The new B Corp standards – what’s changing?
B Corp certification is becoming more ambitious, concrete and strategic.
B Lab, the organisation behind the B Corp movement, has launched the most significant update to its standards to date. Why? Because today’s social and environmental challenges – from climate change to inequality – demand companies that contribute structurally and measurably to a better world.
Whether you’re already a B Corp or considering becoming one, these are the changes you need to know.
From points-based to performance-based
Until now, B Corp certification was based on a points system: companies had to score at least 80 out of 200 points on the B Impact Assessment (BIA), across five categories (governance, workers, community, environment and customers). Strong performance in one area could compensate for weaker performance in another.
That’s now a thing of the past.
As of mid-2025, companies will be assessed against mandatory minimum requirements across seven themes, known as Impact Topics. This means you must have clear policies and take action in each area — trade-offs between topics are no longer allowed.
What’s changed?
- Mandatory performance across seven impact areas
- No points-based model anymore
- Focus on concrete, measurable actions
- Alignment with EU legislation such as CSRD and ECGT
- Requirements tailored to company size, sector, and location
- Phased introduction from 2025 with support for existing B Corps (trainings and webinars to follow)
The 7 Impact Topics
As defined by B Lab (read the full press release here).
Purpose & Stakeholder Governance
Act in accordance with a defined purpose and embed stakeholder governance in decision-making, creating governance structures to monitor purpose, social, and environmental performance.
Climate Action
Develop an action plan to support limiting global warming to 1.5°C, and, for larger companies, include GHG emissions and validated science-based targets.
Human Rights
Understand how their operations and value chain may involve negative human rights impacts and take action to prevent and mitigate negative impacts.
Fair Work
Provide good quality jobs and have positive workplace cultures, implement fair wage practices, and incorporate worker feedback in decision-making.
Environmental Stewardship & Circularity
Assess their environmental impacts and take meaningful action to minimize them in their operations and value chain.
Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Foster inclusive and diverse workplaces, and contribute meaningfully to just and equitable communities.
Government Affairs & Collective Action
Engage in collective efforts to drive systemic change, advocate for policies that create positive social and environmental outcomes, and, for the largest companies, publicly share their country-by-country tax reports.
What does this mean for your business?
Already a B Corp?
From your next recertification (starting in 2025), you’ll be assessed using this new approach. Online webinars will help you prepare. In the coming months, Koen Krommenhoek en Juultje de Groot will share practical insights per impact topic.
Want to Become a B Corp?
The new standards offer clear and transparent expectations — but they also raise the bar. They encourage you to think deeply about your company’s societal role. But don’t let that hold you back from driving change!
Three practical steps you can take now
- Baseline assessment across the 7 topics
Use the B Impact Platform or your own ESG policy to map out where you stand on each topic. This will help you prioritise next steps. - Link it to regulation or sustainability programs you’re already working on
Already reporting under CSRD, developing an ESG strategy or setting SBTi goals? Align those efforts with your B Corp journey. - Pick one topic to activate your team
Choose a theme, like Climate Action or Fair Work, as the focus for a workshop or pilot project. It’s a great way to create momentum and build internal engagement.
Why this fits the times we’re living in
The new B Corp standards ask businesses to go beyond good intentions. They call for evidence, clear policies, and a commitment to continuous learning. It’s a logical step in a world where transparency, fairness and ecological responsibility are becoming the rule — not the exception.
Want to find out where your organisation stands or how to get ready?
We’re here to help — from quick scans to full (re)certification.Visit rainbowcollection.nl/b-corp or send us a message.
This blog was written by:
Koen Krommenhoek