B Corp Certification Certification Explained

Type: Cruelty-Free

Country: International (USA-based)

Established: 2006

Scope

Entire companies across all sectors

Audit rigor

Level: third-party-audit. Supply-chain verified: No.

Cost for brands

Annual fee based on revenue. Ranges from $1,000 to $50,000+ per year.

Recognized in

Global — 80+ countries, 9,000+ certified companies

Notes

Certifies companies (not products) against overall social and environmental performance using the B Impact Assessment. Covers governance, workers, community, environment, and customers. B Corp does not certify vegan status — Ben & Jerry's (dairy ice cream) and Eileen Fisher (uses wool) are certified B Corps. Patagonia held B Corp status but surrendered its certification in December 2022 after restructuring its ownership into a charitable trust. A good indicator of general ethical intent, not a vegan guarantee.