Listed outdoor goods retailer Kathmandu has secured B Corp accreditation, making it the largest business of its kind to have done so in Australia and New Zealand. B Corp is an initiative from B Lab, a non-profit that serves a global movement of people using business as a force for good. The B Corp assessment process measures a company’s performance in five categories: governance, workers, customers, community, and the environment. There are more than 3,000 B Corp companies globally, around 300 of which are located in New Zealand and Australia.
“The B Corp certification is a milestone achievement for the company and reflects Kathmandu’s exceptional record in sustainability leadership which has been fundamental to our success,” said Kathmandu CEO Xavier Simonet.
“Sustainability is part of Kathmandu’s DNA and is integral to our entire operation, from our supply chain, to our materials and products and our operational footprint.” Kathmandu intends to use its position to encourage other businesses to step up. B Lab Australia and New Zealand CEO, Andrew Davies, concurs.
“Certification is open to all sizes of business, and we are seeing increasing interest from large corporations across the world, Kathmandu’s certification sends an important signal for other big businesses to follow in their lead
