In this blog, we’ll walk you through what being a B Corp means, why we pursued it, how it helps us deliver on our promise of sustainable, trustworthy swag for brands, and why, honestly, it’s much more than a badge.
At Ethical Swag, we say: we make it matter. So when we proudly display our certification as a B Corp Certification, we’re not just hanging a logo on our website. We’re affirming a commitment; to people, planet, and purpose, that is built into everything we do.
What is B Corp certification?
Let’s start with the basics. The B Corp certification is awarded by B Lab, a global non‐profit that exists to transform the global economy to benefit all people, communities, and the planet.
In practical terms, certification means that a business meets verified standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. (B Lab)
The certification is rigorous: a company must complete the B Impact Assessment (BIA), achieve a minimum score (80 or higher) and the assessment covers everything from governance, workers, community, environment to customers. (B Lab)
It’s worth noting that B Corp certification is distinct from the legal form called a “benefit corporation.” While many certified B Corps are also benefit corporations, the certification focuses on meeting performance and transparency standards. (B Lab)
In short: being a certified B Corp signals that a company doesn’t just talk about impact it measures it, reports it, and is accountable for it.
Why we chose to become a B Corp
Alignment with our values
From the very beginning, Ethical Swag has been about making ethical and sustainable choices easy for brands. We believe that promotional products should reflect the values of the brand, not undermine them. Pursuing B Corp certification was a natural step because it aligned with our core belief: you can run a business that is reliable, creative and values‐driven, without having to compromise.
The certification provided a framework for asking difficult questions about our supply chain, our internal policies, our environmental footprint, and our governance. It was an invitation to walk the talk, not just state it.
Credibility for our clients
We know you want to partner with a vendor you can trust, one that holds itself accountable, sources ethically, and runs operations transparently. When we became a certified B Corp, we strengthened that trust. The B Corp seal is not just marketing; it’s independent verification that we’re serious. And that matters when your brand is at stake.
Performance improvement & continuous growth
Becoming a B Corp isn’t a one‐time stamp; it’s a journey. The process forces you to benchmark, improve, evolve. Many businesses undergoing the BIA report that the process exposed weak spots, governance, supplier standards, worker conditions, environmental tracking, that they might not have looked at otherwise.
For us, that means every year we look at how we can do better, because we make it matter.
Joining a community
One of the great perks of being a B Corp is joining a global network of businesses that share your mission to use business as a force for good. This community means shared learning, collaboration, innovation, and mutual support.
It doesn’t just feel good; it strengthens us. It means we’re not doing this alone.
What being B Corp means in our day‐to‐day work
So what does this really look like for us at Ethical Swag? It’s one thing to say you’re a certified B Corp; it’s another to weave that into the way you operate. Here are some of the ways we live it:
Supply chain transparency & ethical sourcing
When producing promotional items; swag, apparel, giveaways, branded goods we ask about where materials come from, how workers are treated, what environmental impacts exist. Because being B Corp certified demands that we consider these factors as part of our business.
We source from factories that meet fair wage and safe‑working standards, prefer sustainable materials, and minimise waste wherever possible. When you choose us, you’re not just choosing a print vendor, you’re choosing a meaningful partner.
Governance & accountable decision‐making
The governance pillar in the BIA asks how a business embeds its mission, ethics, accountability, and stakeholder inclusiveness into its structure.
For us, that translates into transparent operations, stakeholder input (including workers, clients, communities), and policies that align with purpose not just profit. When we talk about “making it easy and fast” for you, we also mean without compromising the human or environmental cost.
Employee wellbeing & inclusive culture
A sustainable business cares about people, especially the people who make it happen. The BIA’s “workers” category covers things like employee benefits, training, inclusion, and voice.
We invest in our team so that they can serve you better and so that they feel part of the mission, too. Because a values‐based business should lift all of us up.
Environmental impact & resource stewardship
As part of our everyday operations, we assess our materials, shipping, packaging, waste and ask how we can do better. The BIA challenges companies to measure environmental metrics, set targets, and monitor progress.
Whether it’s choosing recycled materials, reducing carbon in transit, or optimizing product life, we aim to integrate environmental thinking in our swag solutions.
Client partnership & shared impact
Our clients don’t just work with Ethical Swag because we’re convenient or creative they hire us because they want swag that aligns with their values. By working with a certified B Corp, you get more than branded items: you get a partner committed to sustainability, ethics, and transparency.
We’ll help you tell a story. We’ll help you fulfil those values. We’ll hold ourselves to the same standard you hold your brand to.
Why it’s MORE than just a badge
Now this is important. We don’t consider the B Corp logo a “nice to have” checkbox. It’s not about marketing fluff. Here’s why we say it’s more than just a badge:
1. It demands accountability
Certification requires evidence, it’s not enough to say you care. The B Corp process asks for documentation, verification, and ongoing improvement.
So when you see the certification, you know we’ve done the work, we’ve measured, and we’re committed to continuing.
2. It commits us to continuous improvement
The world of sustainability and ethics doesn’t stand still and neither do we. Because becoming B Corp is one milestone; staying relevant and responsible means evolving. The assessment gets updated, the targets get higher, expectations grow.
For you, that means you’re partnering with a vendor who doesn’t settle. We believe your swag strategy deserves that.
3. It connects purpose to profit
In many businesses, profit is the sole focus. At Ethical Swag Studio, we believe profit and purpose can coexist. That’s part of the B Corp philosophy. It’s about redefining what success looks like.
For our clients, that means you don’t have to compromise brand identity for ethics. We help you merge them seamlessly.
4. It elevates trust with stakeholders
Your audiences care; clients, employees, partners, they want authenticity. When your brand works with a certified B Corp, it signals trust. It shows that your promotional strategy is aligned with a business that holds itself to high standards. That matters in our era of transparency and conscious consumption.
5. It positions you for the future
Types of procurement, supply‐chain requirements, investment criteria; these are shifting rapidly. Businesses are increasingly being evaluated on ESG (environmental, social, governance) criteria. The B Corp certification helps us and by extension our clients stay ahead of that curve.
In other words: this isn’t a trend. It’s a structural shift. And we’re here to guide you through it.
What this means for you (our clients)
Since we’re all about making ethical, sustainable choices easy for brands, here’s how our B Corp status benefits you:
Confidence in sourcing: You can trust that the items we deliver are backed by rigorous standards, not just nice words.
Clear storytelling: When you talk about your swag, you’ll be able to reference our shared values giving you credibility and authenticity.
Aligned brand values: If your brand cares about people and planet, working with a certified B Corp means your promotional products reflect those values.
Competitive edge: Your stakeholders, employees, customers, partners are increasingly looking for values alignment. Your partnership with us signals that you’re ahead of the curve.
Long‑term partnership: We’re committed to continuous improvement. As our business evolves, you evolve with us. That means better materials, better processes, better impact.
Our pledge moving forward
Because we believe this is not just about having the badge, but living the standard, here’s what we pledge to you:
Transparency – We will continue to share what we’re doing, how we’re doing it, and where we’re going next.
Sourcing integrity – We will keep ensuring our supply chain meets fair labor, environmental, and social standards.
Innovation & improvement – We will keep seeking better solutions, smarter materials, and more efficient operations.
Partnering with you – We will help you design swag strategies that reflect your brand’s values and make your message meaningful.
Community & collaboration – We will remain active in the B Corp community, learning and growing alongside like‑minded businesses so that we can bring you the best.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does it mean that you're a B Corp?
It means we meet high standards for social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. It’s not just a label, it’s proof that we walk the talk.
Q: How does this certification impact the swag I get from you?
Every product we recommend is vetted for ethical sourcing, sustainable materials, and supply chain responsibility. Our B Corp status gives you confidence that your branded merchandise aligns with your values.
Q: Is this just a one-time certification?
No. B Corp status requires ongoing assessment and improvement. We’re re-evaluated regularly to ensure we’re not just maintaining standards, we're raising them.
Q: Can I mention your B Corp certification in my own marketing?
Absolutely. Partnering with a certified B Corp adds credibility to your sustainability story. We’ll even help you craft that message so it resonates with your audience.
Q: Does working with a B Corp mean higher costs?
Not necessarily. Our pricing is competitive, and the long-term value; trust, alignment, impact far outweighs any slight premium. We also help you get the most from every dollar through thoughtful product curation.
Q: What if I’m just starting my sustainability journey?
That’s okay. We meet you where you are. Whether you’re just beginning or deep into ESG goals, we’ll guide you toward ethical choices that make sense for your brand.
In summary
Becoming a certified B Corp wasn’t something we treated lightly at Ethical Swag. It was and remains a deliberate choice to embed ethics, sustainability, and transparency into the heart of our operations. And when you work with us, you don’t just get swag: you get a partner who is committed to making impact easy, credible, and aligned with your brand.
That’s why we say: the B Corp certification is more than a badge. It’s a reminder of our promise, our process, our purpose. We hope you’ll join us. Let’s create branded experiences that not only resonate but do good.
Thank you for reading. If you’d like to talk about integrating ethical, sustainable swag into your brand strategy or simply learn more about how our B Corp journey can support you, we’re here.
Let’s make it matter, together.
Book a Free Swag Project Intro Call today or reach out to us at info@ethicalswag.com!