Picture Organic Clothing, makers of recycled, organic, and bio-sourced products for board sports, announced Thursday it has earned B Corp certification, a distinction for companies committed to making environmental and social responsibility a core part of their business operations.
“Achieving B Corp certification validates Picture’s credibility, acknowledging and rewarding the efforts we’ve made from the very beginning in 2008,” said Picture co-founder and CEO, Julien Durant. “However, it is not the end of the road. We also view the certification as a fantastic way to identify the areas in which we need improvement, providing us with a great road map for future actions and programs.”
B Corporations (or B Corps) are a growing group of companies who are reinventing business, by pursuing purpose as well as profit. Picture Organic Clothing has been certified by B Lab as having met rigorous social and environmental standards which represent its commitment to goals outside of shareholder profit.
The B Corp Certification examines an organization’s entire structure, covering five key impact areas of Governance, Workers, Community, Environment and Customers. The certification process is rigorous – businesses have to score a minimum of 80 points and provide evidence of socially and environmentally responsible practices – including energy supplies, waste and water use, worker compensation, diversity and corporate transparency. To complete the certification, the company will legally embed their commitment to purpose beyond profit in their company articles.
Picture is now part of a community of more than 2,600-plus businesses globally that have received certification as B Corps. The B Corp community is reflective of the American economy, with businesses from a cross section of industries and sizes. These include well-known and respected brands like Patagonia, Cotopaxi, Athleta, and Ben & Jerry’s.
“We are delighted to welcome Picture Organic Clothing to the B Corp Community. This is a movement of companies who are committed to changing how business operates, who believe business really can be a force for good. We know that Picture is going to be a fantastic addition to the community and will continue driving the conversation forward,” said Nathan Gilbert, executive director of B Lab Europe. “Being able to welcome Picture to the B Corp Community is hugely exciting. Their commitment to doing business differently will be an inspiration to others and really help spread the idea that we can redefine success in business to be as much about people and planet as it is about profit.”
