Fishpond, a Denver, CO-based designer of fly fishing and outdoor adventure packs, vests, gear bags, luggage and accessories, recently earned certification as a B Corporation. This designation is a voluntary effort requiring businesses meet high standards for social and environmental transparency, accountability, and performance.
All international certified B Corporations are legally required to consider the impacts of their decisions on employees, suppliers, communities, consumers and the environment. To earn certification, Fishpond passed rigorous evaluations to ensure it will use the power of business to solve social and environmental problems.
John Le Coq, fishpond designer, co-founder and co-owner
“Since Fishpond’s inception, we have strived to be leaders in sustainable practices and creating a workplace in which our employees can thrive,” says Fishpond founder and lead designer John Le Coq. “Becoming a certified B Corp tells our industry and our consumers that they are aiding a company that deeply cares about the environment and social responsibility on a large scale.”
Along with 55 other B Corp certified companies in Colorado, Fishpond will have access to a like-minded community of business owners to continually drive progress.
In its certification, Fishpond earned high marks for:
- Work in Washington on issues such as public lands access, water quality and quantity and more
- Creating its Cyclepond fabric harvested from commercial fishing nets found throughout the ocean
- Giving back to non-profits through partnerships and funds raised through product sales
“As a small fly fishing focused brand, it is very important to communicate to our employees, consumers and industry that our business is dedicated to making sustainable decisions affecting everyone involved,” says co-owner Ben Kurtz. “Joining Patagonia in the fly fishing industry as the only other manufacturer with this certification means a great deal to us and will undoubtedly mean more to our loyal consumers.”
