B Corp Certification
PRESS RELEASE : Mantis World Certifies as a B Corporation
Pioneers of organic clothing Mantis World is delighted to announce that it has been certified as a B Corp! Prama Bhardwaj, CEO and Founder is thrilled. ‘It’s a huge team achievement that solidifies everything we’ve been working on for over 20 years and lays the foundations for the continuation of that journey’ she said. ‘Joining the B Corp community of likeminded companies, brings exciting opportunities for sharing experience, knowledge and adding our voice to the drive to reinvent business by pursuing purpose as well as profit.’
Mantis World has needed to meet companywide meticulous social and environmental standards, and not just in terms of their supply chain or the products created – the certification process addresses the entirety of a business’ operations: – Governance, Workers, Community, Environment and Customers.
B stands for Benefit for all, and as such the process poses questions in the vein of – How is your company taking care of your workers, improving their lives and wellbeing? How is your company prioritizing and taking care of the planet? How do you make sure your company’s governance considers all stakeholders? How is your company giving back and contributing positively to the community? And how is your company having a positive impact in your customers lives?
‘The process was long, complicated, and thorough, requiring time and diligence, with all answers needing substantiation, whether through formal documentation or written statements. It was all-encompassing’ explained Melanie Metz, Mantis World’s Sustainability Executive. ‘Evidence was provided of socially and environmentally responsible practices across all areas of the business from energy supplies, waste and water use, to worker compensation, diversity and corporate transparency.’
To become certified applicants are required to reach a benchmark score of over 80. The median for businesses that apply is currently 50.9, Mantis World achieved a score of 87.3. Akhil Sivanandan, President of sustainability intelligence platform Green Story, is not surprised. “Mantis World has always been a pioneer in their approach to transparency and sustainability in fashion. They were one of the first B2B companies to launch digital product passports in 2020 clearly showcasing their impact and transparency information.’ he says ‘The B Corp certification is a very natural progression for Mantis World, given its history and dedication to responsible business practices.’
There are currently over 1,500 B Corps in the UK and 7,000 worldwide. Unlike some other more product-based accreditations, this is a certification that is recognisable across industries and achievable regardless of company size. Other certified brands include Innocent, Patagonia, The Body Shop and Lush. By certifying, B Corps step into a framework for continuous improvement and in order to maintain certification, companies must undertake the assessment and verification process every three years, ensuring lasting commitment to the community.
Chris Turner, Executive Director of B Lab UK, says “We are delighted to welcome Mantis World to the B Corp community. This is a movement of companies who are committed to changing how business operates and believe business really can be a force for good. We know that Mantis World are going to be a fantastic addition to the community and will continue driving the conversation forward”.
The final word goes to Prama ‘More than anything B Corp certification is hopeful. At a time when there are so many challenges facing the planet, it shows that there is a future for business that can be more considerate, more collaborative, more transparent and the successes can be more equitable. We really hope to encourage others to join us in this journey.’
