Atayne, which makes performance outdoor and athletic apparel in the USA from 100%-recycled materials, was recently re-certified as a B Corporation. B Corporations are a growing worldwide movement of for-profit companies voluntarily choosing to adhere to higher standards of corporate accountability, social responsibility, and environmental performance. Atayne has been a certified B Corporation since March 2009.
B Corporations or “benefit corporations” like Atayne are a new type of company that make business decisions that benefit society and the environment, not just shareholders.
B Corporation certification is offered by a four-year-old, nonprofit organization called B Lab. Certified B Corporations must take and pass a “B Impact Rating System” that assesses social and environmental performance. B Corporation members are also required to adopt the “B Corporation Legal Framework” designed to expand corporate transparency and accountability beyond what is required from traditional corporations.
Companies seeking B Certification is a fast-growing business trend. Atayne shares B Certification status with more than 400 companies, including several top consumer brands renowned for their leadership and best practices in corporate ethics and environmental responsibility.
Governments are readily taking notice of the movement. B Lab’s certification and legal framework served as the model for legislation codifying benefit-corporation status in Maryland, Vermont, New Jersey and Virginia. Lawmakers in several other states are considering similar business legislation.
“B Corporation certification is key to distinguish good companies from just good marketing.” Said Jay Coen Gilbert, Cofounder of B Lab. “Atayne is one such company and a leader of the movement for a better way to do business. With their innovation and commitment to the triple bottom line, Atayne is setting a new standard for their industry.”
“Consumers are looking for brands with integrity,” said Jeremy Litchfield, Atayne founder and chief pacesetter. “Third-party certification from B Corporation identifies the truly socially and environmentally responsible manufacturers like Atayne and distinguishes them from companies that are good at marketing. If Atayne wasn’t fully committed to benefiting the health of people and the planet, we’d be just another performance apparel manufacturer. B Corporation certification helps Atayne tell its story, which provides a financial advantage for our company,” said Litchfield.
The time and effort it takes to submit an application for B Corporation certification is often rewarding in itself.
“Filling out the B Impact Rating System assessment every two years to maintain our B Corporation certification helps us review Atayne’s practices and improve our performance,” said Litchfield.
Brunswick, Maine-based Atayne uses innovative technologies and materials made from plastic bottles and fabric scraps–in other words, trash!–to create high-performing athletic and outdoor gear that is safe for people and the plant.
