B Corp just raised the bar—here’s what it means for your brand
B Lab is rolling out its most transformative update to the B Corp standards. This shift is designed to clarify what it really means to be a business that leads with impact. And at RethinkRebels, we’re here to help you translate these changes into action.
What’s New: from flexibility to focus
Gone is the 80-point scoring model across five impact areas. Instead, the new framework focuses on seven mandatory Impact Topics and three Foundation Requirements that every company must meet.
#1 The three foundation requirements:
#2 The seven impact topics:
All companies must meet minimum performance requirements across each topic. No cherry-picking. No trade-offs. It’s not about scoring anymore, it’s about consistency and accountability.
What’s the new certification method?
More demanding? Yes. More aligned? Also yes.
The updated standards align more closely with global frameworks like:
Impact business models: still in transition
Though crucial to the Theory of Change, Impact Business Models (IBMs) are not yet recognized under the new standards. B Lab is still exploring how best to include and reward them without conflicting with evolving EU regulations.
How RethinkRebels can help
At RethinkRebels, we don’t believe in check-the-box certification. We believe in building brands that lead. We help:
Whether you're already B Corp certified or aiming for it, now is the moment to act.
Ready to get started?
Let’s make your impact measurable, credible, and future-proof. Contact RethinkRebels to plan your B Corp journey today.
B Lab is rolling out its most transformative update to the B Corp standards. This shift is designed to clarify what it really means to be a business that leads with impact. And at RethinkRebels, we’re here to help you translate these changes into action.
What’s New: from flexibility to focus
Gone is the 80-point scoring model across five impact areas. Instead, the new framework focuses on seven mandatory Impact Topics and three Foundation Requirements that every company must meet.
#1 The three foundation requirements:
- Eligibility: Legally incorporated, operating for 12+ months, compliant with laws, not in a harmful industry.
- Stakeholder Governance: Legal adoption of the B Corp stakeholder clause + Declaration of Interdependence.
- Risk Assessment: Companies must complete a risk profile which determines additional due diligence sub-requirements.
#2 The seven impact topics:
- Purpose & Stakeholder Governance (PSG)
- Fair Work
- Human Rights & Equity
- Climate Action
- Environmental Stewardship & Circularity (ESC)
- Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (JEDI)
- Government Affairs & Collective Action
All companies must meet minimum performance requirements across each topic. No cherry-picking. No trade-offs. It’s not about scoring anymore, it’s about consistency and accountability.
What’s the new certification method?
- No more overall score: Performance is evaluated based on meeting (or not meeting) required actions per topic.
- No "exceeds" category (yet): Although discussed, B Lab decided not to include a formal "above and beyond" status in the rollout. All companies must "meet the bar."
- Still includes self-assessment, but with enhanced verification.
- Negative impact matters: Companies with high-risk activities or sectors may be ineligible or must meet enhanced requirements.
More demanding? Yes. More aligned? Also yes.
The updated standards align more closely with global frameworks like:
- CSRD & ESRS
- GRI, SBTi & CDP
- EU Empowering Consumers Directive
Impact business models: still in transition
Though crucial to the Theory of Change, Impact Business Models (IBMs) are not yet recognized under the new standards. B Lab is still exploring how best to include and reward them without conflicting with evolving EU regulations.
How RethinkRebels can help
At RethinkRebels, we don’t believe in check-the-box certification. We believe in building brands that lead. We help:
- Perform a Gap Analysis to assess where you stand vs. the new requirements
- Create a tailored action plan to close compliance gaps
- Guide stakeholder consultation and DEI integration
- Align your efforts with CSRD, SBTi, and circularity best practices
Whether you're already B Corp certified or aiming for it, now is the moment to act.
Ready to get started?
Let’s make your impact measurable, credible, and future-proof. Contact RethinkRebels to plan your B Corp journey today.
Author
Rachel Cannegieter
Sustainability & Circularity Board Advisor | Fashion & ESG Expert | Founder, Circular Impact Consultancy RethinkRebels | CSRD | GRI | B Corp Leader | Driving sustainable leadership, strategic impact & lasting change.