You might have seen it on your tea bag or in the shop window: the B Corp logo. If you haven't seen it yet, you will likely see it everywhere after reading this blog. Because more and more companies are certified by B Corp. Although we support this positive movement and share its values, the B Corp certification is just not the right fit for Kuyichi. But what is B Corp, what do they stand for, and why is Kuyichi not B Corp?

What is B Corp?

B Corp is a certification that requires companies to meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. To qualify, companies must have been in operation for at least 12 months, comply with all applicable laws, and incorporate stakeholder governance into their legal structure. They must complete the B Impact Assessment, meet its specific criteria, undergo third-party verification, and now must measure and report their carbon footprint.

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What is the goal of B Corp?

At its heart, B Corp exists to redefine what it means to be a successful business in today's world. Rather than focusing solely on profit, the B Corp movement challenges companies to consider their impact on all stakeholders: workers, communities, customers, and the planet. The goal is to use business as a force for positive change. It's about creating a future where doing good and doing well aren't opposing forces, but two sides of the same coin, and that's a movement we can all get behind.

Why is Kuyichi not a B Corp?

We wholeheartedly believe in what B Corp represents, but we've chosen a different path for now. As a small business, we have to be strategic about which certifications we pursue. Each certificate requires a significant investment of both time and resources. Currently, we've chosen to be a Fair Wear member brand, because their focus aligns perfectly with where we can make the biggest impact: ensuring fair working conditions in our supply chain.

While B Corp offers incredible value, its certification process is designed with larger corporate structures in mind. It requires extensive internal policies and documentation that, quite honestly, don't match how we operate as a small, close-knit team. We believe in creating a responsible working environment, but we do this through direct communication and flexibility. Our team is built around trust-based management and intrinsic motivation, rather than a formal employee handbook.

"Right now, we choose to invest our time in our partnerships in the supply chain. But who knows? As we grow and evolve, B Corp certification might be the perfect next step. "

Will Kuyichi become a B Corp in the future?

That we’re not B Corp-certified now doesn't mean we never will be. B Corp’s standards inspire us daily, and we continually seek ways to improve. We'd rather focus our energy on the areas where we can create the most meaningful change. Right now, we choose to invest our time in our partnerships in our supply chain. But who knows? As we grow and evolve, B Corp certification might be the perfect next step in the future. For now, we're staying true to our values while being honest about our capacity. Maybe we'll see you in the B Corp community someday!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

B Corp is a certification for companies that meet high standards of social, environmental, and ethical business practices. It shows a company aims for a positive impact, not just profit.
Kuyichi shares B Corp values but is not currently certified. We have other certifications, including Fair Wear membership, GOTS and GRS. B Corp is mostly focused internally, and we prioritise the certifications for our production process.
B Corp is a certification for all industries, with a more internal focus and limited supply chain requirements. Fair Wear is a membership instead of a certification, specifically focused on the fashion industry and labour conditions in the supply chain.