In August 2023, Bugaboo, a beloved brand, took a significant step towards making a positive impact on the world by earning their B Corp certification. This esteemed certification recognizes companies that prioritize social and environmental responsibility, and Bugaboo's commitment to this journey demonstrates their dedication to creating a sustainable future for generations to come.
Bugaboo's commitment to sustainability is evident in their daily practices, from prioritizing employee well-being to launching innovative circular services and sourcing sustainable materials. With their B Corp certification, they're not only acknowledging their progress but also embracing the accountability that comes with it. This milestone serves as a catalyst for continued growth and improvement, as Bugaboo strives to become net zero by 2035. The B Corp certification is a significant step forward, but it's just one stop on their journey towards a more sustainable future – a journey that will be marked by ongoing efforts to reduce their environmental footprint and make a positive impact on the world.
What is B Corp?
Founded in 2006, B Lab, a nonprofit network, was sparked by the idea that a more equitable and sustainable economy is not only achievable, but urgently needed. The organization's mission has since focused on certifying B Corporations, which are businesses that meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. These companies are committed to creating value not just for shareholders, but also for the people and planet they touch.
The B Corp movement has the potential to revolutionize the way we think about business and economics, shifting our behaviours, culture, policies, and societal structure towards a more sustainable and equitable future. By certifying companies that prioritize social and environmental responsibility, B Corp is poised to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing our world, including the environmental crisis. By aligning business with purpose, B Corp can drive positive change, foster a more conscious consumer culture, and ultimately create a better world for all.
To achieve B Corp certification, companies must undergo a rigorous assessment of their entire social and environmental impact. This requires meeting the highest standards of performance, accountability, and transparency in three key areas: demonstrating high social and environmental performance, making a legal commitment to incorporate social and environmental considerations into their governance, and publicly disclosing information about their performance.
Bugaboos B Corp journey
Before embarking on their B Corp journey, Bugaboo recognized that the certification process extends beyond the use of sustainable materials, which is a crucial aspect, but not the only one. They understood that B Corp certification requires a holistic approach, encompassing not only the products they create but also the way they work together as a team, the impact of their factory operations, and the ways in which they support their community and contribute to the greater good.
Bugaboo's commitment to sustainability extends beyond its Buy Back program, with customers also able to join the circular economy through the Bugaboo Flex leasing and Certified Refurbished options. The company has also made significant changes to its products, including the use of mass-balanced bio-based materials, eco-friendly fabric coatings, and vegetarian leather, all designed to reduce its environmental footprint and give pushchairs a longer life.
Their pushchairs are designed with durability and longevity in mind, exceeding industry standards in testing and featuring a modular design that makes it easy to repair or replace individual parts. This approach ensures that their strollers are built to last, reducing waste and minimizing the need for frequent replacements.
Bugaboo has a unique advantage in ensuring the highest standards of social responsibility, as they own their own factory in Xiamen, China. This allows them to directly control and monitor working conditions, ensuring safe, fair, and humane treatment of all employees.
Committed to reducing its environmental footprint, with a goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2035. To achieve this, they are already exploring innovative solutions, such as installing solar panels and using biofuels for ocean freight and will continue to identify and implement new sustainable practices in their journey towards a greener future.
They partner with organizations like the Urban Nature Declaration and Designation Works and encourage their global teams to participate in local volunteer projects through their companywide "Count us in" program. Additionally, they donate their products to support those in need, including shelters, hospitals, SOS Children's Villages, and families affected by conflict or natural disasters.
At Bugaboo, they prioritize the well-being and success of their people by fostering a work environment that supports their overall well-being. To achieve this, they offer competitive benefits, including generous paid leave, a living wage, and pension plans, as well as opportunities for career growth and development.
Bugaboo recognizes that achieving B Corp certification is a journey, not a destination. They acknowledge that they still have room for improvement but believe that being part of the B Corp community will inspire and guide them to continue pushing for a better future. As a certified B Corp, they commit to using this framework as a catalyst for ongoing improvement and growth.