Changes in B Corp certification: What impact will the new standards have on Romanian companies

The B Corp standards, recognized worldwide for fostering a positive impact in the business community, have recently been updated to address new economic, social and environmental challenges. Romanian companies seeking B Corp certification will need to adapt to the new requirements, which take effect in 2026 and will apply to both startups and large corporations.

According to Better Business Alliance, the first community in Romania dedicated to supporting the B Corp certification process, this update will have a significant impact on how local companies approach certification.

Key changes in the new B Corp standards

The first major change involves eligibility: companies must meet a set of fundamental eligibility criteria and submit a risk profile before beginning the impact assessment.

Additionally, whereas the current version includes five impact areas
(Governance, Workers, Community, Environment and Customers), the new B Corp standards introduce seven essential impact topic areas: Purpose and stakeholder governance, Fair work, Justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, Human rights, Climate action, Environmental stewardship and circularity and Government affairs and collective action.

Specific requirements will depend on each company’s size, sector, industry and geographic location, with the number of criteria ranging from 20 to 124.

Assessment requirements adapted to company size

To ensure the standards’ applicability across industries and regions, differentiated subcategories have been introduced based on each company’s size and sector, taking into account revenues and employee count.

While all applicable criteria must be met, companies will have the option to choose how to fulfill certain requirements. In addition, companies may choose not to meet up to 15% of the applicable criteria if these are not relevant to the country or region in which they operate.

Enhanced clarity for businesses of every size

The new standards improve the accessibility and clarity of certification requirements, especially for small businesses and startups. Simplified tools allow identification and prioritization of the most relevant social and environmental impacts for each company. Additional guidance materials help companies implement the necessary measures more efficiently and with greater understanding.

Phased certification and recertification

A major change is the introduction of a phased certification system: after the initial B Corp certification, companies must adjust their sustainability strategy annually, gradually integrating the new standards over intervals of three and five years, based on specific requirements. At the end of this transition period, all criteria must be met to maintain certification. This model applies both to first-time B Corp applicants and to those undergoing recertification.

Impact Business Models clarified

Impact Business Models (IBMs), known as businesses intentionally designed to generate positive outcomes for specific stakeholders, have been clarified. This category includes companies that provide ecosystem conservation services, donate a percentage of sales of an essential product, or hire individuals from vulnerable groups. Although IBMs will no longer be included in the B Corp assessment, companies wishing to adopt such a model will still be able to do so without formal evaluation within the B Corp process.

B Corp in Romania: A growing community of certified companies

Currently, Romania hosts three certified B Corporations. Danone Romania was the first to obtain this prestigious certification at the Central and Eastern Europe regional level, and Promateris recently became the first Romanian owned company to receive certification. In addition, 13  other companies in industries such as food production, retail, cosmetics, communication & branding, pharmaceuticals, tourism and fashion are in the process of certification.

Better Business Alliance is the first community in Romania to assist companies through the B Corp certification process, comprising five Romanian B Corp consultants (B Leaders).

Implications for companies in 2025 and 2026

“In Romania, we already have companies in the process of certification under the existing B Corp standards. We observe that this process is increasingly sought by companies aiming to expand into international markets, gain recognition for their social responsibility efforts or use B Corp certification as a tool to attract investors,” explained Corina Radu, CEO of Impact Market Romania and co-founder of Better Business Alliance.

Companies that already have a B Impact Assessment in progress will continue certification under the current standards, unaffected by the new regulations. Companies beginning the certification process in 2025 will likewise work under the existing standards. As of January 1, 2026, the new standards will become mandatory for all companies seeking B Corp certification or recertification.

About Better Business Alliance

Better Business Alliance is a Romanian nonprofit organization that promotes the B Corp business model in Romania, with the aim of helping local companies meet standards of social responsibility and sustainability. The alliance was initiated by Romanian B Corp consultants, with the support of Danone Romania and B Lab Europe.

The alliance’s mission is to develop a community of certified companies, those in the certification process and those aspiring to B Corp status, united by the common purpose of creating value for communities, employees and the environment. The alliance will also engage in educating companies through its online “BIA Accelerator” program, facilitating the transfer of experience and knowledge among companies, including between large enterprises and startups, both within Romania and abroad.

Better Business Alliance Launched: The First Alliance in Romania Supporting the B Corp Movement

The community of B Corp consultants in Romania (B Leaders) and Danone Romania have launched Better Business Alliance, the first local alliance dedicated to the B Corp movement. Its aim is to develop the B Corp community in Romania and foster businesses focused on social impact.

The B Corp sustainability and social responsibility certification was launched by B Lab, a global non-profit organization that, in 2007, initiated a movement to change the system within the culture and operations of companies. The goal was to transform business norms, shifting from a profit-centered model to an inclusive economic system that considers all stakeholders, ensuring that companies take responsibility for economic, social, and environmental changes.

To achieve the B Corp certification, a company must pass a rigorous assessment of its practices in five key areas: governance, employees, customers, community and environment. It must achieve a minimum score of 80 points out of 200 on the B Impact Assessment evaluation and audit to gain certification. Globally, nearly 10.000 B Corps are operating in 102 countries across 160 industries, while over 300.000 companies use B Corp tools to verify sustainability standards.


The First Alliance in Romania Supporting the B Corp Movement

The objectives of Better Business Alliance include informing local businesses about the benefits of B Corp certification, consulting and supporting those seeking certification, and assisting companies that wish to begin their journey towards sustainability according to ESG standards.

Additionally, the alliance encourages certified B Corps and those in the certification process to join, collaborate, and share best practices. This exchange of experience helps strengthen a business network with impact.

The benefits of B Corp certification are reflected in the performance of certified companies. According to a B Lab study in the U.S., between 2011 and 2015, B Corps grew 28 times faster than the national average. Furthermore, B Corps attract and retain talent more easily due to their values and organizational culture, which focus on social and environmental impact. These companies are 55% more likely to cover healthcare insurance costs for employees and are actively engaged in their communities.

“B Corp is not just a certification. It represents a paradigm shift in how business is done. For consumers, it is a symbol of trust, as B Corp certified companies publicly demonstrate that they operate according to the highest sustainability standards, with a social purpose above profit. Through this new alliance, we aim to harness the power of good, with both companies—through their operating models—and consumers—by choosing B Corp certified products and services—contributing to society,,” said Corina Radu, founder of Impact Market Romania.

Better Business Alliance will operate as a non-profit organization, initiated by B Corp consultants Corina Radu, Cătălina Ticău, Cristina Tararache, Cristina Bîcîilă, and Daria Hău, with the support of B Lab Europe, to develop a local and regional network of sustainable and visionary companies.

Romanian Companies Show a Growing Interest in B Corp Certification

Locally, Danone Romania is the first B Corp company, having obtained certification at the Central and Eastern European regional level. “We are excited to be the first supporters of the Better Business Alliance in Romania, paving the way for the B Corp movement. Danone Romania achieved B Corp certification in 2024 as part of the regional group for Central and Eastern Europe, further supporting the company’s global commitment to becoming one of the largest multinational companies worldwide to be fully B Corp certified. B Corp certification is a public recognition that Danone leads its business with a culture focused on achieving social and sustainability goals in everything it does”, said Ivan Holub, Sustainability Lead, Danone Central and Eastern Europe.

Currently, a second company has been certified, and 12 other businesses from various industries such as food production, compostable materials, retail, cosmetics, coaching, tourism, fashion, and communications & branding are in the process of being certified.

This progress is essential for developing a business ecosystem that will have a positive impact in Romania. Interest in B Corp certification is increasing, driven by its benefits for employer branding and its attractiveness to consumers. A recent B Lab study found that 57% of European consumers consider sustainability and certifications when making purchasing decisions, while 49% factor it into job choices.

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About Better Business Alliance

Better Business Alliance is a non-profit organization that promotes the B Corp business model in Romania. Its goal is to help local companies meet the highest standards of social responsibility and sustainability. The alliance was initiated by B Corp consultants in Romania, with the support of Danone Romania and B Lab Europe.