Beyond the Label: What B Corp Certification Really Means

You’ve likely seen the symbol: a capital “B” inside a circle with a small underline. Black on a stark white background; it looks serious, and it is probably stamped on some of your favorite brands.

But what does it actually mean?

It turns out that being a Certified B Corporation isn’t about joining a club or paying for a badge. It’s a hard-won designation built on multi-tiered requirements with a dedicated focus on people, communities, and the planet. And it requires proof of impact.

Not Just a Badge: What B Corp Really Means

If you’ve seen the B corp label, but you’re not quite sure what it means, you’re not alone. As a matter of fact, only about 1 in 4 consumers have even heard of B Corps.

B Corp certification means a company is committed to balancing profit with purpose.

The certification is awarded by B Lab, a nonprofit organization that evaluates businesses against rigorous social and environmental standards. To earn certification, companies undergo a detailed and often lengthy evaluation process. This includes a thorough assessment of how they treat their employees, engage with customers, support their communities, and manage their environmental impact.

It’s a level of scrutiny most companies never undergo, which is part of what sets B Corp Certified companies apart.

A History of B Lab

In 2006, B Lab was founded on a simple but ambitious idea: that business could (and should) be a force for good.

At the time, many companies were measured almost entirely by profit. B Lab set out to challenge that model by creating a new standard. One that redefines success to include social and environmental impact alongside financial performance.

To bring that vision to life, they created B Corp certification.

What began as a new way of thinking about business has grown into a global movement. Accordingly, there are now over 10,000 Certified B Corporations across more than 100 countries and 160 industries.

The Proof is in The Process

B Corp certification continues to evolve. As of 2025, companies are now evaluated across seven distinct areas of impact, each one reflects a different dimension of how a business operates.

1. Government Affairs & Collective Action
   Advocating for policies and collaborating with others to drive broader social and environmental change.
   
2. Purpose & Stakeholder Governance
   Operating with a defined purpose and making decisions that consider more than just profit, including people, communities, and the planet.
   
3. Climate Action
   Taking measurable steps to reduce environmental impact and support efforts to limit global warming.
   
4. Human Rights
   Assessing and addressing how operations and supply chains may impact human rights.
   
5. Fair Work
   Prioritizing fair wages, safe working conditions, and a positive, inclusive workplace culture.
   
6. Environmental Stewardship & Circularity
   Reducing waste, conserving resources, and minimizing environmental impact across operations.
   
7. Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
   Fostering diverse, inclusive workplaces and contributing to more equitable communities.
   

B Corps at Haskill Creek

At Haskill Creek, every brand we carry goes through a thoughtful vetting process. We consider everything from ingredient integrity and manufacturing practices to transparency and sustainability efforts.

With this in mind, when we see the Certified B Corporation logo, it’s an immediate signal that a company aligns with the values we prioritize. We currently carry a growing selection of B Corp-certified brands, each one reflecting a broader commitment to people, communities, and the planet.

From ingredient-focused brands like True Botanicals, known for its emphasis on transparency and MADE SAFE®-certified formulations, to brands like Plant People, which prioritize responsible sourcing, each brings a different approach to impact.

Others, like UpCircle and Ocean Bottle, are focused on reducing waste and rethinking how materials are used, helping to minimize environmental impact in tangible ways.

It’s one more way we aim to take the guesswork out of choosing products you can feel good about.