What Is a B Corporation (B Corp)? How to Become One? Examples from Türkiye and Around the World

The business world is evolving rapidly. Today, companies are expected to do more than generate profits—they are also expected to create value for society, the environment, and their employees. One of the strongest indicators of this transformation is the B Corporation (B Corp) movement, which has become a global leader in promoting sustainable business models.

A B Corp certification is awarded to companies that embrace a stakeholder-driven approach to business rather than focusing solely on shareholders. Their performance is evaluated not only on financial success but also on their social and environmental impact through an independent assessment process.

If you're looking to transform your business in line with sustainability principles, this guide covers everything you need to know.

In this article, you'll learn:

• What is a B Corp, and how do you become one?
• How does the certification process work?
• Examples of B Corp-certified companies
• What are the benefits of becoming a B Corp?

In our previous article, "What Is Corporate Sustainability?", we explored the fundamentals of corporate sustainability. In this guide, we'll take a closer look at one of its most influential business frameworks: the B Corp movement.

What Is a B Corporation (B Corp)?

A B Corporation, commonly known as a B Corp, is an internationally recognized certification awarded to businesses that place social impact and environmental responsibility at the core of their business model—not just financial performance.

The movement was launched in 2006 by the U.S.-based nonprofit organization B Lab with the goal of redefining what business success looks like.

Rather than measuring success solely through profitability, B Corps are evaluated based on four key pillars:

• Financial performance
• Social impact
• Environmental sustainability
• Transparency and accountability

Certified B Corps operate with a stakeholder-first mindset. They strive to provide fair working conditions, contribute positively to society, minimize their environmental footprint, and report their performance transparently.

Importantly, this stakeholder-driven model is not limited to large corporations—it can be adopted by organizations of all sizes.

How Does the B Corp Certification Process Work?

B Corp certification demonstrates that a company is committed not only to profitability but also to responsible environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.

To become certified, businesses must complete an independent assessment process administered by B Lab.

The Main Stages of Certification

1. Complete the B Impact Assessment

The certification journey begins with the B Impact Assessment (BIA), a free online assessment developed by B Lab.

The assessment evaluates a company's performance across five key areas:

• Governance
• Workers
• Community
• Environment
• Customers

2. Achieve a Minimum Score of 80

Companies are assessed on a 200-point scale.

To qualify for certification, they must achieve at least 80 points.

The final score reflects the maturity and effectiveness of the company's sustainability practices.

3. Verification and Documentation Review

The information submitted during the assessment must be supported by documentation.

B Lab specialists review the company's responses and conduct a verification process to ensure accuracy, transparency, and accountability.

This stage is critical to maintaining the credibility of the certification.

4. Certification and Joining the B Corp Community

Companies that successfully complete the process become part of the global B Corp community.

Certification must be renewed every three years, encouraging businesses to continuously improve their social and environmental performance.

B Corp Examples from Around the World and Türkiye

The B Corp movement continues to grow as more businesses prioritize positive social and environmental impact alongside financial success.

Today, more than 7,000 companies worldwide have earned B Corp certification, demonstrating their commitment to people, communities, and the planet.

Inspiring B Corp Companies from Around the World

Patagonia

Patagonia is an outdoor apparel company recognized for minimizing environmental impact throughout its production processes while promoting circular consumption through its second-hand product initiatives.

Ben & Jerry's

Beyond making ice cream, Ben & Jerry's is widely known for its active advocacy in areas such as social justice, climate action, and human rights.

The Body Shop

A long-standing advocate for ethical business, The Body Shop has built its reputation on cruelty-free products, ethical sourcing, and responsible business practices that closely align with B Corp values.

These companies treat B Corp certification not simply as a label but as a core part of their organizational culture and long-term business strategy.

B Corp-Certified Companies in Türkiye

Although the B Corp movement is still growing in Türkiye, several pioneering companies are helping drive this transformation.

Here are a few notable examples:

ecording

ecording is a climate technology company developing innovative solutions to address the climate crisis.

Through our ecoDrone technology, we restore degraded ecosystems and lead ecosystem restoration and reforestation efforts in hard-to-reach areas.

Learn more: ecoDrone

Fazla (formerly Fazla Gıda)

Fazla is dedicated to reducing food waste and advancing the circular economy.

By redistributing surplus food from restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, and other businesses, Fazla helps prevent food waste while combining technology, logistics, and social impact to create sustainable solutions.

SuCo

SuCo is a sustainable design brand producing reusable, collapsible water bottles as an alternative to single-use plastic bottles.

By using recycled materials and encouraging both individual and collective action, SuCo empowers consumers to reduce waste while supporting a more circular economy.

Reflect Studio

Reflect Studio is a sustainable fashion brand built on ethical production principles.

Its timeless designs, carbon-conscious production methods, and transparent value chain place environmental and social responsibility at the center of the business.

Wastespresso

Wastespresso transforms coffee waste into new products through circular economy principles.

By creating value from organic waste, the company contributes to waste reduction and lower carbon emissions while developing innovative approaches to sustainable waste management.

In addition to these companies, organizations such as Blurple Studio, DCEY, TEKSTAR, Ertunç Özcan, Akçakaya, beije, MAP360, Forvis Mazars, Orimpex Textiles, Semtrio, ATÖLYE, and S360 are also part of the growing B Corp community in Türkiye, helping shape a more sustainable business landscape.

Conclusion: Building the Future with B Corp

Traditional business models are changing.

Today's companies are expected not only to generate profits but also to contribute to a more equitable, sustainable, and inclusive world.

B Corp certification provides organizations with a practical framework for driving that transformation.

For businesses seeking to combine environmental responsibility, positive social impact, and long-term financial resilience, becoming a B Corp offers a clear path forward.

Ready to take the first step?

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