Leading beauty brand, Weleda, is excited to announce it has received B Corp certification, adding yet another layer to its business to validate the brand’s high standards and meaningful ways to operate.
Being B Cop certified makes Weleda part of an international movement of companies that do business in a meaningful way, with high standards and values anchored in their corporate bylaws. While 80 points are required for B Corp certification, Weleda scored 106.9 points.
The B Corp certification is awarded by the non-profit organisation, B Lab. It is not products that are certified, but a company’s actions and overall approach. The focus is on social added value and ecological sustainability, and not maximising profits at any price.
In other words, it is about the environment, biodiversity, species protection, human rights, climate protection, employees and customers. B Lab calls it ‘business as a force for good.’
“Unfolding the health and beauty of people and nature” is Weleda’s corporate purpose, according to the brand. The company has been guided by this principle since it was founded in 1921 and has always placed sustainability above profit. Serving the environment and the common good is also anchored in its bylaws.
“Becoming a certified B Corp is the next step in the same direction,” Weleda said in a press release. “B Corps meet the highest verified standards for social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. With recertification every three years, Weleda has embarked on a process that aims at ever higher standards and continuous improvement.”
Globally, more than 4,000 B Corp-certified companies from more than 150 industries and 74 countries now stand for a more inclusive and sustainable economy. Well-known examples include Patagonia, Fairphone and Ben & Jerry’s.
For the certification, Weleda had to answer and provide documentation to many questions about all aspects of the company. Over 100 employees were involved in the process. B Lab recognises Weleda’s commitment to sustainable living, for example, in its certified natural skincare and the equitable relationships it nurtures with cultivation partners around the world to source plant-based raw materials.
Customers are aware of the impact that consumption has on our planet and society, and are demanding that companies take action. As the industry leader for certified natural skincare and anthroposophic medicines, Weleda takes this responsibility seriously.
“Sustainability is at the heart of what we do, and it is anchored in our corporate purpose,” said Weleda executive board member, Michael Brenner, who is also responsible for sustainability. “Being in harmony with nature and people is only possible if we are a responsible and sustainable company.
The B Corp certification helps us to communicate our high standards and philosophy worldwide. In our main markets, Weleda is already recognised as one of the leading responsible natural skincare brands. We still want to achieve this recognition in other countries and also for our pharmaceutical business.”
