In this interview, Armelle Duvieusart, Community & Impact Lead at B Lab Germany, talks about the new B Corp standards.
What exactly is the B Corp certification?
The B Corp certification is considered one of the most demanding sustainability labels worldwide. For more than 15 years, the B Corp movement has stood for a clear idea: businesses can – and should – be a positive force for people, society and the environment.
Why was it time for new B Corp standards?
The climate crisis, social inequality and supply chain risks require new responses. These global developments prompted B Lab to revise the standards – with the aim of increasing focus, impact and clarity.
Which areas do the new B Corp standards cover?
Going forward, seven impact topics will be central: Purpose & Stakeholder Governance (responsibility, transparency and stakeholder engagement), Fair Work (fair wages, safety, employee representation and workplace culture), Climate Action (measuring emissions and implementing climate transition plans), as well as Environmental Stewardship and Circularity (closing material loops and conserving resources).
Also included are Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (promoting diversity and participation, creating inclusive workplaces and products/services), Human Rights (due diligence along the entire value chain), and Public Policy & Collective Action – responsible lobbying and local and global engagement.
What exactly is changing?
The new standards place impact and responsibility even more strongly at the centre. It’s no longer just about collecting points for good practices (outputs), but about the actual positive effects that contribute to global systemic change.
To achieve certification, companies must meet concrete minimum requirements – in each of the seven areas. In addition, certification will now be verified by an accredited third party, ensuring greater transparency. Regular progress reviews will also support continuous improvement. The new standards are furthermore aligned with international frameworks, significantly simplifying data collection and reporting.
What should companies consider regarding certification and re-certification?
It’s best for companies to start with a self-assessment of their current state. Assessing the status quo helps to identify existing gaps.
Next, leadership and the wider team should be actively involved to firmly anchor responsibility within the organisation. It’s also important to make as much data measurable as possible – this enables clear targets and traceable progress. To move into action, companies should develop a roadmap for targeted measures and allocate the necessary resources.
My recommendation: Think long-term and understand B Corp as both a strategic tool and a reflective learning process that enables a holistic assessment and improvement of the company.
What do the new standards mean for the future of responsible business?
The new standards are demanding – but also a real opportunity to embed sustainability systematically. They make responsible business more binding and measurable. They challenge companies to look beyond their own operations, to use their business as a force for good, and to become drivers of economic transformation. Because responsibility isn’t a trend – it’s the future.
About Armelle Duvieusart
Armelle Duvieusart is Community & Impact Lead at B Lab Germany. B Lab Germany is the national organisation of the global B Lab movement and promotes an inclusive, equitable and regenerative economy.
