Big Business and Greenwashing: Dr Bronner's Bold Exit from B Corp

Dr Bronner’s, the beloved natural soap company, has made waves this year by quitting B Corp, the globally recognized certification for social and environmental responsibility. After a decade of membership, the California-based family business cited insufficient standards and accused B Corp of enabling greenwashing among multinationals.

The company particularly opposed Nespresso’s certification, owned by Nestlé, highlighting its troubled history, including a child labor scandal involving Guatemalan coffee suppliers. Dr Bronner’s stated they could not be associated with large corporations that have a track record of ecological and labor issues, asserting that remaining certified contradicted their mission.

In contrast, Nespresso responded by touting their certification as proof of their commitment to sustainability and the rigorous assessment they underwent. Meanwhile, B Corp, founded in 2006 and home to over 9,600 members worldwide, is addressing criticisms by introducing more stringent certification standards starting in 2026, which include a minimum requirement across key areas like climate action and human rights.

Critics like Nancy Landrum, a professor focused on sustainable business, argue that B Corp does not go far enough in its measures. Other companies, such as UK pet food brand Scrumbles, have also left, feeling the focus of B Corp was on growth rather than genuine sustainability efforts.

Dr Bronner’s CEO, David Bronner, remains confident that their brand strength will carry them forward without B Corp certification. They have even launched a competing initiative called Purpose Pledge, emphasizing supply chain integrity and accountability, and have gained the support of 14 other companies.

The implications of these departures and rising skepticism around certifications like B Corp may redefine the landscape for sustainable business practices in the future.