Sorting Through Sustainability Certifications: How To Choose What’s Right for Your Company
In this episode of Promo Insiders, Kate Nash of Raining Rose discusses the value of sustainability certifications, how to choose which is right for your business and where such certifications fall short in evaluating a company’s environmental and ethical efforts.
Sustainability certifications can be an important framework to measure your company’s environmental and social impact – and help distributors choose supplier partners and clients that share the same values. But they can also be costly and complex. How do businesses determine which certifications – B Corp, EcoVadis, bluesign or something else – best represent their business? And how do you move the conversation beyond a badge posted on a company website and delve into the nitty-gritty details of its sustainability initiatives?
In this episode of Promo Insiders, ASI Media’s Theresa Hegel talks with Kate Nash, director of promotional sales and marketing at Certified B Corp Raining Rose (asi/80489) and a Promo for the Planet Editorial Advisory Board member, about some of the most common sustainability certifications used in the promo industry – and the challenges, costs and benefits associated with them.
Nash doesn’t necessarily see the certification landscape simplifying anytime soon, for a host of reasons. For one, we’re always learning new things about the impact of manufacturing processes on human well-being and the environment, so certification systems have to evolve to reflect those developments. Plus, she adds, certifications are a “market of their own,” with each competing for business.
When evaluating potential suppliers, use certifications as a springboard to ask more questions rather than a box to be checked. “Engaging in conversations with your supplier partners is essential,” Nash says, adding that transparency and vulnerability both play key roles as well.
Key Takeaways
• Types of Sustainability Certifications: Nash discusses various sustainability certifications, categorizing them into company-level, product-specific, and environmental impact certifications. Examples include B Corp, EcoVadis and ISO 14001.
• Importance of B Corp Certification: B Corp certification is highlighted for its comprehensive assessment of a company’s governance, worker well-being, community impact, environmental impact and customer service. Raining Rose (asi/80489) chose B Corp due to its alignment with their values and recognition in the retail space.
• Challenges With Certifications: Nash acknowledges the complexity and cost of obtaining certifications and emphasizes the need for companies to evaluate their financial and sustainable goals before pursuing certifications, considering both direct costs and hidden costs like human resources.
• Transparency & Continuous Improvement: Nash describes sustainability as a journey, with transparency about current practices and areas for improvement being crucial. Certifications are not a one-time achievement but require ongoing efforts and recertification.
• Impact of Dr. Bronner’s Decision: The podcast discusses soap brand Dr. Bronner’s decision to drop B Corp certification due to perceived weak standards. This decision raises questions about the effectiveness of certifications and the need for continuous scrutiny and improvement.
• Supplier & Distributor Roles: For suppliers and distributors, the podcast suggests focusing on certifications that align with their business ethos and budget. It also highlights the importance of vetting supply chains and leveraging supplier certifications to meet sustainability goals.
• Alternative Resources & Tools: Nash mentions free resources like the EPA’s greenhouse gas inventory and carbon footprint tool, which can help companies measure their impact and identify areas for improvement without necessarily pursuing formal certifications.