British luxury brand Mulberry has recently gained B Corp certification, joining other notable UK retailers in this achievement.
- The company scored 87.1 out of 140, surpassing both the B Corp pass mark and the fashion industry’s average score.
- B Corp certification involves a rigorous assessment of governance, worker treatment, environmental impact, community engagement, and customer relations.
- Mulberry’s commitment to sustainability is exemplified by its goals for net-zero emissions and expanding its Mulberry Exchange program internationally.
- Newly appointed CEO Andrea Baldo emphasizes this achievement as a milestone reflecting the company’s foundational values and progressive strategies.
British luxury brand, Mulberry, has achieved B Corp certification, a prestigious recognition given to companies that meet rigorous social and environmental standards. This accomplishment places Mulberry alongside prominent UK retailers such as The White Company and Seasalt. The certification underscores Mulberry’s dedication to sustainable practices within the fashion industry.
Mulberry obtained an admirable score of 87.1 out of 140 in the B Corp assessment, significantly surpassing the threshold of 80 required to achieve certification. This score not only exceeds the minimum passing grade but also outpaces the fashion industry average of 80.9. The B Corp assessment process involves over 200 questions, meticulously evaluating aspects such as governance, treatment of workers, environmental footprint, community involvement, and customer relationships.
As part of its sustainability efforts, Mulberry strives to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2035. The company aims to enhance its supply chain by cultivating partnerships with regenerative farmers, thereby securing a fully sustainable production process. Additionally, Mulberry plans to expand the Mulberry Exchange, its resale and repair program, into international markets, including Korea, Australia, and Japan.
In a demonstration of commitment to fair labor practices, Mulberry pays the Real Living Wage, a voluntary benchmark established by the Living Wage Foundation. The company is actively working to extend this standard to its suppliers, ensuring fair compensation throughout its production chain.
Andrea Baldo, who took on the role of CEO in July, highlighted Mulberry’s newly acquired B Corp status as a reflection of the brand’s identity and the dedication of its teams. He emphasized, “Mulberry is one of the first global luxury brands to become a B Corp, and this reflects the DNA of the company and the hard work of the teams. But it is a milestone, not a destination, and we look forward to learning from – and contributing to – a range of businesses in order to be a force for good for our communities and the environment.”
Mulberry’s achievement of B Corp certification marks a significant advancement in its commitment to sustainable and ethical business practices.