THE PUNCH RESOURCES
A Guide to B-Corp Certification
and Bali's Certified B-Corp Brands
Bali, Indonesia – November 2023
A B-Corp is a special type of business entity or certification that embodies a commitment to making a positive impact on the world. Unlike traditional for-profit companies, B-Corps prioritize social and environmental responsibility, transparency, and accountability.
To achieve B-Corp certification, companies undergo a rigorous assessment covering various areas such as environmental responsibility, employee well-being, community engagement, and ethical business practices. This process ensures that B-Corps strike a balance between profit and purpose, aiming to benefit both society and the environment.
B-Corp certification serves as a public demonstration of a company’s dedication to responsible business practices, setting them apart from traditional for-profit entities. When you spot a company with B-Corp certification, you can be confident that they have met specific standards and are committed to using their business as a force for good.
This certification is more than just a label; it’s a meaningful recognition of a brand’s overall impact on society and the environment. The thorough and transparent assessment process distinguishes those who genuinely prioritize people and the planet alongside profits. B-Corps are at the forefront of a broader movement, showcasing that businesses can play a pivotal role in driving positive change in both society and the environment.
Guide to B-Corp Certification
Initial Assessment:
The journey commences with an initial online assessment. Companies contemplating B Corp certification can complete this evaluation at no cost to assess their performance in various areas, such as governance, workers, community, and the environment.
Full B Impact Assessment:
Once a brand decides to pursue B Corp certification, it must undertake the comprehensive B Impact Assessment. This detailed questionnaire covers a wide range of factors, including environmental practices, employee relations, and community engagement. It scrutinizes the company’s operations and business model to assess its impact. The brand is then evaluated on a scale of 0 to 200 points, with a minimum score required to proceed.
Verification and Documentation:
To uphold integrity, B Lab, the non-profit organization behind B Corp certification, requires brands to submit supporting documentation to verify their assessment responses. This step ensures transparency and accuracy.
Legal Commitment:
Brands must also make a legal commitment to meet high social and environmental standards. They need to amend their governing documents to prioritize more than just financial interests, considering their impact on workers, the community, and the environment. This change often involves adopting a legal framework such as a Benefit Corporation or other forms recognized by local laws.
Certification Review:
A brand’s assessment and documentation undergo a thorough review by B Lab. This process includes independent, third-party assessments to verify that the brand has met the necessary standards.
Continuous Improvement:
Achieving B Corp certification is not the end; it marks the beginning of a journey toward greater positive impact. Brands are encouraged to continually improve and adapt to meet evolving standards and challenges.
Public Commitment:
Once certified, a brand signs the B Corp Declaration of Interdependence and gains the privilege to use the B Corp logo. This public commitment signifies the brand’s dedication to balancing purpose and profit, joining a global community of businesses committed to doing better for the world.
Since 2018, Indonesia has witnessed a growing dedication to sustainable business practices, with 116 B-Corp certified brands registered in the country.
B-Corps certified brands in Bali, Indonesia
Since 2018, Indonesia has witnessed a rising dedication to sustainable business practices, with 116 Corp certified brands registered in the country. These companies have undertaken a journey to harmonize profit with environmental and social impact, meeting the rigorous standards set by the global B-Corp movement. The substantial presence of B-Corps in Indonesia mirrors a broader shift toward conscious capitalism and a commitment to fostering positive change through business, thereby making the nation a more sustainable and responsible place for consumers and entrepreneurs alike.
Faithfull the Brand
“Faithfull the Brand is extremely proud of its B Corporation certification, reflecting its unwavering commitment to community, conscientious business practices, and its pledge to be a force for good in the fashion world. Since its inception, co-directors Sarah-Jane Abrahams and Helle Them-Enger have actively sought Bali’s premier manufacturers to create their handmade garments, maintaining a close and collaborative relationship with the local community. At the heart of the brand are thoughtfully produced designs that evoke a sense of summer and a spirit of travel.”
Kmana Concept
“Since May 2023, Kmana is honored to be a B Corp, aligning itself with businesses leading a global movement for an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy. For Kmana, sustainability is viewed as a journey that commences with a commitment to integrity. With an emphasis on continuous learning, the company undertakes honest assessments of what it can and cannot achieve, recognizing the necessary trade-offs in the pursuit of sustainability.”
Indosole
Indosole represents a lifestyle of resourceful creation. The footwear is skillfully crafted by artisans in Indonesia, utilizing repurposed tires and natural materials.
Indosole’s mission is to become the most responsible and environmentally conscious footwear company globally, delivering high-quality, environmentally friendly, and vegan footwear for travel, adventure, and everyday life. Officially launched in 2009, Indosole sandals were lovingly handcrafted through an organic process, incorporating motorbike tires as soles right here in Bali. The supply chain was entirely local, boasting the lowest possible carbon footprint. Indosole proudly became a registered B Corp in 2014.