Swapfiets
In this edition, we feature Swapfiets—a company that has embedded sustainability into its DNA and embraced the B Corp movement to amplify its impact. Their story is a testament to how businesses can drive change, not just for their customers, but for their communities and the planet.
Beyond Certification: How Becoming a B Corp Transformed Swapfiets’ Impact Strategy
The world is shifting—business as usual is no longer enough. B Corps are stepping up, using their influence to create lasting, meaningful change. In this blog series we highlight inspiring stories from Certified B Corporations. Through interviews with our B Corp community, we uncover the lessons, challenges, and triumphs of businesses that are redefining success.
In this edition, we feature Swapfiets—a company that has embedded sustainability into its DNA and embraced the B Corp movement to amplify its impact. Their story is a testament to how businesses can drive change, not just for their customers, but for their communities and the planet.
From Circular Business Model to B Corp Certification
Swapfiets has been revolutionizing urban mobility since its founding, offering a worry-free biking service that encourages more people to cycle, ultimately contributing to more livable cities. Sustainability has been embedded in its DNA from the start through its circular business model. But in 2022, the company decided to take things a step further by joining the B Corp community.
The B Corp Certification process gave Swapfiets an opportunity to assess its impact holistically—using the five impact pillars of the B Impact Assessment to capture the company’s current impact, whilst understanding the points of improvement for the long run. Swapfiets performed well in the area of environment, however the assessment highlighted room for improvement in social impact, particularly regarding the area of workers.
Driving Positive Change Across the Business
Rather than seeing the B Impact Assessment as just a checklist, Swapfiets used it as a catalyst for real change. Since certifying as a B Corp, the company has:
Strengthened its social impact by launching a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) working group.
Enhanced worker health and safety policies to improve conditions for employees.
Expanded community engagement efforts, such as educating women in London on how to cycle.
Launching an app to enhance collaboration with suppliers on environmental and social goals. This with 60% already onboard and a goal to reach 100%.
B Corp certification didn’t just reinforce Swapfiets’ commitment to sustainability—it ensured that sustainability became a shared responsibility across all teams.
“Sustainability shouldn’t just sit with the sustainability team. It needs to be embedded across the organization, and B Corp has really helped us do that.”
One example? Employees in operations noticed excessive packaging on spare parts. They raised the issue, which led the sourcing team to work with suppliers to eliminate unnecessary plastic. This kind of grassroots initiative—where sustainability is everyone’s responsibility—was possible due to the B Corp Certification being part of the company’s DNA. Opportunities to maximize positive impact are taken wherever possible.
Making Impact Before Certifying as a B Corp
For businesses considering B Corp Certification, Swapfiets has a clear message: start now.
“The B Corp assessment process itself helps you create positive change even before you certify. You can use it to start making an impact today.”
The assessment provides valuable insights on enhancing your positive impact, even as you complete it. Once a company gains a clear understanding of its current impact and identifies areas for improvement, pursuing B Corp Certification is an option rather than a requirement. The ultimate goal is to maximize impact and drive systemic change.
If your company is looking for a structured way to improve its impact, attract purpose-driven talent, and future-proof its business, joining the B Corp movement is a great step to take. Ready to take the first step? Learn more about the B Impact Assessment and begin your journey toward certification today.
Other Case Studies
Naïf Good Care
In this edition, we turn the spotlight on Naïf Good Care—a brand that has made sustainability an integral part of its mission, using the B Corp movement to strengthen its commitment to ethical business practices, being a disruptor in the personal care industry.
Klompe Landbouw
In this edition, we spotlight Klompe Landbouw, a trailblazing farm that is redefining agriculture through regenerative practices. By becoming a B Corp, Klompe Landbouw is continuously expanding its positive impact—restoring soil health, enhancing biodiversity, and proving that sustainability can be both a necessity and a business advantage.