B Corp Label: Definition and Obtaining Process

Last updated: 05 / 01 / 2026

The B Corp label (abbreviation for “B Corporation” or “Benefit Corporation certification”) is an international private certification, issued by B Lab for for-profit companies (NGOs and associations are not eligible) that wish to demonstrate that they meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency.

Unlike labels focused on a specific product, B Corp certification analyzes the company as a whole. Are you looking to enhance your commitment, structure your CSR approach, or strengthen the credibility of your actions with your stakeholders? ETERNITY Systems explains what B Corp certification is, its benefits, and the steps to engage your company in this process.

Summary

The B Corp Label in summary

The B Corp Label certifies that companies act responsibly by having measurable positive impacts on society, the environment and internal governance.
Currently, certification is based on B Impact Assessmentwhich analyzes governance, social practices, environmental impact, customer base and value chain.
To be certified, a company must achieve a verified score of at least 80 points out of 200 and amend its statutes to incorporate the interests of all stakeholders.
From 2026 onwards, the certification criteria will change. towards a stricter model removing the overall score and integrating seven mandatory themes to strengthen the requirement and credibility of the label.
B Corp certification is a demanding process which requires concrete evidence, a full audit and recertification every three years.

What is B Corp certification?

B Corp certification recognizes companies that integrate high standards of social, environmental, and ethical performance, responsibility, and transparency into all their operations. B Lab, the independent, non-profit organization that awards this certification, assesses each company according to a rigorous international framework called the B Impact Assessment, which analyzes:

Management

Social practices

Environmental impact

Customer relations

The value chain.

To obtain this label, a company is evaluated as a whole and must meet 3 inseparable conditions:

- The company must achieve a verified score of at least 80 points out of 200. at the B Impact Assessment (BIA)
- The certified company must amend its legal statutes to commit to taking into account the interests of all stakeholders (employees, communities, environment) and not just those of financial shareholders.

To publicly publish some of its results and commitments.

The B Corp Label is based on a core idea expressed in its slogan: "Using business as a force for good," which can be translated into French as: " Don't aim to be the best company in the world, but the best for the world. »

Which companies can be certified by the B Corp Label?

To obtain B Corp certification, a company must meet criteria related to:

Its legal nature : The B Corp label is reserved for commercial companies. That is, those that are for-profit and generate revenue while also seeking to have a positive impact. Associations, NGOs, public bodies, or subsidized structures are not eligible for this certification.
Its seniority: To be certified as a B Corp, a company must to demonstrate at least 12 months of activity, This allows for the provision of actual data for a full fiscal year during the assessment. There is a specific provision for startups less than a year old, which can access temporary Pending B Corp status before full certification.
Its structure: the label is open to all companiesregardless of their size or organization. Very small businesses and SMEs represent the majority of B Corp certified companies. particularly in France. As for large companies and multinationals, they remain eligible, but must follow a more complex certification process with the B Movement Builders program.
Its sector of activity: The certification covers more than 160 sectorsranging from food to finance, including textiles, technology, and consulting. But certain sectors such as arms, tobacco, and gambling are excluded.

Examples of B Corp certified companies

To better understand what B Corp certification means in practice, it is helpful to observe companies that:

Achieve the best scores

Those that progress quickly

Those who are experiencing difficulties maintaining their certification.

The highest-rated French companies

Some French companies stand out with very high scores, well above the minimum required score of 80 points:

According to the list of French companies certified as B Corp, My Lucky Star holds one of the best scores in the country. with 147,6 points, which illustrates a particularly high level of requirement across all B Corp criteria.
The Laughing Meadows Organic, a subsidiary of Danone (Les 2 Vaches, Faire Bien), has shown remarkable progress with 82,9 points in 2017, 126,8 in 2020, then 125,2 points at the 2024 renewal. This progress places it among the best global B Corp in the food sector.
900.care, a specialist in rechargeable hygiene products, confirms the momentum of the movement in France with 117,5 points in 2025. The company has gained nearly 18 points in two years, notably thanks to a strong improvement in its environmental impact.

A label that is making progress in the food and distribution sector

The food sector has several iconic B Corp companies:

Danone marks a historic turning point by obtaining, in 2025, a global certification covering more than 200 entities in 60 countries. Some divisions, such as Danone Egypt, show high scores (109,4 points).
Rutabago, a social economy enterprise that offers organic meal boxes, obtained its certification in 2022 with 106,4 points and illustrates a coherent approach between economic model and social impact.
NespressoCertified in 2022 with 84,3 points, embodies a more controversial case because despite its certification, several B Corp companies have challenged the environmental and social impact of the brand, particularly around the issue of capsules.
Naturalia joined the movement with 80,1 points, just above the minimum threshold, showing that some companies are starting their approach gradually.

An example of a company in difficulty

Brewdog[Brand Name], a craft beer brand that has grown internationally, lost its B Corp certification in 2022 following internal allegations regarding its management culture. This withdrawal demonstrates that B Corp certification is not static and can be revoked if actual practices no longer align with stated commitments.

What are the 5 pillars of the current B Corp certification criteria?

The B Corp certification assessment system is based on the Business Impact Assessment (BIA), an international benchmark that measures the overall performance of a company across five areas of impact:

Management

The collaborators

The community

The environment

Customers

Management

This pillar examines how the company truly integrates its social and environmental mission into its organization, its decisions, its objectives, its daily working methods, and its accountability.

What is being analyzed:

The integration of the mission into the legal statutes and governance.

The decision-making structure and internal control mechanisms.

The level of ethics, transparency and communication towards stakeholders.

The existence of regularly published indicators or impact reports.

For example, a company that publishes a annual impact report and involves its management committee in monitoring its commitments can obtain a score of around 18 to 20 points.

The collaborators

The “Workers” pillar measures how the company contributes to the economic, social and professional well-being of its teams.

What is being analyzed:

Salary policies, benefits, and internal equity.

Health and safety in the workplace.

Training pathways, career advancement opportunities and skills development.

Satisfaction, engagement and internal feedback mechanisms.

This pillar recognizes companies that invest in their employees and guarantee good working conditions. For example, a company that offers a higher internal minimum wage than the market average, provides comprehensive health insurance, or regularly trains its teams can obtain a high score, around 25 to 30 points.

The community

The “Community” pillar It analyzes how the company operates within its territory and with its partners. In other words, it assesses how it creates a positive impact within its supply chain and contributes to a more inclusive, responsible, and socially beneficial economic model.

What is being analyzed:

Diversity, equity and inclusion within the company.

The local economic impact: job creation, partnerships with local SMEs.

Civic engagement: patronage, donations, volunteering, social programs.

The social responsibility of the supply chain (human rights, traceability, supplier audits).

For example, a company that collaborates mainly with local suppliers, conducts regular social audits, or applies an advanced inclusion policy, can obtain a high score, around 20 to 25 points on this pillar.

The environment

This pillar measures the company's actual environmental impact, both in its internal operations and in how its products or services are designed, used, and disposed of at the end of their life. It analyzes what happens in offices, factories, and warehouses, as well as the footprint left by materials, manufacturing, distribution, and recycling.

What is being analyzed:

Greenhouse gas emissions and climate strategy.

The consumption of energy, water and natural resources.

Waste management, recycling, eco-design.

The impact on biodiversity and ecosystems.

The ability to measure and reduce the environmental footprint across the entire value chain.

For example, a company that conducts an annual carbon footprint assessment, which reduces its single-use packaging of 40%, or which puts in place reuse can obtain a score of around 25 to 30 points on this pillar. This is typically the type of approach thatETERNITY Systems it grows by helping companies rethink their packaging, reduce waste generated and extend product lifespan through reusable and washable packaging solutions. This is precisely the kind of action and solution that a company can highlight during a B Corp assessment.

Customers

The “Customers” pillar It measures the real value that the company brings to its customers in terms of quality, safety, and usefulness. In other words, it seeks to understand whether the products or services provide a real and lasting benefit to customers. It also examines whether what the company sells truly improves the lives of its customers, while ensuring safe, transparent, and responsible use.

What is being analyzed:

The quality, safety and responsibility of products or services.

Ethical management of marketing and communications.

The protection and confidentiality of customer data.

Handling complaints and returns.

The contribution of the product or service to a social or environmental issue.

For example, a company that designs products and publishes transparent information, protects its customers' data via the GDPR and implements a responsive customer service can obtain a high score of around 10 to 15 points.

What's new for B Corp certification in 2026?

In 2026, the current B Corp certification system, based on a minimum score of 80 points on the B Impact Assessment, will be replaced by a more demanding model. based on mandatory criteria with 7 impact themes.

These new standards aim to strengthen the credibility of the label and harmonize practices internationally.

The end of the 80-point score in the BIA

In 2026 the 80-point threshold will no longer exist and it will no longer be possible to compensate for a weak pillar with good practices on a strong pillar, as was the case until now, because mandatory and non-negotiable requirements will have to be met in all themes.

A new structure based on 7 impact themes

The five historical pillars of impact of the B Corp Label: governance, employees, community, environment, customers, will be replaced by 7 themes, each with specific and mandatory criteria:

1. Stakeholder Mission and Governance This pillar aims to ensure that the company incorporates its impact mission into its strategy and involves its stakeholders in its decisions.
2. Fair Labor The objective is to ensure fair working conditions, decent wages and responsible management of employees.
3. Climate action: This pillar mandates the measurement of carbon emissions and the implementation of a reduction plan aligned with the 1,5°C target.

Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI)

Human rights: requires a due diligence approach to prevent negative impacts on people throughout the value chain.
Environmental management and circularity : assesses resource management, waste reduction and the integration of circular economy principles.
Public Affairs and Collective Action: verifies the transparency of public positions and the company's commitment to collective transformation initiatives.

What are the steps in the B Corp certification process?

There are 5 main steps in the B Corp certification process, which typically takes 6 to 12 months. starting with:

A self-assessment

A legal commitment

A complete audit

Official certification

The amelioration keeps going

Self-assessment: completing the B Impact Assessment (BIA)

The company self-assesses via the B Impact Assessment (BIA)a free and confidential online questionnaire that measures its overall impact:

The questionnaire contains approximately 200 questions adapted to the sector, size and country of the company.
The assessment covers the 5 impact pillars Governance, Employees, Community, Environment and Customers.
The goal is to achieve at least 80 points out of 200.This threshold is an initial filter that ensures only genuinely committed companies continue the process.

Submitting the application and the legal commitment

Once the 80-point threshold is reached, the company can submit its application to B Lab for evaluation. To do so, it must pay verification fees which depend on its turnover and are payable in two installments (10% upon submission, 90% upon verification).

One distinctive feature of the B Corp label is the modification of the company's legal status because it requires that it include in its statutes the obligation to take into account all stakeholders: employees, customers, suppliers, territories, environment.

Auditing and verification by B Lab

Once the application has been submitted, the B Lab control body verifies that the answers given in the B Impact Assessment (BIA) are accurate, documented and applied in reality.

The audit takes place in two phases:

The preliminary check B Lab first examines the company's profile, its sector and its exposure to risks in order to identify sensitive points (work, environment, supply chain, etc.).
The complete check: A B Lab analyst cross-checks each BIA response with tangible evidence such as carbon footprints, energy bills, impact reports, supplier contracts, or ethical charters. During this verification, the score often drops because companies lack evidence for these indicators, which are not always properly monitored or documented.

Official certification

After the assessment, if the final score is confirmed to be above 80 points, the company receives certification. Certification is formalized by:

The signing of the B Corp Agreement,

- Adherence to the Declaration of Interdependencewhich expresses the vision of a more inclusive economy,

The publication of the detailed score on B Lab's global platform,

Only from that point onward can the company use the B Corp™ logo, which attests to the rigor of the approach.

Continuous improvement and recertification every 3 years

B Corp certification is only valid for 3 years. At the end of this period, the company must go through the entire process again: self-assessment, evidence, audit and verification if it wants to keep the label.

It's a way to guarantee the label's credibility so that companies continue to structure their practices, strengthen their commitments and develop new impactful projects over time.

What are the advantages of being a certified B Corp?

B Corp certification brings value that goes beyond the CSR communicationbecause the benefits are measurable on:

Their economic performance

Their internal organization

Their attractiveness

Their ability to anticipate regulatory changes.

Better economic performance

Certified B Corp companies demonstrate growth and resilience that exceed market standards.

For example, according to B lab's 2024 annual reportIn the UK, small B Corp companies saw an average increase of +23,2% of their revenue last year, significantly exceeding the national average. This performance can be explained by:

Better risk management

Optimized use of resources

An economic model that promotes long-term sustainability.

This label is also a sign of trust for investors who see certified companies as reliable and therefore more attractive organizations. In France, it's more than 600 B Corp certified companies by 2025, representing almost 25% of the European movement, which demonstrates a growing dynamic of this model.

A more structured internal organization

The B Corp process requires the company to clarify its internal policies. Better documenting practices and implementing reliable impact indicators. B Impact Assessment becomes a strategic tool that allows for the identification of areas for improvement and the monitoring of the company's progress over time.

Enhanced brand appeal

Certified companies attract more talent with qualified profiles because younger generations are increasingly in The search for meaning in work. These same companies also record best retention rates because the employees share the company's values.

The label reinforces internal commitment, creates a sense of belonging and promotes fairer, more transparent and better regulated HR practices.

Anticipating regulatory changes

B Corp standards are already preparing companies for emerging European regulations. as the CSRD or the duty of vigilance. By collecting reliable non-financial data and adopting transparent processes, the company is better equipped to meet new legal requirements.

What are the limitations of the B Corp label?

There are certain limitations to the B Corp certification, particularly regarding:

Its openness to large, controversial companies : The arrival of multinationals within the label such as Nespresso or companies linked to Shell has generated criticism because the certifications have been deemed incompatible with the real impacts of these groups.
Its evaluation system: The compensatory logic of the points system, which allows a company to obtain certification even if it is weak in a key area, as long as it compensates in another, has been heavily criticized. This is what the new standards seek to correct by imposing minimum requirements for each area.
The cumbersome administrative process Many businesses, especially smaller ones, find the process too bureaucratic, requiring a lot of paperwork and supporting documentation. This administrative burden can discourage some otherwise highly committed organizations.

The evolution of the B Corp label encourages companies to structure their CSR approach, strengthen the transparency of their practices, and integrate impact into the heart of their business model. This transformation requires rigorous data management, a mastery of environmental issues, and the ability to demonstrate measurable progress over time.

ETERNITY Systems We support companies in this transition by providing them with operational solutions to manage and improve their environmental performance. Our tools facilitate impact measurement, packaging optimization, and the implementation of practices that comply with the most demanding standards, including those of the B Corp standard.

FAQ

How much does B Corp certification cost?

The cost of B Corp certification varies between €2000 and €50000 per year. It depends on the company's annual turnover and consists of two types of fees:

Audit fees : they are paid in two stages: 10% upon submission of the application, 90% upon verification.
Annual membership fees : once certified, the company must pay an annual fee to maintain the label.

The use of the B Impact Assessment (BIA), the self-assessment tool, remains free.

How long does it take to obtain B Corp certification?

The entire process typically lasts between 6 and 12 months. The duration varies depending on the size of the company, its level of preparation and the complexity of its operations.

Who awards the B Corp certification?

The label is issued by B Lab, a non-profit non-governmental organization (NGO) created in 2006 in the United States. In France, the movement is represented and led by the non-profit association B Lab France, created in 2019.

About the Author

Anthony ADAM

Communications and Marketing Manager at ETERNITY Systems, Anthony designs strategies and content to promote more sustainable consumption. He is a committed agent of change who combines creativity, rigor, and action to strengthen the visibility and impact of projects related to reuse and the circular economy.