We are B Corp

B Corp, short for Benefit Corporation, is a certification awarded to companies that maintain high standards of responsibility. B Corps consider the impact of their decisions on employees, customers, communities, and the environment, using business as a force for positive change. 

B Corp is a movement founded in 2006 by the non-profit organisation B Lab. Today, there are many B Labs around the world that form the B Global Network. The goal of B Lab is "to create a more inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economic system for all." B Lab develops and conducts the assessment for the B Corp certification. 

To be awarded and maintain a B Corp certification, a company must undergo an assessment of its social and environmental performance on a regular basis. B Corps are legally required to consider the impact of their actions on all stakeholders, and are committed to making business a positive driver for a better world. 

Ricola used the certification process as an opportunity to review its strategy and processes, and to identify its internal gaps. As a result of working towards becoming a B Corp, Ricola now has sustainability activities embedded throughout the company, from human resources to logistics to engineering. 

In addition, as part of Ricola’s B Corp certification journey, Ricola’s partners were also encouraged to take responsibility for their activities

The B Corp certification helped Ricola understand the importance of documenting and tracking processes. Much had been done, but not well documented. Improving this helped Ricola assess more precisely how the company, through its workforce, was already thinking and acting sustainably. 

The B Corp certification process is now completed, but the journey continues. Being a B Corp is not an "okay, done" task. Ricola regularly looks for gaps to activate further actions. There is a re-certification process, also known as a B Impact Assessment, which takes place every three years. 

Being a B Corp is more than just having a certificate – it’s about ensuring that all our actions have a sustainable impact. As such, Ricola is constantly trying to close existing gaps and address new issues in the sustainability journey. Being a B Corp gives the company direction without strictly limiting its activities. 

Being a B Corp is not just an inward journey! For Ricola, the B Corp community is a great place to exchange ideas and discuss issues with like-minded companies.