We're very proud to have recently become a B Corp! But what does that actually mean? How do you get certified, and what have we done to make our chocolate more sustainable?
B Corp Certificate
B Corp certification is an international certification for companies that have a positive impact on people and the environment. "B Corp" stands for 'Benefit Corporation,' and with this certification, you can demonstrate that your company prioritizes not only financial value but also value for people and the environment.
The entire business operation is considered, including your impact on the value chain, your production processes, and how you treat your employees, for example. You can earn points in five key impact areas : Governance, Employees, Community, Environment, and Customers. The certification process is rigorous, requiring applicants to achieve a benchmark score of at least 80 (out of 200) points and provide evidence of socially and environmentally responsible practices.
Who else are B Corps?
Worldwide, approximately 8,974 companies are B Corp certified. In the Netherlands, over three hundred corporate headquarters hold the certificate. Well-known brands like Tony's Chocolonely, Dopper, Johnny's Cashew, and Patagonia are B Corp. And now we are too!
We are even the first company in the Netherlands to become a B Corp as a craft business. We want to set an example for other craft family businesses. Also nice to know: De Bonte Koe is one of 39 B Corp companies with a female director!
Our path to sustainability
Three years ago, we began our certification process at B Lab, inspired by Yvon Chouinard's book "Let My People Go Surfing." Our mission is to make the tastiest, fair-trade, and handmade chocolate in the Netherlands, while minimizing our impact on people, animals, and the environment. We wanted to learn how our business was already performing and where we could improve.
In recent years we have taken several steps to improve our impact:
- Switching to organically certified and traceable cocoa from the Grupo Conacado Cooperative in the Dominican Republic.
- Improvement and recyclability of our packaging.
- Installation of solar panels on our buildings in Schiedam.
- Purchase of an electric van.
- Investing in pension plans for temporary employees.
- Collaborations with organizations such as JINC and sponsorship of a children's surfing team in Dakar.
See also our mission and impact report here .