Obsession is B Corp certified!
Obsession is B Corp certified!
Obsession has taken an important step in their sustainable journey. They are now proud to be a B Corp-certified organisation. B Corps strive not only for profit but also for a more inclusive and sustainable economy. Or, as B Corp puts it, "using business as a force for good." As a new member of the B Corp community,Obsession is joining a select group of certified organisations that meet the highest verified standards.
A long-cherished wish is coming true. “The certification is more than just an additional logo on our website. It is the next step in our sustainable journey and serves as proof of the principles outlined in our manifesto. We find it important to be meaningful and, alongside making a profit, to use our position to promote an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy,” says Gerben Plasmeijer, founder of Obsession. Unlike other certifications for businesses, B Lab is unique in its ability to measure a company’s total social and environmental impact. Moreover, B Lab offers Obsession and the entire B Corp community a platform to exchange knowledge and inspire one another to keep improving continuously.
Among the big names
Obsession is now part of a community of over 9,000 companies worldwide that are certified as B Corps. The B Corp community in the Benelux, which represents a wide cross-section of industries and sizes, includes more than 400 companies, including well-known brands such as Bugaboo, Rituals, Cowboy, Ace & Tate, Auping, TooGoodtoGo, Tony's Chocolonely, and Triodos Bank. Tessa van Soest, Executive Director of B Lab Benelux, says, “We are thrilled to welcome Obsession to the B Corp community. Their commitment will be an inspiration to others and will truly help to spread the idea that we can redefine business success to be as much about people and the planet as it is about profit.”
How does the certification process work?
The B Corp certification covers the entire business operation and spans five key impact areas: Governance, Workers, Community, Environment, and Customers. “The certification process is rigorous, requiring us to achieve a benchmark score of at least 80 points and to provide evidence of social and environmentally friendly practices related to energy supply, waste and water use, employee compensation, diversity, and company transparency. We scored an above-average 106 points, and I am extremely proud of that!” exclaims Donna Steijn, Sustainability Coordinator.
“To complete the certification, we will have to legally enshrine our commitment beyond profit-making in our articles of association. Additionally, we will have to go through the process every three years to maintain the certification. Some of the areas where we scored highly under the ‘Workers’ theme include Career Development and Engagement & Satisfaction, with nearly 100% of the points available. The biggest challenge in the process was gathering the evidence for various components. Unconsciously, we had a lot of things in order, but documenting certain choices takes time and requires involvement from the entire team. It has been a great challenge that we have undertaken together,” Donna adds.
About B Lab Benelux
B Lab is transforming the economy for the benefit of all people, communities, and the planet. As a leader in economic systems change, B Lab’s global network creates standards, policies, and tools for businesses. Additionally, it certifies companies—known as B Corps—that are at the forefront of this change. To date, the global B Lab community comprises over 9,000 B Corps in 102 countries and 162 industries, with more than 200,000 companies managing their impact using the B Impact Assessment.
About Obsession
Obsession creates and directs impactful encounters that drive the growth of people, brands, and organisations. With expertise spanning both the public and corporate sectors, they are a committed partner. As ‘partners for life,’ they work closely with their clients to ensure every event contributes to achieving their objectives.
