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Before you start reading
We divide the effort required for certification by 2with the “My Sustainable Company” method. Talk to one of our advisors for an assessment of your situation with regard to obtaining the B-corp label.
Key points of the article
- 2025, the year of change for B Corp
- Why these new standards? A response to current challenges
- Foundations: the essential prerequisites
- The 7 impact themes: the new pillars of certification
- A step-by-step process: a gradual build-up of power
- Implications for Swiss and European companies
- How to prepare effectively? Our recommendations
- An opportunity for positive transformation
2025, the year of change for B Corp
Since April 2025, B Corp certification standards have undergone profound changes to meet growing expectations in terms of social and environmental responsibility. Certification is no longer based on the simple awarding of points, but on the strict validation of mandatory criteria divided into 7 key areas. These changes are important for your company in Switzerland and Europe, requiring rapid adaptation and rigorous preparation.
Why these new standards? A response to current challenges
These changes come in response to criticism of greenwashing and the need for greater transparency. The new B Corp requirements are also perfectly aligned with recent European directives such as the CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) and the European Green Taxonomy. This reinforces the credibility of the label, while helping your company to comply effectively with the expectations of stakeholders, investors and consumers who are increasingly vigilant on these aspects.
Foundations: the essential prerequisites
First and foremost, you must meet three fundamental criteria to become or remain a B Corp in 2025:
- Eligibility: your company must have been in existence for at least 12 months, comply with all local laws, and be fully transparent about its activities.
- Multi-stakeholder governance: you need to formally integrate the interests of stakeholders (employees, customers, local communities) into your governance model, notably by adopting the B Corp Declaration of Interdependence.
- Risk assessment: identifying and proactively managing the social and environmental risks associated with your business is now a formal requirement.
Your goal is to obtain the B-corp label ? Put your trust in a company that has had its CSR commitments certified. We also master the Eco-Entreprise label or Ecovadis.
The 7 impact themes: the new pillars of certification
The new certification is based on seven key areas. Here’s exactly what you need to know:
- Governance and purpose: clearly integrate your social and environmental mission into your overall strategy, and demonstrate its practical application through your decisions.
- Climate action: you must have a precise, measurable plan to limit your global warming to 1.5°C, validated by scientific methodologies such as those of the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).
- Human rights: you are now required to conduct regular, documented assessments of your potential and actual impacts on human rights throughout your supply chain.
- Fair work: guarantee your teams fair working conditions, promote their well-being and offer them an environment that enhances their professional development.
- Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI): implement an explicit policy that actively promotes inclusion, diversity and equity at all levels of your organization.
- Environment and circularity: commit to a true circular economy strategy by drastically minimizing your waste and increasing the sustainability and recycling of your resources.
- Public affairs and collective action: your company needs to actively participate in collaborative initiatives that promote broader, systemic societal and environmental change.
A step-by-step process: a gradual build-up of power
The implementation of the new B Corp standards is taking place progressively in three distinct phases:
- Year 0 (now): make sure you fully meet the fundamental criteria to avoid jeopardizing your current certification.
- Year 3: implement your initial action plans and start systematically measuring your progress.
- Year 5: Present concrete results demonstrating your improvements in all required areas. At this stage, your efforts must be clearly visible and measurable for recertification.
Implications for Swiss and European companies
Switzerland has always had a favorable environment for sustainability, thanks to its demanding standards. Companies like Weleda and Patagonia Suisse are perfect examples of how to anticipate and integrate these new standards. By following these examples, your company can not only comply with the new B Corp requirements, but also capitalize on this investment to strengthen your position in Swiss and European markets.
However, don’t underestimate the challenges: these new standards require a profound transformation of your culture and processes. To stay relevant and competitive, you’ll need to quickly adapt your business strategies and practices.
How to prepare effectively? Our recommendations
Here are five essential tips to help you prepare your company for these new requirements:
- Carry out a self-assessment according to the new B Corp criteria immediately. Find out exactly where you stand in relation to these new requirements.
- Review your governance in depth. Make sure your governance clearly includes stakeholder consideration.
- Develop detailed action plans for each impact area. Set yourself clear, achievable goals for the short, medium and long term.
- Train and raise awareness among all your employees. The more your team is involved, the greater the commitment to change and the faster the results.
- Get support from recognized experts in the field of CSR and B Corp certifications, like those at Mon Entreprise Durable. Our certification support program ensures optimal, customized preparation.
An opportunity for positive transformation
These new B Corp standards should not be seen as an additional administrative burden, but rather as an exceptional opportunity to strengthen your CSR strategy and market positioning. By adopting these new requirements, you can demonstrate your commitment to a sustainable and responsible economy.
Your company will then be better equipped to meet the growing expectations of consumers and investors, while making a positive contribution to society and the environment. Preparing today for the new B Corp standards means choosing to become an influential player in sustainable change, capable of reconciling economic performance with societal impact.
You don’t know where to start your CSR approach ? Take action and build your action plan with our experts
