as a subsidiary of a larger corporation.
5. Amalgamated Bank
CEO: Priscilla Sims Brown
Chief Sustainability Officer: Ivan Frishberg
Product: Banking and financial services
Amalgamated Bank, founded in 1923, has distinguished itself as America's largest B Corp certified bank and a leader in socially responsible banking.
The bank achieved B Corp certification in 2017, reinforcing its commitment to using finance as a tool for positive social and environmental change.
Amalgamated Bank's sustainability strategy focuses on climate finance, workers' rights and social justice.
The company has committed to aligning its lending and investment portfolios with the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement.
It has pledged to achieve net zero emissions in its financing activities by 2045.
As of 2022, Amalgamated Bank had committed more than US$1bn to climate solutions and had completely divested from fossil fuels.
“Our climate work is technical and strategic, but it also honours the heritage of those who work for the future,” says Ivan Frishberg, CSO.
“We are excited to embark on this work, engage with clients to realise our goals, and communicate our progress to our valued stakeholders.”
4. Lemonade Insurance
CEO: Daniel Schreiber
Social Impact Leader: Nina Rauch
Product: Insurance services
Lemonade Insurance has disrupted the traditional insurance industry with its tech-driven approach and commitment to social good.
Lemonade's sustainability strategy focuses on transparency, social impact and environmental responsibility.
At the core of Lemonade's business model is its innovative Giveback programme.
The company takes a flat fee from premiums and sets aside the remainder to pay claims. Any unused funds are then donated to nonprofits chosen by policyholders.
The company was founded in 2015 and achieved B Corp certification in 2016, just one year after its founding, demonstrating its dedication to balancing profit and purpose from the outset.
3. Etsy
CEO: Josh Silverman
Senior Director of Impact & Sustainability: Chelsea Mozen
Product: E-commerce platform for handmade and vintage items
Etsy, founded in 2005, is a leader in sustainable e-commerce, connecting millions of buyers and sellers of unique, often handmade goods.
The company achieved B Corp certification in 2012 thanks to its focus on economic impact, ecological footprint and employee well-being.
Etsy has made significant strides in reducing its ecological footprint. In 2019, the company became the first global e-commerce platform to offset 100% of its carbon emissions from shipping.
It has also committed to powering its operations with 100% renewable electricity by 2025.
2. Veeva Systems
CEO: Peter Gassner
Product: Cloud-based software solutions for the life sciences industry
Veeva Systems is a leading provider of cloud-based software solutions for the global life sciences industry.
Veeva's sustainability strategy is deeply integrated into its business model, focusing on three key areas: environmental stewardship, social impact and responsible governance.
The company has set ambitious goals to reduce its environmental footprint, including a commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030.
The company achieved B Corp certification in 2021, becoming the first publicly traded company and largest enterprise to join the B Corp community while listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
This milestone underscores Veeva's commitment to balancing profit with purpose and maintaining high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability.
1. Patagonia
CEO: Ryan Gellert
Director of Environmental Action: Beth Thoren
Product: Outdoor clothing and gear
Patagonia, founded in 1973 by Yvon Chouinard, has long been at the forefront of sustainable business practices and environmental activism.
The company became a certified B Corporation in 2011, formalising its commitment to using business as a force for good.
In 2022, Patagonia took an unprecedented step by transferring ownership of the company to the Patagonia Purpose Trust and the Holdfast Collective, ensuring that all profits not reinvested in the business would be used to combat climate change and protect undeveloped land.
Patagonia's sustainability strategy is comprehensive and deeply ingrained in every aspect of its operations.
The company has set ambitious goals to become carbon neutral across its entire business, including its supply chain, by 2025.
To achieve this, Patagonia has invested heavily in renewable energy, with 100% of its electricity needs in the US now met by renewable sources.
The company has also implemented innovative manufacturing processes that have reduced water usage in its textile production by 50% compared to industry standards.
“We are a company with a climate strategy, working to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions we create and to protect nature, especially where fossil fuel development and the destruction of forests threaten land and water systems," says Ryan Gellert, CEO of Patagonia.
“For decades, we have also focused our advocacy on community-led environmental efforts, starting with where we have global offices and stores, from protecting a local surf break near our headquarters in Ventura, California in the early 1970s to now helping government and NGO partners in Albania establish Europe’s first wild river national park.”
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