What It Means to Be a B Corp – And Why It Matters

March is B Corp Month, a time to celebrate businesses using business as a force for good. At TrueStart, we’re incredibly proud to be part of this movement, but we know that a lot of people are still unsure of what a B Corp certification actually means. We often get asked, “Does this mean you’re Fairtrade or Organic?” or “How is B Corp different from other certifications?”

So, let’s break it down and explain why B Corp matters, not just to us, but to businesses and customers everywhere.

What Is a B Corp?

The B Corp movement began in 2006 with the formation of B Lab, a non-profit organisation that certifies companies based on rigorous standards for sustainability, social impact, and corporate governance.

To become a B Corp, a company must meet the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility. Unlike other certifications that focus on a single product or area of business, B Corp evaluates the entire company - how we operate, how we treat our employees, our impact on the environment, and how we engage with our community.

Companies undergo a rigorous assessment by B Lab, where they must prove they are making a genuine, measurable positive impact in all aspects of their business. It’s not just a stamp on a label - it’s a commitment to continuous improvement and accountability. This assessment is split into 5 sections: Governance, Workers, Community, Environment, and Customers - companies must score at least 80 points to become a B Corp.

B Corp vs. Fairtrade vs. Organic – What’s the Difference?

We get this question a lot! While all three focus on ethical and sustainable practices, they measure different things:

✅ Fairtrade – Ensures fair wages and working conditions for farmers and workers in developing countries but doesn’t look at the company as a whole.

✅ Organic – Focuses on farming practices, meaning products are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean fair wages or sustainable packaging.

✅ B Corp – Covers everything - ethical sourcing, sustainability, fair treatment of workers, social impact, and responsible business practices. It’s the most comprehensive, holistic certification that evaluates the entire business, not just one aspect.

The Growing B Corp Movement

B Corp is more than just a certification, it’s a community of forward-thinking businesses that believe in balancing profit with purpose. The movement is growing fast, with over 7,000 certified B Corps worldwide, including well-known brands like Patagonia, Ben & Jerry’s, Tony’s Chocolonely, and Danone.

By choosing to support B Corps, you’re helping to build a better way of doing business - one that prioritizes people and the planet alongside profit.

Our B Corp Journey

We decided to become a B Corp because this ethical, sustainable approach to business is exactly what our founders, Helena and Simon, always envisioned for TrueStart.

TrueStart exists to spread massive positive energy and make people feel amazing, with clean, healthy, vibrant, tasty coffee that does not compromise on people or the planet.

Our B Corp journey started in 2021 when we certified as a B Corporation with a whopping score of 99.6. So what does this impact look like?

Just a few examples..

Reducing Our Carbon Footprint: We moved our drinks production to the South West, saving 2.2 tonnes of CO2 with every regular small batch produced, while also helping to create and safeguard jobs.
Supporting Local Business: We shifted our warehousing & logistics to a fantastic local family business that shares our values.
Social Impact: TrueStart donated over 10,000+ Magic Breakfasts last year, making sure no child or young person is too hungry to learn.
Investing in Education & Inclusion: We’re focused on improving understanding of neurodiversity, inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs and raising awareness of neurodivergence in the workplace.
Health & Wellbeing: We have donated 3,950 coffees to our charity partner Mental Health Swims! Our contribution has also trained 12 new volunteer swim hosts, so that 4 new Mental Health Swim locations can open up!

..and so much more! So, as you can see, becoming a B Corp isn’t just about achieving certification - it’s about continuously striving to do better for people and the planet.

Why This Matters to You

When you buy from a B Corp, you can feel good knowing that you’re supporting a business that genuinely cares.

We’re incredibly proud to be a B Corp, and we’re always striving to do better and make a bigger impact!

We hope this blog has given you a little bit more of an insight into not only what TrueStart is doing as a B Corp, but has shown you why it’s such an important movement and one you should be supporting 😊

Happy B Corp Month! 🎉