As champions of sustainable fashion, we at RethinkRebels keep a close eye on the B Corp movement. In 2025, B Lab unveiled its V2.0 standards, with a V2.1 update in August, and from 2026 onward these will be the norm. Gone is the familiar 80‑point scoring system; the focus is now on mandatory performance requirements for every topic. Here’s a rundown of what’s new, why it matters and how we can help.
If you’re still exploring what B Corp certification is all about, check out our earlier blog Why become a B Corp? before diving into the new rules.
If you’re still exploring what B Corp certification is all about, check out our earlier blog Why become a B Corp? before diving into the new rules.
Foundation requirements: FR1–FR3
FR1 – Eligibility and exclusions
To even start the journey, a company must be a legally incorporated, profit‑making business that has been operating for at least 12 months. B Lab also tightens sector criteria: any business deriving 1 % or more of its revenue from fossil fuels, gambling, pornography, prisons/detention centres, tobacco or weapons is ineligible. The same cap applies to marketing and consulting firms or financial services companies working with these industries.
FR2 – Stakeholder governance
Being a B Corp means legally committing to consider all stakeholders. Companies must amend their governing documents to embed this commitment and sign the B Corp Declaration of Interdependence. Larger enterprises face stricter transparency and reporting requirements.
FR3 – Proactive risk management
A standout addition is the risk tool. Every company must complete a 14‑question risk profiling tool; depending on the answers, extra due‑diligence requirements kick in. Micro‑enterprises without workers are exempt. The tool will be fully integrated into the B Impact assessment later in 2025. Read more.
Seven Impact Topics: from purpose to politics
Once the foundations are in place, companies must demonstrate performance across seven areas. Each comes with sub‑requirements that ramp up with company size and industry.
Companies must meet the bar on all seven topics; there’s currently no “exceeds” category. B Lab may develop recognition for high performers later, but the emphasis is on collective impact.
- Purpose & Stakeholder Governance (PSG) – embed your purpose publicly and integrate stakeholder voices into decisions.
- Fair Work – offer a living wage, formal feedback mechanisms and a positive workplace culture; larger firms must break down data by gender and social identity.
- Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (JEDI) – collect workforce demographics and implement actions to foster inclusive workplaces and equitable communities.
- Human Rights (HR) – publish a human rights policy and conduct due diligence across your value chain; large companies must plan for living wages among suppliers.
- Climate Action (CA) – measure your Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions annually; set science‑based targets and develop a transition plan with a just‑transition element.
- Environmental Stewardship & Circularity (ESC) – monitor key environmental metrics (biodiversity, water, waste) and design products for durability, repair and recirculation.
- Government Affairs & Collective Action (GACA) – be transparent about lobbying and tax policies, and actively engage in collective efforts to drive systemic change.
Companies must meet the bar on all seven topics; there’s currently no “exceeds” category. B Lab may develop recognition for high performers later, but the emphasis is on collective impact.
Built‑in improvement: year 0, 3 and 5
A key change is the formalisation of continuous improvement. Many requirements have escalating expectations at years 3 and 5. For example, companies might need to publish a climate plan at certification, but by year 3 they must have validated science‑based targets and show progress. This phased approach makes the standards more accessible while ensuring that B Corps keep moving forward.
Synergy with ESG reporting
The new standards are aligned with mainstream ESG frameworks like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the European Sustainability Reporting Standards. This creates clarity and consistency, allowing companies to use the same data across multiple reporting obligations.
What this means for fashion & textile
For clothing brands, B Corp 2.0 isn’t just about environmental impact. Here’s why:
We’ve already begun this work with a couple of our clients such as Studio Anneloes and Le Nouveau Chef.
- Fair Work – the new standards require living wage policies and robust worker feedback structure. In a sector relying on global supply chains, this is a major task.
- Human Rights – companies must identify and address risks in their supply chain, vital for textile production.
- Circularity – Environmental Stewardship & Circularity demands designing garments for repairability and recycling, in line with growing EU regulations.
- Collective Action – brands are encouraged to advocate for fair trade and environmental policies.
We’ve already begun this work with a couple of our clients such as Studio Anneloes and Le Nouveau Chef.
Getting ready for B Corp 2.0: how we help
As specialists in the fashion and textile industry, RethinkRebels provides tailored support:
Audit preparation – we help you gather evidence for B Lab audits and plan for years 3 and 5.
- Quick scan & risk profile – we use the risk tool to map your exposure and any additional requirementsarbor.eco.
- Gap analysis – we compare your current policies to the year 0 requirements and draft a practical action plan.
- Implementation & governance – we assist with embedding stakeholder governance, human rights, climate and circularity policies into your business.
Audit preparation – we help you gather evidence for B Lab audits and plan for years 3 and 5.
Conclusion
The B Lab standards V2.0/V2.1 set a higher, clearer and globally consistent bar for social and environmental performancebcorporation.eu. Greenwashing isn’t an option: every B Corp must meet the bar across all topics. For fashion and textile brands, that means a serious commitment to fair wages, human rights, circular design and collective advocacy.
Wondering what B Corp 2.0 means for your brand? Let’s start a conversation. Together, we’ll build a more sustainable fashion industry.