Edgard & Cooper becomes B Corp Certified!

We couldn't be more proud! Let's hear from our positive Pawprint Manager Barbara about the journey of becoming a B Corp.

How would you explain being a B Corp?

That is an easy question ?? A B Corp is a company that uses their business as a force of good. Where profit, people and the planet are perfectly balanced and where success is not only measured by the financial figures but rather by the positive impact the company has on our world. Basically, they are the companies and brands of tomorrow, who are transforming the global economy towards an inclusive, equitable and regenerative economy.

How does being a B Corp connect with your sustainability and charity goals?

Purpose has always been a key pillar in our company. Before even considering becoming a B Corp, we worked out our Zero Pawprint Plan, our strategy to become the most sustainable pet brand; focused on reducing CO2e, aiming for fully sustainable packaging and pursuing ethical sourcing. When founding the brand, we also created our Foundation – a non-profit organisation that donates the 1% of sales it gets from Edgard & Cooper to lovely projects all around the world, helping cats and dogs in need. It is exactly these things, amongst others, that matter for B Corp. It is all about doing good for others and if you ask me, it is the only place where all these elements fall into one place so nicely.

Can you give a couple of concrete examples of ways being a B Corp has changed the business internally for the better?

We’ve just obtained the certification so it hasn’t changed a lot internally yet, however, I’m sure it will. The process uncovers opportunities where our company can still grow, even with aspects we didn’t know or had thought about before. That is one of the great things about becoming a B Corp, you enter a new family that guides you and is willing to help and assist you to become even better. I’m also sure that we will have many exciting partnerships ahead with other B Corps and whilst building on that community, we’ll be making our business internally even stronger, more inclusive and a better fit for our future.

When did you know you wanted to become a B Corp?

Since the start, it was no-brainer! It is not only about the certification and about entering a community of businesses who do good, but also about improving yourself and learning. It is okay not to score on every topic as long as you have the intention to work towards improving them. The framework B Corp offers is so complete and solid that it will really help us to focus even more on our purpose journey.

How difficult was the verification process?

It was long and difficult! There is much more to it than just writing a quick answer; it is about really thinking through what the best answer is, gathering the evidence and meanwhile thinking about the next steps to already start improving.

What is the best thing about being a B Corp??

It is still very early to tell but I already love the connectiveness, the feeling that you’re part of a family and really learning and sharing the best practices as we’re all facing similar challenges across different categories. Together we can really work together to fight the climate crisis, build an inclusive economy with purpose led jobs, strengthen communities and simply all become a better version of ourselves.?