Cleaning products firm Bio-D is now recognised as one of the country's most environmentally and socially responsible businesses, having secured B Corp status.
The Hull-based supplier, which specialises in ethically-sourced, environmentally friendly sprays and liquids, is one of just 1,000 UK companies to pass the rigorous accreditation that requires applicants to prove high social and environmental performance and change their legal structures to become accountable to more people beyond shareholders.
Lloyd Atkin, managing director at Bio-D said of the achievement: “I am incredibly proud of our team for all of their hard work behind the scenes that has led to us securing B Corp Certification.
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“Bio-D was founded in Hull in 1989, and we’ve made sure to focus on sustainability from the very beginning.
"It’s behind every decision we make - from the suppliers we use to how the factory is powered and the ingredients that go into the products we put on the shelves. Because of this, achieving B Corp status was a key objective for us and something we have strived to secure.
“We first applied back in 2019 and it has taken a huge amount of time and effort from the team to cross the finishing line. It has been a long journey, but we’re overjoyed that we can now say that we’re officially B Corp certified.”
The B Corp Certification recognises businesses that meet high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency on everything from employee benefits and charitable giving, to supply chain practices and input materials.
Bio-D was assessed across various parts of its business, including its ingredients, packaging, accountability and workforce.
Chris Turner, executive director of B Lab UK, the not-for-profit behind the B Corp movement, added: “We are delighted to welcome Bio-D to the B Corp community.
"This is a movement of companies who are committed to changing how business operates and believe business really can be a force for good.
"We know that Bio-D is going to be a fantastic addition to the community and will continue driving the conversation forward.”
The announcement follows Bio-D's success at The National Manufacturing Awards, organised by Make UK, where it was recognised in the Energy and Sustainability category for its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.
A two-year strategy was implemented and included a reduction in its use of plastic, a reduction in electricity usage, and an 85% reduction in carbon emissions from business travel.
Mr Atkin said: “Whilst we delivered our two-year strategy six months ahead of schedule, we will continue to re-assess and set new goals to further our efforts to be as sustainable as possible.”
