Master Italia SpA, the parent company of Atlantis Headwear (asi/37380), has furthered its commitment to sustainability with its transition into a Benefit Corporation – often a first step on a company’s journey toward becoming a certified B Corp.

Italian brand Atlantis Headwear (asi/37380) offers sustainable caps and beanies.

“At the Master Italia family, we believe in the power of business to drive positive change,” said Federico Pasini, vice president of Atlantis Headwear. “Transitioning to a Benefit Corporation is a natural progression of our ongoing dedication to sustainability and responsible business practices. We are thrilled to embark on this journey and lead the way in our industry.”

A Benefit Corporation is a legal status administered by a governing body – whether a state, province or country – that layers on top of traditional corporate status and states a company’s intention to focus on stakeholders, rather than shareholders.

Sustainability has been “deeply embedded within the fabric of the company” since 2018, according to Master Italia. Becoming a Benefit Corporation further solidifies its commitment to sustainability, aligning its values with operational practices. Master Italia said it’s crafted specific goals to guide operations, with a comprehensive action plan leading to a “100% sustainable future” by 2025.

The company is committed to operating with transparency and accountability, with a focus on six impact areas: governance, people, environment, community, product and supply chain. Each area is accompanied by specific micro-goals aimed at continuous improvement. Plus, the firm has pledged to publish an annual impact report, showcasing its commitment to social and environmental responsibility.

Master Italia noted that Benefit Corporations, while distinct from certified B Corps, share a common goal of balancing profit with social and environmental impact. With its transition to Benefit Corporation, the company said it plans to meet and exceed the standards set forth by B Lab – the nonprofit that designates B Corps – and ultimately seek certification as a B Corp in the future.

Master Italia’s Atlantis Headwear brand creates sustainable branded hats and beanies, with the goal of generating demand for products made from recycled and organic sources. The supplier has taken multiple steps to increase the sustainability of its operations, including creating a “biodiversity oasis” to protect pollinators, preserving a forest near its headquarters, and performing lifecycle assessments for several of its products.

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