Better Business Alliance launched: the first alliance in Romania supporting the B Corp Movement
The community of B Corp consultants in Romania (B Leaders) and Danone Romania have launched Better Business Alliance, the first local alliance dedicated to the B Corp movement. Its aim is to develop the B Corp community in Romania and foster businesses focused on social impact.
The B Corp sustainability and social responsibility certification was launched by B Lab, a global non-profit organization that, in 2007, initiated a movement to change the system within the culture and operations of companies. The goal was to transform business norms, shifting from a profit-centered model to an inclusive economic system that considers all stakeholders, ensuring that companies take responsibility for economic, social, and environmental changes.
To achieve the B Corp certification, a company must pass a rigorous assessment of its practices in five key areas: governance, employees, customers, community and environment. It must achieve a minimum score of 80 points out of 200 on the B Impact Assessment evaluation and audit to gain certification. Globally, nearly 10.000 B Corps are operating in 102 countries across 160 industries, while over 300.000 companies use B Corp tools to verify sustainability standards.
The First Alliance in Romania Supporting the B Corp Movement
The objectives of Better Business Alliance include informing local businesses about the benefits of B Corp certification, consulting and supporting those seeking certification, and assisting companies that wish to begin their journey towards sustainability according to ESG standards.
Additionally, the alliance encourages certified B Corps and those in the certification process to join, collaborate, and share best practices. This exchange of experience helps strengthen a business network with impact.
The benefits of B Corp certification are reflected in the performance of certified companies. According to a B Lab study in the U.S., between 2011 and 2015, B Corps grew 28 times faster than the national average. Furthermore, B Corps attract and retain talent more easily due to their values and organizational culture, which focus on social and environmental impact. These companies are 55% more likely to cover healthcare insurance costs for employees and are actively engaged in their communities.
“B Corp is not just a certification. It represents a paradigm shift in how business is done. For consumers, it is a symbol of trust, as B Corp certified companies publicly demonstrate that they operate according to the highest sustainability standards, with a social purpose above profit. Through this new alliance, we aim to harness the power of good, with both companies—through their operating models—and consumers—by choosing B Corp certified products and services—contributing to society,,” said Corina Radu, founder of Impact Market Romania.
Better Business Alliance will operate as a non-profit organization, initiated by B Corp consultants Corina Radu, Cătălina Ticău, Cristina Tararache, Cristina Bîcîilă, and Daria Hău, with the support of B Lab Europe, to develop a local and regional network of sustainable and visionary companies.
Romanian Companies Show a Growing Interest in B Corp Certification
Locally, Danone Romania is the first B Corp company, having obtained certification at the Central and Eastern European regional level.
“We are excited to be the first supporters of the Better Business Alliance in Romania, paving the way for the B Corp movement. Danone Romania achieved B Corp certification in 2024 as part of the regional group for Central and Eastern Europe, further supporting the company’s global commitment to becoming one of the largest multinational companies worldwide to be fully B Corp certified. B Corp certification is a public recognition that Danone leads its business with a culture focused on achieving social and sustainability goals in everything it does,” said Ivan Holub, Sustainability Lead, Danone Central and Eastern Europe.
Currently, a second company has been certified, and 12 other businesses from various industries such as food production, compostable materials, retail, cosmetics, coaching, tourism, fashion, and communications & branding are in the process of being certified.
This progress is essential for developing a business ecosystem that will have a positive impact in Romania. Interest in B Corp certification is increasing, driven by its benefits for employer branding and its attractiveness to consumers. A recent B Lab study found that 57% of European consumers consider sustainability and certifications when making purchasing decisions, while 49% factor it into job choices.
About Better Business Alliance
Better Business Alliance is a non-profit organization that promotes the B Corp business model in Romania. Its goal is to help local companies meet the highest standards of social responsibility and sustainability. The alliance was initiated by B Corp consultants in Romania, with the support of Danone Romania and B Lab Europe.