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News > Vier bouwstenen voor een toekomstbestendige duurzame economie

Vier bouwstenen voor een toekomstbestendige duurzame economie

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Tessa van Soest, Executive Director van B Lab Benelux, stuurde vandaag onderstaande brief aan informateur Buma. In deze brief deelt zij vier bouwstenen die volgens B Lab cruciaal zijn voor een toekomstbestendige Nederlandse economie – één die werkt voor mens en planeet én het verdienvermogen op de lange termijn versterkt.

Geachte heer Buma,

Een van de prioriteiten van deze formatie is een ambitieuze agenda voor een toekomstbestendige nationale economie. B Lab, de non-profitorganisatie achter de B Corp certificering,   ziet hierin zowel de noodzaak als de kans om te sturen op een economie die ook op de lange termijn nog werkt voor onze planeet en alle mensen. De keuzes die u de komende periode maakt, bepalen in hoge mate of Nederland klaar zal zijn voor de maatschappelijke en ecologische uitdagingen van morgen. Investeren in de economie van de toekomst is essentieel om deze uitdagingen het hoofd te bieden en tegelijkertijd het verdienvermogen van Nederland te versterken.

Wij delen daarom graag vier bouwstenen die volgens ons cruciaal zijn voor deze nieuwe koers.

1.Duurzaamheid de norm: Nederland zet in op een duurzame circulaire en toekomstgerichte economie. Hierbij houden we vast aan het Parijs akkoord, werken we aan herstel van biodiversiteit en is Nederland volledig circulair in 2050.

  • Klimaatdoelen en biodiversiteitsherstel vormen een vast kader voor overheidsbeleid, investeringen, innovatie en bedrijfsvoering.
  • Het langetermijndoel voor circulariteit wordt vertaald naar concreet kortetermijnbeleid, inclusief vermindering van barrières en actieve (financiële) prikkels voor circulaire ondernemers. De overheid stimuleert circulaire marktvraag met haar publieke inkoop en stimuleert ook de consument tot circulair gedrag met differentiatie en verlaging van BTW-tarieven op circulaire goederen en diensten.

2. Stimuleren Goed Bestuur

Het kabinet steunt invoering van nieuwe bestuursvormen die duurzaam gedrag van bedrijven op de lange termijn stimuleren. Het gaat om bestuursmodellen waarbij winstgevendheid mogelijk blijft, maar met waarborg dat het financiële belang niet boven maatschappelijk en ecologisch belang uitstijgt.

  • Het kabinetsbesluit over de BVm (gelijkend internationale Benefit Corporation laws) wordt alsnog doorgevoerd waardoor bedrijven met een maatschappelijk oogmerk zich kunnen onderscheiden in de markt, bijvoorbeeld bij innovatie- en impactgerichte investeerders.
  • In de Corporate Governance Code voor goed bestuur wordt opgenomen dat bestuurders de stem van de stille stakeholder (toekomstige generaties en de natuur) moeten vertegenwoordigen in hun besturings- en inspraakorganen.
  • Boek 2 van het Burgerlijk Wetboek wordt aangepast zodat bestuurders expliciet verantwoordelijk zijn voor duurzame lange termijn waardecreatie.

3. True Price als criterium voor overheidsaanbestedingen

Door het toepassen van True Pricing worden maatschappelijke kosten van producten (denk aan CO2-uitstoot of nadelige sociale effecten) inzichtelijk. Dit biedt eerlijke kansen aan leveranciers die hun ketens verduurzamen en maatschappelijke schade beperken.

  • True pricing wordt opgenomen als criterium voor overheidsaanbestedingen

4. Actieve samenwerking met bedrijven die de transitie succesvol vormgeven

Inmiddels werken al 450 bedrijven in Nederland volgens de B Corp standaarden. Dit zijn bedrijven die al jarenlang laten zien dat gezonde winstgevendheid uitstekend kan samengaan met positieve maatschappelijke impact, duurzame innovatie en transparante governance. Deze bedrijven zijn toonaangevend in hun sectoren, en vormen een bron van kennis, goede voorbeelden en bewezen instrumenten.

  • Met het inrichten van een Maatschappelijke Raad van een diverse groep van dit soort toonaangevende bedrijven kan de overheid gerichte en passende toekomstbestendige hervormingen ontwikkelen voor een sterke economie en samenleving.

B Lab Benelux staat in nauw contact met deze B Corp gecertificeerde bedrijven en deelt graag haar kennis en ervaring om in deze formatie de economie van morgen kracht bij te zetten.

Met vriendelijke groet,

Tessa van Soest,

Executive Director B Lab Benelux

News > Bouwen aan een toekomstbestendige economie: een oproep aan de politiek

Bouwen aan een toekomstbestendige economie: een oproep aan de politiek

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B Lab ziet een cruciale rol voor de politiek in de komende kabinetsperiode om de fundamenten te leggen voor een nieuwe, toekomstbestendige economie. In aanloop naar de verkiezingen is deze oproep gestuurd aan de partijcommissies van alle politieke partijen.

Bedrijven als motor voor de nieuwe economie

B Lab is een wereldwijde non-profitorganisatie met als missie het tot stand brengen van een inclusief, eerlijk en regeneratief economisch systeem. Dit bereiken we onder andere door bedrijven te stimuleren positieve impact op mens, milieu en maatschappij te creëren, via de uitvoerige eisen van onze B Corp certificering op ecologische en sociale normen en op transparantie. Ook zijn zij verplicht meervoudige waardecreatie statutair vast te leggen in de missie. In Nederland zijn er nu 417 B Corp gecertificeerde bedrijven die laten zien dat zakelijk succes en maatschappelijke waarde hand in hand kunnen gaan.

Wat we vragen van de politiek

We vragen politieke partijen om hun verkiezingsprogramma’s te versterken met concrete inzet op:

  • Bouwen aan de fundamenten van een nieuwe economie 

    Dit vereist de politieke wil om verder vooruit te kijken dan de uitdagingen van vandaag en de fundamenten te leggen voor de economie van morgen. Met gericht beleid kan de politiek bijdragen aan een circulaire economie waarin natuurlijke grondstoffen niet lineair worden opgebruikt door enkelen maar beschikbaar blijven voor iedereen, nu en in de toekomst. Uw partij kan bedrijven actief aansporen om aantoonbaar meer positieve impact te maken vanuit de missie of doelstelling van een bedrijf. Dat begint in de bestuurskamers bij directieleden. Hierbij zijn wij voorstander van invoering van innovatieve eigendoms- en bestuursstructuren: stewards of medewerkers worden eigenaren, de natuur en/of toekomstige generaties krijgen een zetel in de directie, en (een deel van) de winst komt ten goede aan herstel van kwetsbare ecosystemen en schade door de opwarming van de aarde.

  • Gericht en steunend koplopersbeleid 

    Uw partij kan gericht aandacht geven aan de kopgroep van innovatieve duurzame ondernemers – velen B Corp gecertificeerd – die zelfs tegen de stroom al jaren succesvol zaken doen, hun impact meten en ook transparant zijn over voortgang. Deze bedrijven tonen aan dat het mogelijk is om zakelijk succes te combineren met positieve impact op mens, milieu en maatschappij. Deze groep ondernemers moet kunnen rekenen op uw politieke steun – bijvoorbeeld via effectief publiek inkoopbeleid dat door transparante monitoring telkens duurzamer en impactvoller wordt uitgevoerd. Zo zetten we gezamenlijk in op groeiende vraag naar en gunning aan koplopers, versnellen we de transitie en wordt dit type bedrijven het nieuwe normaal. En zoals elk jaar in de Tour de France: het peloton volgt vanzelf.

Een economie die draait op gelijkheid, circulariteit en waarde voor iedereen

Kortom: we roepen partijen op om zich hard te maken voor een economie waarin de normen van business as usual worden herzien. Een economie die draait op gelijkheid, inclusie, circulariteit en waarde voor álle belanghebbenden. De keuzes die in de komende kabinetsperiode worden gemaakt, bepalen of we werkelijk bouwen aan een toekomst waarin iedereen kan floreren.

News > B Local Utrecht Launch: Building a Better Future Together

B Local Utrecht Launch: Building a Better Future Together

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B Local Utrecht has officially launched, bringing B Corps and purpose-driven businesses together. By joining forces, they aim to collaborate, learn, and create meaningful local impact.

B Locals are grassroots networks of certified B Corporations (B Corps) and like-minded businesses that share the vision of using business as a force for good. They bring companies together to learn from each other, collaborate, and increase their positive impact on local communities and the planet. Globally, B Locals help turn ambition into action – connecting people and organisations locally, sharing best practices, and driving real change right where they are.

Now, the region of Utrecht joins this movement. With the official launch of B Local Utrecht, we’re proud to carry on this tradition, bringing together purpose-driven organizations from across the region to collaborate, learn, and lead the way toward a more inclusive and sustainable future.

→ Connect with B Local Utrecht on LinkedIn

The Purpose of B Local Utrecht

B Local Utrecht exists to connect and empower businesses in the region that want to make a collective and long lasting difference. The goal? To build a community of impact driven companies and entrepreneurs that support one another and collaborate on concrete solutions to social and environmental challenges. It’s not just about certified B Corps – B Local Utrecht welcomes all businesses driven by purpose, impact, and the well-being of people, society and the planet.

As the third B Local in the Netherlands – after B Local Oost and Limburg – Utrecht now has its own platform to unite businesses, entrepreneurs, and changemakers who care deeply about social and environmental progress, highlighting the influence and power of companies working together.

The Journey: From Dream to Launch

The idea of B Local Utrecht was started in early 2024 when the team at LEAN Lawyers reached out to B Lab Benelux, inspired by the success of B Local Limburg. They wondered: could Utrecht benefit from a similar community? The answer was a clear yes!

Through the support of Etiquet, conversations with B Lab, local B Corps, and social impact initiatives were held and the idea began to take shape. After a get-to-know some of the B Corps in Utrecht session, it was clear that there was a lot of enthusiasm, yet also it wasn’t clear how companies could participate and what was the added benefit of this community. To delve deeper into these questions, Etiquet (Pieter) and LEAN LAWYERS (Hanna) talked to different organizations in the region and looked for other board members to join. During this process, Lisa (DSG) and Olya (Utrecht4GlobalGoals) joined as board members and a brainstorm session with organizations such as MOYU, FairClimateFund, Utrecht4GlobalGoals, the Municipality of Utrecht, and bol.com were held in October 2024 which led to the development of five Impact Themes, aligning the new B Corp pillars with the NEX model topics (sidenote: the municipality of Utrecht is the first city to use this model for annual reporting): Climate Action, Collective Action, Wellbeing & Inclusion, Biodiversity & Circularity and Purpose & Strategy. This co-creation session produced a roadmap with plans for impact topic meet ups, network events, and cross-sector collaborations.

By 2025, the first activities were already happening:

  • Kick-off Event at Broeinest, focusing on connecting and starting this community
  • Green Friday Clean-Up and donations to India, organized by Dille & Kamille and Sumthing with local Utrecht businesses
  • Impact Topic Meeting on biodiversity & circularity at STECK, where MOYU and STECK shared best practices

Finally, at the Social Impact Factory, B Local Utrecht officially launched B Local Utrecht, signing the B Local agreement alongside Tessa van Soest, Director of B Lab Benelux, and local stakeholders.

“It has been great to watch this idea grow into a community – to witness so many people and businesses committed to using their influence and business as a force for good. When you start something from scratch, you are never sure how people will respond. It is inspiring to see everyone bring their own energy and ideas to the table.”

Hanna Jertz, LEAN Lawyers & B Local Utrecht Board Member

 

 

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for B Local Utrecht

B Local Utrecht is just getting started, but the calendar is already filling up:

  • Wellbeing & Inclusion Event at bol.com, co-hosted with Charlotte Halbe – exploring how workplaces can be more inclusive and people-centered
  • Green Friday 2025 or a similar volunteer event – turning Black Friday into a day of giving back to the community and environment
  • Christmas Give Together – celebrating the end of the year as well as giving back to the community
  • 2026 Impact Topic Meetups – deep-dive workshops on Purpose & Strategy, Collective Action, and Climate Action
  • A-to-B Corp Event – helping companies navigate the new B Corp pillars and certification journey

In the coming months, B Local Utrecht will share more about the impact themes they’re focusing on and host events to keep building momentum and collaboration across the Utrecht business community.

 

Meet the People Behind B Local Utrecht

This initiative wouldn’t exist without the passionate people leading it:

Together, they form the heart of B Local Utrecht, shaping a platform for collaboration, learning, and collective action.

 

Join the Movement

We’re just getting underway – and we’d love for you to join us! Here’s how:

  • Follow B Local Utrecht on LinkedIn for news and event announcements
  • Sign up for the mailing list to stay in the loop
  • Join the events – whether you’re a certified B Corp or just curious about using business as a force for good, you’re welcome!
  • Reach out to the board if you want to get involved, collaborate on initiatives, or explore B Corp certification for your company
News > Equal Work, Equal Pay? How the Netherlands is Falling Behind

Equal Work, Equal Pay? How the Netherlands is Falling Behind

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Today is Equal Pay Day. The Netherlands dropped 15 places in the Global Gender Gap Index, landing at #43. The pay gap is far from closed. Read how new EU legislation and updated B Corp standards are raising the bar on pay transparency and equity, and how purpose-driven businesses are already leading the way.

Inclusive Hiring B Lab B Corp
Inclusive Hiring B Lab B Corp

Today is International Equal Pay Day. A moment that should be about celebrating progress is instead a stark reminder of the hurdles that still remain on the road we still have ahead.

We once believed equal pay was a battle won. But the data tells a different story. According to the Global Gender Gap Report 2025, the Netherlands has dropped 15 places in just one year, from 28th to 43rd in the global rankings on gender equality. A fall that reveals more than a data dip. It signals a system that’s still failing women and marginalised groups in the workplace.

We’re not just standing still. We’ve slipped backwards.

The Pay Gap Persists

 

How is it possible that in one of the world’s most developed economies, women continue to be valued less?

Despite higher education levels and a strong presence in the labour market, women in the Netherlands are still not paid equally. According to the Global Gender Gap Report 2025, the Netherlands ranks only 64th worldwide on perceived wage equality for similar work (p. 279). This measure is based on survey data of business leaders’ perceptions, but the trend is clear: the situation is getting worse, not better.

The imbalance is visible beyond perceived differences in pay too, as the labour force participation of women is 61.2% compared to 74.8% for men (p. 279), and in leadership, only 34.3% of senior positions are held by women (p. 279).

These gaps are not just disappointing for a country that prides itself on equality; they’re alarming.

Beyond the Numbers

 

And yet, even these figures tell only part of the story. Pay and labour force data in the Global Gender Gap Report 2025 are collected in a binary framework: men and women. That means the realities of non-binary and intersex people remain invisible in official datasets.

This lack of visibility isn’t about neglect, but about the inherent difficulty of collecting statistically reliable data for groups that are often small in number and not consistently recognised in national surveys. Without inclusive measurement, inequality can remain hidden.

Independent studies, however, suggest that non-binary and intersex people face additional barriers in the workplace, such as discrimination in hiring (EU Fundamental Rights Agency, 2020). These challenges make careers less stable, increase risks of unemployment, and contribute to long-term economic insecurity.

What This Means for Business

 

Everything.

Because the pay gap isn’t some distant social issue, it’s the direct outcome of everyday business decisions:

  • Who you hire.
  • Who you promote.
  • How you set salaries.
  • Who you hold up as role models.

If companies truly want to build a fair and inclusive economy, it starts here. Equal pay for equal work isn’t a bonus. It’s the baseline.

From Law to Lasting Change

 

Equal pay has been a legal right in the EU for decades – anchored in EU treaties and reinforced by the 2006 Equal Treatment Directive. What the new European Pay Transparency Directive (coming into force in June 2026) adds are stronger tools for detecting and enforcing those rules.

In the Netherlands, companies with 150 or more employees will be required to:

  • Publish their pay structures, and
  • Report pay differences between comparable roles.

This isn’t just a compliance exercise. It’s about making inequities visible, so that they can no longer be ignored. Transparency shines a light. But on its own, it doesn’t close the gap.

What B Corps Are Doing Differently

 

That’s where B Corps go further. They’re not just waiting to comply with disclosure rules, they’re already raising the bar through concrete action.

Across the Netherlands, many B Corps report experimenting with regular pay equity analyses, open salary scales, equal career pathways, and transparent HR policies. Not because they’re perfect, but because they see transparency as the starting point, not the finish line.

With the new B Corp Standards launched in April 2025, expectations are clearer than ever. Fair wages and pay equity are mandatory themes under the Fair Work Impact Topic. And importantly, these standards don’t just ask companies to disclose, they prescribe performance:

  • At certification (“Year 0”), companies must already demonstrate how they value workers fairly.
  • At Year 3 and Year 5, the requirements increase, ensuring continuous improvement over time.

As Bernard Gouw, Senior Manager of Social Standards at B Lab Global, explains:

“With the new B Corp Standards, we are raising the bar globally, so that equity becomes the norm, not the exception. Our hope is that, over time, this contributes to real progress in the rankings, and more importantly, in people’s lives.”

 

In short: the law strengthens enforcement. B Corps set the standard for what fair pay looks like in practice.

Why We Must Act, Together

 

The data is sobering. But it’s also a call to action. Progress is never automatic. Systems shift only when people and businesses decide to do things differently.

That’s why Equal Pay Day matters. It is more than a date on the calendar. It’s an invitation:

  • To companies: look closely at your own data. Share it. Improve it.
  • To leaders: create space for equal opportunity and equal reward.
  • To all of us: keep asking questions. Keep speaking up.

Ready to Take Action?

 

  • Curious how your organization performs? Start with the B Impact Assessment.
  • Join a network of companies working toward an economy where everyone counts: Learn more about B Corp.
  • Are you a B Corp already? Join our JEDI Circle by reaching out to dovergaag@bcorporation.eu
News > B Corps Against Food Waste: One Voice, Many Actions

B Corps Against Food Waste: One Voice, Many Actions

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This week is Verspillingsvrije Week (8–14 September), the national campaign to tackle food waste in the Netherlands. Every year, enormous amounts of perfectly good food end up in the bin, wasting precious resources and fueling climate change. That’s why B Corps are joining forces to raise awareness and show that together, we can make food waste a thing of the past.

This week is Verspillingsvrije Week (8 – 14 September) in the Netherlands, a national moment to shine a light on one of the biggest sustainability challenges of our time. Every year, Dutch households, businesses, and institutions waste around 1.6 billion kilos of food. That means a traffic jam from Utrecht to Barcelona with trucks filled with perfectly edible food products, for which land, water, energy, and labor have already been invested, end up in the bin. Globally, food waste is responsible for up to 10% of greenhouse gas emissions, making it one of the most urgent issues to tackle if we want to respect planetary boundaries and build a sustainable food system (source).

Why B Corps Are Taking Part

As a community of businesses committed to using business as a force for good, B Corps in the Netherlands are joining de Verspillingsvrije Week to raise awareness and show solutions in practice. For us, reducing food waste is not only about protecting the planet’s resources, it’s also about driving systemic change in how we produce, distribute, and consume food. And while each company has a responsibility to reduce its own waste, together we can have a far greater impact.

The B Corp Food Circle

That’s why over 20 Food B Corps in the Netherlands have joined forces in the B Corp Food Circle: a community of pioneering brands such as Tony’s Chocolonely, Danone, Crisp, Fishtales, Fairtrade Original, HAK, and many others.

The Food Circle collaborates on three key themes:

  • Regenerative agriculture
  • Open chain collaboration
  • Healthier food systems

On those topics knowledge and experience is shared between B Corps during community gatherings and working groups. The B Corp Food Circle members also committed themselves to collective actions and campaigns.

This week, during the Verspillingsvrije Week (8 – 14 September), the Food Circle is amplifying awareness through a joint campaign: B Corps Against Food Waste.

“The Food B Corps are truly among the front runners of the movement against Food Waste worldwide. From Instock, a food service wholesaler of rescued produce, to Too Good To Go helping consumers save unsold products, to Orbisk using AI to measure and prevent food waste in professional kitchens – these B Corps show that solutions are already here.” – Sebastiaan Aalst (Strategy Director Food Cabinet and founder of the B Corp Food Circle)

 

 

“The biggest breakthroughs in fighting food waste happen when companies join forces. At Crisp, we partner with hundreds of small-scale farmers and suppliers we know personally. Our upcoming partnership with Burgerboerderij de Patrijs shows how mutual efforts turns waste into value. Their winter field beans, unfit to reach the consumer market, were destined to be processed into animal feed. By working together, Crisp will prepare them into a tasteful, all-natural hummus, ready for our customers to enjoy.” – Michiel Roodenburg, co-founder at Crisp

 

 

Combating food waste is pre-eminently a subject on which you can work well together as companies. What is a residual flow for one company can be part of an innovation for another. In this way, you help each other to improve your impact and at the same time work on a good business case.

💡 The website of Stichting Samen Tegen Voedselverspilling – the initiators of the Verspillingsvrije Week – is full of tips for companies, individuals, governments and schools looking for ways to reduce their food waste.

The campaign is not just about showcasing what B Corps are doing to reduce Food Waste within their value chain, but also tries to inspire consumers to reduce food waste on a household level.

What the B Corp Standards Say About Waste

The fight against waste is also embedded in the new B Corp standards, launched in April 2025. With these new standards, B Corps are encouraged to progress toward measuring and managing their waste footprint, and to increase visibility into what is reused, recycled, or disposed of. For companies in the food sector, the requirements go a step further, placing greater responsibility on them to:

  • Measure and report their food waste in tonnes each year.
  • Track how much food waste is diverted for reuse, animal feed, by-products, composting, or energy recovery.
  • Show how much is disposed of, whether through incineration, landfill, or other methods.
  • Follow the food waste hierarchy, which prioritizes prevention and reuse over disposal.

The standards also require continuous improvement: food companies must show progress at Year 3 and Year 5, moving towards stronger circularity practices and less food ending up in the bin.

👉 Read more about the B Corp standards here

Join the Movement

This initiative proves what B Corps believe at their core: we can go further, faster, together. The collective voice of many brands carries more weight than individual messages, inspiring both consumers and other businesses to take food waste seriously.

Whether you’re a company, a consumer, or part of a community, take action this week. Prevent waste, support businesses tackling the issue, and share the message that food is too valuable to waste.

Want to start today? Search #Verspillingsvrij on social media for tips and tricks from B Corps on how to cut food waste at home, at work, and in your community.

News > Hoe het Building Better Business-programma Amsterdamse ondernemers helpt groeien in impact

Hoe het Building Better Business-programma Amsterdamse ondernemers helpt groeien in impact

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Wat gebeurt er als je ondernemers samenbrengt die impact op sociaal- en milieugebied niet alleen belangrijk vinden, maar het ook echt willen verankeren in hun bedrijf? Het Building Better Business-programma (BBB), een initiatief van de Gemeente Amsterdam in samenwerking met B Lab Benelux en Economy for the Common Good, brengt deze ambitie samen in een traject vol reflectie, inspiratie en concrete acties. Het doel: de impact van ondernemingen versterken en verduurzamen op de lange termijn.

 

In juni 2025 trapten we het B Corp traject af met 12 bedrijven uit metropool Amsterdam. Inmiddels zijn er drie van de vijf modules van de B Corp Track achter de rug. Een mooi moment om stil te staan bij de progressie die deze ambitieuze bedrijven hebben gemaakt en in de komende maanden ook voor ogen hebben.

 

Van ambitie naar actie

Voor Rum Baba Coffee Roasters is het programma precies wat ze zochten: “We willen ons groeiende bedrijf verduurzamen én professionaliseren,” vertelt mede-eigenaar Jeroen. “We hadden al veel ideeën, maar het zat vooral in ons hoofd. Dankzij BBB maken we die plannen nu concreet met procedures, doelen en houvast.”

Ook Sofia van Ateljé, een jong modemerk, herkent dit: “Duurzaamheid was altijd al een van onze belangrijkste waarden, maar het programma helpt ons om dat écht te structureren en meetbaar te maken. En dat zorgt ervoor dat we als team en als bedrijf professioneler worden

Progressie binnen korte tijd

Een opvallend inzicht bij meerdere deelnemers is hoeveel er al goed gaat, maar hoe weinig daarvan is vastgelegd. Sofia: “We doen veel op gevoel. Iedereen komt bijvoorbeeld met de fiets naar kantoor, maar dat is nooit beleid geweest. Nu leren we: wat je belangrijk vindt, moet je ook vastleggen.”

Bij Windkracht Vijf, dat actief is in de energietransitie, kwam dat besef ook snel: “We willen het goede doen, maar hadden geen vastgelegd inkoopbeleid. Dat klinkt simpel, maar het zegt iets over hoe belangrijk het is om intern te structureren wat je extern uitdraagt,” vertelt consultant Shita.

De waarde van community

Naast de inhoud, blijkt ook het groepsgevoel een belangrijke factor. “De sessies zijn zó waardevol,” zegt Sofia. “Je leert ontzettend veel van elkaar. Iedereen zit in een ander stadium, maar we delen dezelfde ambitie.” De B Impact Assessment biedt voor ieder bedrijf een startpunt. Meten om te weten waar je nu staat in je impact reis, en ook vooral welke verbeteringen je de komende jaren kan doorvoeren om je impact te vergroten.

Start met het meten en verbeteren van je impact

Zelf aan de slag? Begin vandaag nog met het meten van jouw positieve impact:

Meet jouw impact
News > Beyond Summit 2024: A Day of Inspiration for the Belgian B Corp Community

Beyond Summit 2024: A Day of Inspiration for the Belgian B Corp Community

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On October 10th, the largest gathering of the Belgian B Corp community took place in Brussels, creating an atmosphere buzzing with excitement.

News > B Local Oost Has Officially Launched

B Local Oost Has Officially Launched

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We’re excited to announce the official launch of B Local Oost – a new community of certified B Corps and like-minded businesses from Gelderland and Overijssel, coming together to drive local impact with a global mindset.

A New Chapter for Impact in the East of Netherlands

 

B Local Oost is part of a growing movement of regional B Locals: B Locals are grassroots communities of B Corps and impact-driven businesses who come together locally to exchange ideas, collaborate, and inspire each other. They’re where global values meet local action.

B Local Oost was created to connect certified B Corps and like-minded purpose-driven companies on a regional level. Its mission is to foster meaningful collaboration and shared learning, so that businesses in this region can strengthen their positive impact on people and the planet.

 

 

Learn more about what B Locals are

What does B Local Oost want to achieve?

 

B Local Oost aims to strengthen the B Corp movement in the eastern part of the Netherlands by pursuing concrete goals that enable local impact. It’s goals include:

  • Raising awareness about the B Corp movement and inspiring local businesses to use business as a force for good.
  • Strengthening community ties by bringing together B Corps and mission-driven businesses in the region
  • Encouraging collaboration through events, themed meetups, and co-creation opportunities that bridge different industries and sectors.
  • Supporting positive change by making knowledge, best practices, and success stories accessible and actionable.
  • Empowering regional solutions to global challenges through local networks and partnerships.

The Origin Story: From Dream to Launch

The seeds of B Local Oost were planted in 2023. A group of passionate individuals from the region began imagining a local community where like minded people could unite. Inspired by other B Locals across the Netherlands, and supported by B Lab Benelux, they started organizing informal gatherings.

One of the first events took place at Koninklijke van Wijhe Verf, where over 30 impact makers gathered to exchange ideas. Hosted by Edwin van Broekhuizen, the group discussed sustainable business practices, explored the B Corp standards, and played the B Lab Impact Game, sparking dynamic conversations. Here, new connections were made and the local impact community developed.

That early energy laid the foundation for what would become B Local Oost. In June 2025, fueled by community enthusiasm, it officially launched, as an initiative by the community, for the community.

A Toast to New Beginnings: The Launch Event

On 18 June 2025, the official launch event for B Local Oost took place at the beautiful De Reestlandhoeve. A place where care for people and nature come together in wine, and where (can you believe it?) in the summer months classical music sounds through the vineyards, all to contribute to the best condition for their grapes (read more here).

Guests were treated to:

  • A guided tour of the vineyard
  • The story behind De Reestlandhoeve’s impact journey
  • Conversations with inspiring entrepreneurs
  • And of course, a celebratory toast to this exciting new beginning

“What a beautiful start for B Local Oost: great energy, inspiring people, and a walk through the vineyards at the stunning B Corp location De Reestlandhoeve. Here’s to more collaboration ahead!” – Julia Oude Hendriksman, B Local Oost board member.

Building Momentum: What’s Already Happening

Now that B Local Oost has officially launched as a local impact community, more inspirational sessions are planned, focused on impact strategy, B Corp certification, and cross-industry collaboration. These events are open for anyone from the region who’s interested to connect, learn, and grow.

A B Local Oost LinkedIn page has been launched for you to follow all the latest news, and stay in the know of upcoming events.

Meet the People Behind B Local Oost

B Local Oost is powered by a group of dedicated entrepreneurs and professionals who believe deeply in transforming business for good. These initiators come from diverse sectors and backgrounds, but share a common purpose: to make positive impact the norm. Meet the board members:

Join The Movement

Are you a business based in Overijssel or Gelderland that believes in putting people and the planet at the heart of your mission? Or are you a certified B Corp, in the process of certification, or simply a mission-driven organization? B Local Oost is your community.

News > Hoe de B’tje Beter campagne van Albert Heijn Nederland bijdraagt aan B Lab’s missie.

Hoe de B’tje Beter campagne van Albert Heijn Nederland bijdraagt aan B Lab’s missie.

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Loop je deze weken door Albert Heijn, dan valt het meteen op: het B Corp-logo is overal zichtbaar. Met de B’tje Beter campagne zet Albert Heijn een aantal gecertificeerde bedrijven tijdelijk in het zonnetje. Een mooie kans om meer mensen kennis te laten maken met waar B Corps voor staan — bedrijven die impact en winst hand in hand laten gaan.

Loop je deze weken een Albert Heijn binnen? Dan kun je er niet omheen: het B Corp logo is overal. Op digitale schermen, schapkaartjes, proefkeukens en vanaf 17 juli zelfs een B Corp Pop-up store in de Albert Heijn op het Gelderlandplein in Amsterdam. Met de campagne Een B’tje Beter zet Albert Heijn Nederland een aantal B Corps tijdelijk in het zonnetje. En dat juichen we bij B Lab natuurlijk van harte toe. Niet omdat het om één winkel of een paar merken gaat, maar vooral omdat het de betekenis van de B Corp certificering onder de aandacht brengt en zo bijdraagt aan het verspreiden van onze missie.

Find a video online: https://www.youtube.com/embed/RtG5KAOtd5M?&controls=1

B Lab’s missie is ambitieus: het creëren van een wereldwijde beweging van bedrijven die laat zien dat profit en purpose hand in hand kunnen gaan. De B Corp certificering is daarbij een krachtig middel, geen doel op zich. Dankzij deze zichtbaarheid in de supermarkt leren meer en meer mensen waar dat B Corp logo, dat op steeds meer plekken zichtbaar is, nu eigenlijk voor staat.

Communicatie speelt hierbij een sleutelrol. Door middel van QR-codes op de schappen krijgen klanten meer informatie over bedrijven met een B Corp certificering. Door het zichtbaar maken van bedrijven die business as a force for good omarmen – zoals in deze B’tje Beter campagne –  kunnen we groepen mobiliseren. De verhalen van deze B Corps inspireren consumenten, laten medewerkers trots zijn op hun werk, en maken andere ondernemers en leveranciers nieuwsgierig. Juist in een tijd waarin het nemen van maatschappelijke verantwoordelijkheid onder druk staat, is het nodig dat bedrijven opstaan en hun missie delen. Niet perfectie, maar eerlijkheid en ambitie maken indruk. De campagne heet niet voor niets: Een B’tje Beter, een knipoog die goed aansluit bij wat wij overal uitdragen: B Corps zijn niet perfect, maar wél continu bezig met verbetering.

Het betekent overigens niet dat elk bedrijf een B Corp moet worden, of dat we van consumenten verwachten om alleen maar producten van B Corps te kopen. Het gaat erom dat bedrijven zich gedragen als B Corps: transparant, verantwoordelijk, met oog voor hun bredere impact en met een lange termijnvisie. En dat consumenten wat mogen verwachten van de bedrijven die zijn steunen.

En nee, je vindt B Corps niet alleen in de supermarkt. Ze zijn er in alle soorten en maten: van food & beverage tot mode, kinderopvang, toerisme, architectuur, de juridische en financiële sector en consultancy. Een B’tje opletten en je ziet ze opeens overal!

Economische systeemverandering begint met zichtbaarheid. En met bedrijven die durven te laten zien: het kán anders.

Find a video online: https://www.youtube.com/embed/rmYWgilN5H0?&controls=1

Meer informatie over de campagne vind je op de website van Albert Heijn.

News > The Benefits of B Corp (And Why It Might Not Be for You)

The Benefits of B Corp (And Why It Might Not Be for You)

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Thinking about becoming a B Corp? Here’s what it can do for your business, and what to consider before you dive in.

Is b corp right for you
Is b corp right for you

Over the last few years, the B Corp movement gained momentum, and with it, sparked many conversations about the reasons to become a B Corp. If you are currently considering whether to get started on the B Corp journey, you are likely weighing the business case, the effort involved, and the impact it can truly deliver. So we are here to help you make this decision, by clarifying why becoming a B Corp may (or may not) be right for your business.

1. You are searching for a clear roadmap to greater impact

 

B Corp Certification offers more than just recognition. The B Corp certification process isn’t just about where you are, it’s about where you’re going.

In the Benelux region, 73% of B Corps say the certification helps them focus and structure their sustainability efforts, to improve their impact over time. This is more than just perception: since 2019, B Corps have on average improved their B impact score by over 10%, reflecting real progress across governance, workers, community, environment, and customers topics.

This acceleration of impact is further facilitated by collective action: one in three B Corps in the Benelux actively participate in collective action initiatives with B Lab, tackling global issues while fostering regional collaboration. This includes co-creating campaigns or engaging in joint lobbying and advocacy efforts, showing how impact grows when voices are united. Furthermore, the community aspect of the B Corp movement is a core benefit; most certified companies highlight the value of connecting with like-minded, purpose-driven peers. These relationships not only offer inspiration and accountability but also spark innovation and shared learning that go beyond any single organization.

2. You are keen to increase operational and financial resilience in volatile times

 

In an increasingly uncertain global landscape, operational and financial resilience becomes top of mind for many business leaders. Based on B Lab’s Financial Resilience Study, conducted in 2024, B Corps are proving to be better equipped to withstand disruption. Between 2019 and 2022:

  • 76% of European B Corps reported revenue growth, compared to just 60% of non-B Corps.
  • 35% of B Corps grew their workforce by over 25%, a milestone reached by only 23% of non-B Corps.
  • During the COVID-19 pandemic, over 95% of B Corps remained operational, a notable contrast to 88% of non-B Corps.

The B Corp framework, with its focus on long-term thinking, inclusive governance, and stakeholder engagement, strengthens a company’s ability to weather economic turbulence. It also prepares companies for what’s ahead: many B Corps are already aligned with emerging EU regulations and ESG standards, giving them a head start on compliance and reporting. In short, B Corp Certification doesn’t just support resilience today, it builds readiness for tomorrow.

3. You want to differentiate yourself from competitors and to improve your brand reputation

 

Consumer behaviour on sustainability issues is changing: 50% of Dutch consumers agree that the sustainability of a product or service plays a role in their purchasing decisions [source], with well over a third of Dutch consumers willing to pay up to a 5% premium for such products [source].

At the same time, awareness of B Corps is growing fast: in the Netherlands, B Corp brand recognition grew from 13% to 22% between 2023 and 2024. Among those aware of B Corp, 62% say certifications influence their purchasing decisions [source] and over two thirds perceive B Corp to be a trustworthy certification [source]. These numbers are not negligible and demonstrate a real opportunity for B Corps to stand-out in crowded markets, where consumers are wary of greenwashing and seek verifiable commitments to social and environmental responsibility.

4. You are looking for a way to increase talent attraction and retention

 

A growing percentage of the workforce is looking for more than just a paycheck. Employees want purpose, culture, and a sense that the company is part of something bigger. The demand for purpose-driven workplaces is clear: 42% of Dutch respondents agree that certifications influence where they choose to work [source], and LinkedIn’s Workplace Culture Report states that 86% of millennials would take a pay cut to work at a company whose mission and values align with their own.

The cost of not paying attention to this trend is a hefty one: in 2024, the percentage of disengaged employees increased, at a price tag of US$438 billion for the world economy (Gallup report).

In that context, B Corp Certification becomes a powerful differentiator:

  • 1 in 3 certified B Corps in the Benelux report that the B Corp Certification helps them better manage their talent.
  • 69% of Dutch B Corps say the certification is most beneficial for articulating and communicating the mission internally and externally, and for strategic planning.

Because B Corp Certification requires a holistic and rigorous assessment, it often engages employees across departments. That process creates clarity, fosters alignment, and strengthens a shared sense of purpose. For many job seekers, the B Corp logo is more than a certification; it’s a sign of the kind of workplace they want to be part of: values-driven, transparent, and accountable.

So… is becoming a B Corp right for your business?

 

Here’s the truth: becoming a B Corp is not a quick win. It is a thorough process that requires strong alignment within the company, dedication from the leadership team and long-term commitment for continuous improvement. It also means legally embedding stakeholder governance into your DNA by meeting the B Corp Legal Requirement — ensuring your purpose is protected as you grow. Most companies take at least a year to go through the process, and larger companies can take up to five years. Gathering your data, understanding your impact at a granular level and taking material steps for improvement takes and deserves time.

And for many, the certification process itself is the real reward.

Mary Child, Sustainability Lead
Nespresso

While earning B Corp Certification is a fantastic achievement, the true reward is gaining a deep understanding of all aspects of a business, its impact and what the opportunities are to accelerate sustainable action – using the impact data gathered every three years as part of the B Impact Assessment.

Ultimately, becoming a B Corp is just the start of the journey. It means joining a movement for economic system change, dedicated to continuous improvement, that goes well beyond a certification process. We understand becoming a B Corp is not for everyone – in fact at B Lab, we often say: “We do not need every company to become a B Corp, but we need every company to act like one”. That is why our tools are free and confidential, and available to all – whether or not you pursue certification.

Whatever you choose: just start. There is no time to waste.

Coming up next: In my next blog, I will talk about the role of the B Corp movement in the broader ecosystem for change, and why that matters to all of us.