March is B Corp Month, a time to celebrate businesses that meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance. At Aston & James, we’re proud to support B Corp-certified brands that align with our commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices. But what exactly is B Corp certification, and why does it matter?

What is B Corp certification?

B Corp Certification goes beyond recognition—it's a commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices. Certified B Corporations meet rigorous standards for social and environmental performance, transparency, and legal accountability. B Corp certification is awarded by B Lab, a nonprofit organisation that assesses companies based on their impact on workers, customers, community, and the environment.

Why is B Corp certification important for businesses?

In today’s world, consumers and businesses alike are looking for brands that do more than just turn a profit—they want companies that make a positive impact. B Corp certification provides credibility and reassures customers that a business is truly committed to ethical and sustainable practices.

Some key benefits of becoming a B Corp include the following:

• Building trust – Customers and stakeholders recognise B Corp certification as a mark of integrity.

• Driving positive change – Certified businesses are committed to reducing environmental impact and promoting fair labor practices.

• Attracting talent – Employees increasingly seek purpose-driven companies that align with their values.

• Strengthening brand reputation – Being part of a global movement of responsible businesses enhances credibility and loyalty.

• Accountability drives continuous improvement - Achieving B Corp certification isn’t a one-time accomplishment—it’s an ongoing commitment. B Corps must produce an annual impact report and undergo recertification every three years.

Brands we sell that are B Corp certified

At Aston & James, we believe in brands that share our values. That’s why we’re proud to offer products from B Corp-certified companies, including:

• TrueStart – An ethical coffee brand focused on sustainability and responsible sourcing.

• Café Direct – A pioneer in fair trade coffee, investing in farming communities.

• The Cheeky Panda – Products are eco-friendly, bamboo-based hygiene products with minimal environmental impact.

• Cawston Press – Creating delicious, natural drinks with no artificial ingredients.

• Method - Eco-friendly cleaning products with colourful designs and biodegradable formulas.
• Ecover - Plant-based cleaning solutions that are tough on dirt but gentle on the planet.
• DASH - British sparkling spring water infused with wonky fruit.

• Nespresso – Committed to sustainability and responsible coffee sourcing through their AAA Sustainable Quality™ Program.

Joining the B Corp movement

At Aston & James, we are actively working towards gaining our B Corp accreditation by the end of 2025, with our current score on our assessment being 99.7%.

In addition to working on our B Corp assessment, over the last two years, Aston & James are proud to have achieved Gold in four key areas of the Weaver Social Sustainability Programme, a comprehensive social sustainability initiative developed by Office Friendly. This not-for-profit cooperative supports workplace providers in thriving. The Weaver initiative works in collaboration with DEKRA, an independent sustainability consultancy. Designed to help businesses assess and integrate responsible practices to improve their environmental and social impact.

Looking to bring more sustainable products into your workplace? Explore our range of A&J-approved products.