What does it mean to be a BCorp?

A B Corp company is an organization committed to upholding high standards of environmental and social performance, in addition to economic ones. A B Corp company aims to measure the positive impact of businesses on their employees, society, and the environment.

At Goldmann & Partners, the bioclimatic design studio I lead, we are also a B Corp, so I know well what it means: all B Corp companies believe in business as a positive force and strive to balance profit and ethics, sustainability and well-being. They embrace a "regenerative" business model that goes beyond profit, contributing to the well-being of society and the environment, and that is inclusive and fair.

The value of being a BCorp for businesses and the message to consumers?

The most beautiful characteristic of B Corps is their vision, which goes beyond profit, placing value on much more.

First and foremost, being a B Corp is a voluntary certification achieved through the measurement (a very complex process!) of certain performances. It's not exactly the same as "Benefit Corporations," which are a legally recognized form even in Italy.

To become a B Corp, you also have to be a Benefit Corporation (of course, if such status is available in your jurisdiction): and we, at G&P, are certainly one. Furthermore, you must demonstrate transparency by allowing information about your performance (measured against B Lab standards) to be publicly available on your B Corp profile on the B Lab website.

As for purpose and values, B Corp companies commit to operating responsibly, sustainably, and transparently towards people, communities, territories, the environment, and other stakeholders. As I mentioned, this goes well beyond mere profit.

B Corps have a global presence: Over 8,250 companies worldwide have obtained B Corp certification. In Italy, there are over 270 B Corp companies operating in various sectors (around 90).

As leaders in the movement for changing economic systems, B Corps reap significant benefits. They build trust among consumers, communities, and suppliers, attract and retain employees, and appeal to mission-oriented investors. Since they are required to undergo the verification process every three years to maintain recertification, B Corps are, by definition, focused on continuous improvement, leading to their long-term resilience. The message conveyed to the end consumer is that of a company attentive to pressing environmental and social issues and sees its role within a community as a strategic element for its survival. As mentioned earlier, being a positive force.

It should be noted that B Corp certification is holistic, not solely focused on a single social or environmental issue. The process to obtain and maintain certification is rigorous and requires involvement from teams and departments across the entire company. Depending on the size and profile of the company, verification involves documenting the business model and operational information, structure, and various workflow processes, as well as reviewing potential public claims and potential on-site visits. Recertification confirms that these standards continue to be met on an ongoing basis.

The B Corp companies selected for Milano Home and the values focused on and what will be focused on for 2025?

The B Corp companies chosen for The Green Circle are all committed to producing goods that can be used in everyday life, always in line with the principles of sustainability throughout the value chain, but not only: all companies have a strong sustainability mission in their strategy, which sets them apart in their respective sectors.

Alisea has been selected for its focus on the use of graphite in every aspect of its usability. Graphite is an industrial byproduct. Therefore, it is a "secondary material" that becomes a prime raw material again in the production of special pencils, but not only: in the coloring of natural materials, in electrical conduction within household items, and many other innovative developments.

Dock & Bay produces towels, beach towels, and textiles for beach life, sourcing all raw materials from plastic recycling.

Paper on the Rocks  stems from a very particular business idea: the use of marble powder, a residue from construction work, for the production of paper entirely made of stone to create notebooks for various uses. The resulting product is truly unique in its final touch: a type of velvety and extremely resistant paper, which is also completely waterproof.

Lastly, Teaology Skincare has created an entire and articulated line of cosmetics and skincare products based on the beneficial characteristics of tea.