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.
