Natural soap maker Dr Bronner’s has left the global B Corp certification program, accusing it of enabling greenwashing by allowing large multinationals with troubled records to qualify.
Suzanne Bearne reports for BBC.
In short:
- Dr Bronner’s, a longtime B Corp member, exited the program, criticizing its standards as too lax and objecting to companies like Nestlé-owned Nespresso gaining certification despite past labor and environmental issues.
- B Lab, which oversees the B Corp program, defended its process but plans to implement stricter rules in 2026, including mandatory minimum standards and third-party verification.
- Other small businesses have also left B Corp, citing concerns that the group prioritizes expanding membership over meaningful sustainability enforcement.
Key quote:
“The integrity of the B Corp certification has become compromised and remaining certified now contradicts our mission.”
— Dr Bronner’s statement
Why this matters:
Corporate sustainability certifications like B Corp are supposed to help consumers identify companies genuinely committed to social and environmental responsibility. But when programs certify large corporations with histories of labor violations or environmental harm, critics argue the labels lose their meaning — turning into marketing tools instead of accountability measures. As more multinationals seek green credentials, the risk grows that these standards may be diluted, misleading the public and allowing harmful practices to continue behind a facade of progress. This matters for both public health and the environment, as industries with poor supply chain oversight often contribute to pollution, deforestation, and worker exploitation. For consumers trying to shop ethically or regulators trying to raise the bar, credible certifications are critical.
Learn more: Activists take aim at plastic industry’s greenwashing with grassroots campaigns
