In today’s world, issues of sustainability and the environment aren’t just a ‘nice to have’ in business – they are central to the purchase making decisions of many (including most Ensemble readers). Among murky greenwashing and vague corporate claims, a B Corp accreditation stands out globally.
As we head into B Corp month, we’re excited to be working with leaders in Aotearoa on an evening with some of the finest brands in our local B Corp community.
Ensemble's showcase of these premium lifestyle brands, held at Untouched World’s Newmarket boutique on March 13, will include shopping, styling advice, sampling and special offers. Join us to discover how these luxury brands thrive under the B Corp umbrella. We have a very limited number of invitations for Ensemble readers – if you wish to join us, click here to secure your spot.
A B Corp certification isn’t something you can buy, and all the brands we are partnering with on this event spoke of the challenges of pulling together the documentation required, particularly those businesses with small teams. They unanimously say it was worth it though, and it means as much to the people who work for them as it does their customers.
“It’s great knowing everyone in the wider team were proud to be a part of a company who cares about the wider world beyond just commercial outcomes,” says Almighty’s Ben Lenart, who points out that from a customer perspective, “you should have nothing but the best intentions for your community and environment”.
Scotty Baragwanath from Blue Frog concurs: “For customers, B Corp says ‘you are aligned with my personal values and I know you are making a real difference for me, our community and our planet’.”
The B Corp community also provides support to each other. “Being part of a bigger community of like-minded businesses that we can share our struggles, successes, ideas and partner on cool projects with is so rewarding,” says Untouched World founder Peri Drysdale. “It’s nice to know we are not on this journey alone!”
The brands joining us on March 13 share their thoughts on why B Corp certification is important to their business, and more.
Untouched World, founder Peri Drysdale
Pioneers in sustainable fashion in Aotearoa, Untouched World have been in business for 30 years, and a B Corp company for four of them.
Why become a B Corp company?
Back when we started, no one was talking about sustainability, or the world desperately needing people to get behind it. There was no need to prove to our customers we were the real deal, we just stayed true to our values and our community appreciated us for it.
Now, with more brands and organisations focusing their efforts on sustainability, it’s become important for us to be identified as actually walking the talk. We looked into many different sustainability certifications and B Corp was the only one that came close to our requirements of being holistic (not just looking at one part of sustainability), fully audited by a third party, and having fair and transparent certification fees for all size businesses.
What does being a B Corp mean?
For our customers it's evidence that we truly stand by our principles. There is so much sustainability messaging out there now, it can be overwhelming. The B-Corp certification cuts through the noise and gives them some clarity about who stands by their messaging.
Favourite spot of nature within Aotearoa?
Wharariki Beach, Golden Bay. It takes my breath away in every season and every weather. I've taken all my loved ones there when visiting, so it's now home to some amazing memories too.
Aleph Beauty, founders Emma Peters and Jim Hudson
Aleph Beauty launched in 2018 and has been a B Corp company since 2023.
Biggest challenge faced in becoming B Corp certified?
Being a small company, it was often challenging to find the resources to move through the process in a timely manner. Luckily surmounting challenges is in our DNA!
What does being a B Corp mean?
This gives customers the reassurance that we are NOT in the business of greenwashing and we wholeheartedly stand behind our guiding principles of being people, planet and animal friendly.
Favourite way you enjoy Aleph?
I am never without my Aleph! I wear The One Reset and Restore Moisture Cream and Smoothing Skin Tint/SPF20 everyday without fail and then tailor my makeup look to my mood.
Almighty Beverages, co-founder Ben Lenart
Almighty Beverages was established 10 years ago and have been “proudly wearing a B Corp badge” since 2023.
Why become a B Corp company?
We wanted a mechanism that better communicated some of our values to our stakeholders. We also wanted something to help us track our progress across those values as we grow on the journey.
Favourite way you enjoy your product?
After a run or a workout on a hot day!
Favourite spot of nature within Aotearoa?
My top two are Matapouri Beach, Northland on a hot summer's day and Luxmore Hut on the Kepler Track as the sun is going down. Magic!
Bennetto Natural Foods, founder Lucy Bennetto
Bennetto was started 10 years ago and was certified B Corp in 2023
Biggest challenge faced in becoming B Corp certified?
It would be the challenge of rigorous documentation. Fortunately for us, we are already certified in many areas of our business and product, such as Fairtrade, Organic, Living Wage, and with carbon offsetting programmes, and this was long before we knew about B Corp. The B Corp certification was still a major milestone, as the process demanded extra transparency and accountability at every level.
Most rewarding part of it?
The connections we make with like-minded fellow B Corp companies and the learnings we take from them.
Favourite spot of nature within Aotearoa?
Sawpit Gully near Arrowtown. The beech forest opening into vast open tussock hills gives me a sense of liberation and freedom.
Blue Frog, founder Scotty Baragwanath
Blue Frog was established 10 years ago and has been B Corp certified for the past three years.
Why become a B Corp company?
We wanted to have a singular way to communicate our core business values. We wanted a recognisable and concise way to communicate to our valued customers our commitment to them, our community and our environment. It's also amazing being part of a broader community of like minded businesses and to build the momentum together.
Favourite way you enjoy your product?
Sprinkled on yogurt with fresh lemon zest.
Favourite spot of nature within Aotearoa?
Moureeses Bay, Northland.
BLUNT, Founder Greig Brebner
BLUNT umbrellas have been in business for nearly 25 years, and received B Corp certification last April.
What does being a B Corp mean?
B Corp certification is still relatively unknown here in New Zealand – but for those Kiwis in the know and for our consumers in the northern hemisphere where B Corp has greater awareness, it’s a source of pride, of knowing that the consumer is making the right choice with a brand whose values are closely aligned to their own. It means that they have gone to great lengths to prove that they are doing right by the planet, their people and their communities and that they are doing business for good.
Most rewarding part of it?
Being the only umbrella brand on the planet to be B Corp certified means we are disrupting a product category that has suffered the worst flow on effects of mass production. We love it when we have customers bring their much loved 10-year-old BLUNT umbrella in for a service, a new part or a canopy patch – a patch of honour we call it – and walking away knowing they have given their cherished umbrella a new lease on life to keep them protected from the elements for years to come.
Deadly Ponies, founder Liam Bowden
Liam started Deadly Ponies 20 years ago and it’s since grown into a global business with five stores around Aotearoa. Deadly Ponies began its B Corp certification process in 2021 and officially completed it in June of last year.
What does being a B Corp mean?
For our customers, it’s a guarantee that sustainable and ethical practices are at the core of all we do. We back our words with action, and ensure each piece is thoughtfully made with people and planet in mind.
Favourite way to enjoy your product?
Lately, I’ve been loving our Mountaineer blanket — I have a few around the house, always on hand for the couch.
Favourite spot in nature within Aotearoa?
We have a place in Whiritoa, an ideal escape from the city. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and recharge.
Deep Down Wines, founders Peter Lorimer and Clive Dougall
Deep Down Wines was founded in September 2019 and certified B Corp September 2023.
Why become a B Corp company?
To be true to our values and beliefs, as well as showing there is another way in our industry.
Biggest challenge faced in becoming B Corp certified?
We are a business of two humans, so finding time and navigating the rigorous assessment.
Favourite way you enjoy your product?
With whānau, friends and fresh kaimoana.
Favourite spot of nature within Aotearoa?
Has to be the Marlborough Sounds first light or dusk.
Monarc Jewellery, founder Ella Drake
In business for nearly seven years, Monarc Jewellery received a B Corp certification at the beginning of 2022.
Why become a B Corp company?
Working through a formal and legally binding evaluation process – being audited so to speak, to achieve B Corp certification seemed like a necessary step to be recognised as a brand for good. Certification provides transparency and accountability.
I feel the world can be an increasingly confusing place regarding responsible business practices, and there are falsehoods presented by some brands/businesses about their impact on the environment and society, greenwashing essentially.
What does being a B Corp mean?
I can only speak for myself, not Monarc’s customers, but knowing the commitment that it takes to be eligible and to undergo the B Corp certification process, I have a lot of respect for other brands who are certified.
I believe voting with your wallet is more important now than ever, and I would consider using the services and/or product of a B Corp certified business over other brands wherever possible and relevant.
Favourite spot of nature within Aotearoa?
Tucked quietly above the base track but before the summit climb of Mauao/Mount Maunganui, there is an open expanse of grass, where, on a clear day, I have a view of the ocean, Matakana, Mayor, Motuotau and Motiti Islands, all the way down to Papamoa.
Ozone Coffee, founders Jamie and Karen Hodson
.jpg)
In business for 27 years, Ozone Coffee has been B Corp certified since August 2022.
Biggest challenge faced in becoming B Corp certified?
The extensive time and resources needed to gather data and meet documentation requirements. Providing proof of impact is a time-consuming process!
Most rewarding aspect of it?
There are many! But seeing our team embrace the journey, they naturally make decisions that drive positive change and meaningful changes in our business. We want to hold ourselves accountable for our impact, ensuring we continuously improve. Our purpose has always been to transform how coffee is valued, grown, produced, and enjoyed – sustainably for the future.
Favourite spot of nature within Aotearoa?
Our hometown of New Plymouth in Taranaki obviously holds a special place in our heart, the wild rugged beaches, rain forests and our home Taranaki Maunga.
Pic's Peanut Butter, founder Pic Picot (now run by step daughter Aimee McCammon as CEO)
Pic’s Peanut Butter has been in business for 18 years, and has been a B Corp company for the last four.
Why join B Corp?
Founder Pic is an old hippy from way back (and actually lived on a commune in the Coromandel for a few years). He's big on composting, recycling, reducing waste, buying
second hand, catching the bus and generally living a simpler and more self sufficient life.
Most rewarding aspect of it?
Being on the right side of history. And putting people and the planet before fat-cat corporate profits.
Favourite spot of nature within Aotearoa?
The beautiful Abel Tasman National Park, right on the doorstep of Whakataū Nelson where we make the world's best peanut butter.
Raglan Food Co, founders Tesh Randall and Seb Walter
Starting as a small kitchen experiment in 2014, Raglan Food Co has grown into a thriving business who received B Corp certification in 2021.
What does being a B Corp mean?
It means customers can trust that we’re walking the talk – our sustainability and ethical commitments are backed by independent verification. From being a Toitū Climate Positive business to removing plastic from the environment through rePurpose Global, every purchase supports a company dedicated to making a real impact.
Favourite way you enjoy Raglan Food Co?
Straight from the jar! But also layered with fresh fruit and crunchy granola for the ultimate breakfast (or dessert).
Favourite spot of nature within Aotearoa?
The wild west coast beaches of Raglan. There’s nothing like watching the waves roll in at sunset.
Sawmill Brewery, founders Kirsty McKay and Mike Sutherland
Sawmill Brewery was established 20 years ago, with Kirsty and Mike at the reins for the past 15 years. They have been a B Corp company since 2019.
What does being a B Corp mean?
Robust decision making and innovation with our environmental and social impact as filters.
Most rewarding aspect of it?
How proud it makes our team and the recognition it gives them of their work.
Favourite spot of nature within Aotearoa?
In terms of rarely visited, the coast between Opotiki and Raukokore is incredible.
