Back in May 2022, we proudly announced our certification as a B Corporation, joining a global community of businesses committed to using profits and growth for a greater good. Today, we’re thrilled to share even better news: Project Merchandise has successfully recertified as a B Corp, and we’ve significantly boosted our Impact Assessment score from 82 to a remarkable 93.4! This leap reflects the dedication and passion of the entire team to continually improve our positive impact.
What is a B Corp and Why Does Recertification Matter?
At its heart, B Corp certification signifies that a company meets high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency. It’s a good indicator that a company is focused on creating positive outcomes for people and planet, not just their profit line.
As a matter of fact, B Corps are required to consider the impact of their decisions on all stakeholders: workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment, changing their articles of association to enshrine this requirement into law.
Via a broad ‘B Impact Assessment,’ B Corps are assessed on factors from employee benefits and charitable giving to supply chain practices and input materials, with evidence required to prove they walk the walk.
One and done? Oh no. The framework isn’t static. To ensure businesses continue to strive for positive change, recertification is required every three years, with impact reports published annually in interim years (link below). This process pushes us to not just maintain our standards but to actively seek ways to improve and deepen our impact. It’s about continuous progress, holding ourselves accountable, and staying true to our mission of being a force for good in the world of promotional merchandise.
Environmental Leadership Drives Our Improved Score
Our latest B Impact assessment highlights the significant strides we’ve made across all five impact areas. We are particularly proud of our performance in the Environment section, where our initiatives contributed a substantial 31.5 points to our overall score. This area examines everything from our environmental management practices to our influence on air, climate, water, land, and biodiversity, encompassing both our direct operations and our supply chain.
A major driver of this improved environmental score was the formal recognition of our Resource Conservation Impact Business Model. B Lab acknowledged our deep commitment to using better, more sustainable materials, actively working to reduce waste and emissions throughout our processes, before offsetting the emissions we cannot yet eliminate.
This commitment is clearly demonstrated by our continued status as a certified carbon neutral business. A year on from our first carbon-neutral assessment, we slashed emissions intensity by 14.7%, way beyond our 5% target. This was achieved by:
- Continuing to replace products with better, more sustainable options wherever we can, including using materials such as recycled plastic, cotton, stainless steel, and aluminium, alongside organic cotton, and sustainably sourced wood and bamboo.
- Doubling down on products with solid emissions data.
- Moving into a co-working space running on 100% renewable energy.
- Getting more of the team on green energy plans at home.
- Reducing our acquisition of capital goods.
‘We’ve been itching to share this news ever since submitting our new assessment for review. Seeing that B Corp score climb put a huge spring in our step. It’s fantastic having seeing another positive outcome from the choices we make every day, from the materials we source to how we run our office. It fuels our determination to keep pushing for better – for our customers and for the planet.’
Chris Dawson, Co-Founder & Sales Director
Proud to Be Part of the B Corp Community
With B Corp certification, we’re doubling down on our commitment to a sustainable and equitable future, and this progress speaks volumes. What’s more, the B Corp community continues to be a fantastic resource for connection and learning, bringing us together to work, share and learn with great companies like Forest, Marshfield Farm, Valtech, TicketTailor, Tyler Grange and even B Lab. We’re incredibly proud to count them among our customers, and for their recognition of the positive impact of our work.
Learn More About Our B Corp Commitment
Want to learn more about what it means to be a B Corp and our ongoing commitment to people and the planet? Head over to our B Corp page for all the details.
