California-based natural soap company Dr Bronner’s has announced its departure from the B Corp certification scheme, citing dissatisfaction with the standards and the inclusion of large multinationals it believes undermine the certification’s integrity. After a decade as a B Corp, the family-run business with 323 employees criticized the global certification body for “enabling greenwashing and purpose washing by multinationals” and pledged to pursue more rigorous accountability through its own initiative.
Dr Bronner’s Pulls Out, Questioning B Corp’s Credibility
Dr Bronner’s decision to leave the B Corp network marks a significant challenge to the certification’s standing as an environmental and social standard-bearer. The company, known for its organic and ethically produced soaps, said the accreditation fell short of its sustainability expectations, particularly concerning the admission of corporate giants with contentious social or environmental records.
In a statement, Dr Bronner’s described the certification’s current state as “unacceptable” after being certified for ten years. It expressed frustration at being “lumped in with large multinational consumer packaged goods companies that have a history of serious ecological and labour issues.” The soap maker specifically pointed to the controversial case of coffee capsule producer Nespresso, owned by Nestlé, which received B Corp certification in 2022 despite past child labor allegations linked to its suppliers.
“Remaining certified now contradicts our mission,” Dr Bronner’s said, reinforcing the company’s view that the scheme’s credibility has been compromised.
Nespresso and the Controversy Over Multinational Membership
Nespresso’s inclusion in the B Corp roster has proved a lightning rod for criticism. In 2020, the coffee giant faced allegations of child labor in its Guatemalan supply chain. While the company asserted a “zero tolerance of child labour” and pledged immediate action, the controversy raised questions about the effectiveness and rigor of B Corp’s vetting process for large corporations.
A Nespresso spokesperson told the BBC, “Our B Corp certification is an acknowledgement of our long-standing commitment to sustainability, particularly our efforts to support coffee farmers… and a result of rigorous B Impact Assessment covering all environmental and social aspects of our business and supply chain.”
Despite this defense, companies like Dr Bronner’s argue that certification of major multinationals dilutes the meaning of B Corp status and risks encouraging superficial “greenwashing” practices.
What is B Corp and Its Certification Process?
Founded in 2006, B Corp is a certification granted by B Lab, a nonprofit organization. The accreditation signals that a company meets high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. The “B” stands for “beneficial,” highlighting the program’s emphasis on businesses acting as positive forces for society and the environment.
The global network has grown to encompass over 9,600 companies across 102 countries and 161 industries. While B Lab has not explicitly broken down members by company size, it maintains that more than 96% of its members are small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Currently, companies qualify for certification by scoring at least 80 out of 200 points on the B Impact Assessment, which evaluates environmental practices, community impact, transparency, and governance. This system allows companies to compensate for weaknesses in one area with strengths in another.
Upcoming Stricter Standards to Address Criticism
Responding to concerns raised by critics and companies like Dr Bronner’s, B Lab announced the introduction of new, more rigorous certification standards set to take effect from 2026. These will replace the existing point-based system with minimum requirements in seven key areas: purpose and shareholder governance; fair work practices; justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion; human rights; climate action; environmental stewardship; and government affairs and collective action.
Moreover, B Lab plans to introduce third-party verification of company performance and a requirement to demonstrate continuous improvement. According to Chris Turner, Chief Executive of B Lab UK, these changes aim to “make the standards more rigorous and raise the bar for businesses.”
Turner also rejected the suggestion that the new rules target multinational corporations specifically, stating, “We have increased expectations now of what being a force for good looks like. Within that, we acknowledge that bigger businesses have a bigger potential for impact and need more rigorous checks.”
Challenges in Balancing Growth and Authenticity
Despite these reforms, not all smaller companies are convinced. UK pet food firm Scrumbles, which also relinquished its certification this year, criticized B Corp for prioritizing membership growth over deepening sustainability efforts. Co-founder Aneisha Soobroyen explained that the company chose to donate their £8,500 recertification fee to Save The Children instead.
Academic experts echo these reservations. Nancy Landrum, professor of sustainable business transformation at Munich Business School, described B Corp as “a good starting point” for companies beginning their sustainability journey, but cautioned that “B Corp, and all of the most frequently used schemes, simply don’t go far enough.”
These challenges underscore the tension between maintaining broadly inclusive certification standards and ensuring stringent environmental and social responsibility benchmarks.
Dr Bronner’s New ‘Purpose Pledge’ Initiative
Not content with leaving the certification space unsettled, Dr Bronner’s has launched Purpose Pledge—a new, independent scheme designed to reflect what it defines as a truly mission-driven business. Focused on paying living wages, ensuring accountability, and maintaining supply chain integrity, the initiative has attracted commitments from 14 companies so far.
David Bronner, Dr Bronner’s chief executive, said the brand’s reputation will withstand its exit from B Corp: “We think our brand strength is enough.” He also left the door open for a return to B Corp should the organization adopt tougher standards for multinationals’ supply chains, noting that they “would re-join tomorrow” under such conditions.
Broader Implications for Corporate Sustainability
Dr Bronner’s exit and the debate over multinational inclusion spotlight the evolving landscape of corporate sustainability certification. As consumers increasingly demand transparency and environmental accountability, certification schemes must balance scalability with rigorous standards.
Industry analysts emphasize that B Corp’s forthcoming standards could become a benchmark for others. “If implemented effectively, these changes could propel B Lab to renewed credibility,” said Sarah Johnson, a sustainability consultant based in London. “However, the proof will be in enforcement and ongoing oversight.”
As sustainability certifications gain commercial significance, the risk of “purpose washing” remains a critical concern for policymakers, consumers, and ethical businesses alike.
Conclusion
Dr Bronner’s withdrawal from B Corp underscores growing skepticism among some businesses about the certification’s ability to maintain integrity amid expanding membership, including large multinationals. With B Lab preparing to implement stricter rules and verification processes, the coming years will test the resilience and relevance of one of the world’s most prominent sustainability certifications.
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