New B Corp Standards: A Turning Point for Business as a Force for Good

The B Corp movement has never been more relevant — or more necessary. In a time of escalating climate crises, growing inequality, and increasing public demand for accountability, businesses are being called to do more than minimise harm. They’re expected to lead. 

And many are stepping up. Awareness of B Corp Certification in the UK now stands at 51%, and corporations worldwide now surpass 10,000 certified B Corps. The UK alone is home to over 2,500 B Corps — the largest national community in the movement — representing more than 150,000 workers across 58 industries.

B Lab UK recently launched an ambitious 10-year strategy to make business as a force for good the norm, not the exception. That mission now takes centre stage with the release of the new B Corp standards — a reimagined framework that will take effect from 1 January 2026.

Why the New Standards Matter

The new standards represent the most significant evolution in B Lab’s history. Developed over four years through global consultation and more than 26,000 stakeholder inputs, the updated framework is a direct response to rising expectations — from consumers, employees, investors, and regulators alike.

Put simply, people are no longer satisfied with good intentions. They want transparency, accountability, and measurable action. The new B Corp standards answer that call.

Rather than focusing on scoring points, companies will now be required to meet clear, minimum thresholds across seven key Impact Topics — ensuring that certified businesses walk the talk on the issues that matter most.

What’s Changing?

Under the new system, certification is structured around two main components:

1. Foundation Requirements (for all businesses)

These set the baseline for eligibility and accountability and include:

• Legal incorporation and operation for at least 12 months

• Adoption of the B Corp legal requirement and stakeholder governance model

• A risk assessment using B Lab’s tool (which may trigger deeper due diligence for high-risk industries)

2. Impact Topic Requirements

Businesses must take verified action across all seven of these areas:

1. Purpose & Stakeholder Governance

2. Fair Work

3. Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (JEDI)

4. Human Rights

5. Climate Action

6. Environmental Stewardship & Circularity

7. Government Affairs & Collective Action

The number of specific actions a business must take will vary based on size, sector, and geography — from 20 to over 100.

Importantly, the standards now include a commitment to continuous improvement. Businesses must meet “Year 0” criteria to certify, then hit new, higher thresholds at Year 3 and Year 5.

Certifying or Recertifying? Here’s What You Need to Know

Whether your company is aiming for B Corp certification for the first time or preparing for recertification, it’s important to understand the updated timelines, eligibility, and transition rules. Below are example scenarios to help you navigate the changes.

Example: SMEs Certifying for the First Time:

• If you’re an SME that does not operate within the EU and doesn’t engage in B2C activity, you can still certify under the current standards (Version 6), as long as your B Impact Assessment is submitted by 31 December 2025.

• If you’re an SME that does operate in the EU and engages in B2C activity, it’s recommended that you certify under the new B Corp standards. This aligns more closely with upcoming EU regulations such as the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).

Example 2: Large Company Seeking Certification:

• If you’re a large enterprise applying for certification for the first time, B Lab is no longer accepting applications under the current model. All new applications from large companies must begin under the new standards, which are specifically designed to address the scale and complexity of larger organisations.

If your company is already certified as a B Corp, it’s important to understand how the upcoming changes affect your next recertification. Timelines, eligibility, and expectations will vary depending on your company’s size, location, and business model — so let’s look at a few examples to make it easier to navigate what’s next.

Example 3: SME Recertifying in 2025

• If your company is an SME with a recertification date in 2025, and you don’t operate in the EU or engage in B2C activity, you are required to recertify under the current standards (Version 6). Your B Impact Assessment must be submitted by your assigned submission deadline.

• If your SME has a 2025 recertification date, operates in the EU, and engages in B2C, the situation is different. The deadline to recertify under Version 6 was 30 June 2025, which has now passed.In this case, your company must now plan to recertify under the new standards by September 2026. You should have received an email from B Lab with guidance.

Example 4: Large Enterprise Recertifying in 2025

·      If you’re a large enterprise with a 2025 recertification date and your company operates in the EU or engages in B2C, B Lab strongly recommends you begin preparing to transition to the new standards.B Lab is currently developing new certification routes to support large enterprises through this change.

Example 5: Companies Recertifying in 2026

• From 2026, all companies will be expected to recertify under the new standards. However, whether your company will receive an extension or need to take specific actions will depend on factors such as company size, whether you operate in the EU, whether you engage in B2C activity.

From 2027, all recertifications will follow the new model, meaning the existing Version 6 will be fully phased out. Certification will become a 5-year journey, with clear checkpoints at Years 0, 3, and 5 — each raising the bar further.

Where Should You Start?

The path forward will depend on your organisation’s size, location, and timelines. But here are some general tips:

• Understand how the new standards impact your company: use this tool to navigate how the new standards may impact your certification or re-certification journey

• Review the Legal Requirement Tool: Understand what’s required based on your country and entity type.

• Get familiar with the Impact Topics: Use the B Impact Platform to explore the Year 0 requirements and start aligning internally.

• Start now: Whether you’re certifying or recertifying, the earlier you prepare, the smoother your journey will be.

Ready to Navigate the New Standards?

Are you already a B Corp and unsure how these updates affect you?Or are you considering certification but not sure where to start?

We can help.

Reach out to our in-house Official B Leader, Ariela Schnitman. Ariela has deep experience guiding companies through the B Corp journey and has recently been selected as Co-Chair of #BLocalBrighton — a growing community of purpose-driven businesses in Brighton and Sussex.

Get in touch and let’s grow this movement together.