Harch will co-host event “B Corp Certification: Past and future”

Harch Inc. will be co-hosting the event “B Corp Certification: Past and future” together with UMITO Partners Co., Ltd. and four other companies. The event will take place over two days, on June 22 and July 7.

Understanding the growing significance of “B Corp™” as it goes mainstream

Ten years ago, many people said that B Corp™️ (B Corporation™), a certification for companies that improve society, was just a pretty face.

However, the tide is now turning, with a large movement now forming around the world and 25 companies in Japan having obtained the certification (as of June 2023). UMITO Partners, which promotes sustainability in the ocean and fishing industry, and our company, which operates “IDEAS FOR GOOD,” an online magazine showcasing ideas and solutions worldwide for bettering society, have also recently acquired the certification, and the momentum is growing.

However, it is crucial to assess the genuine value of B Corp™ at this moment; otherwise, it might merely turn into a passing trend. We have been sensing a significant urgency surrounding this matter.

Therefore, we will hold an event to discuss what is needed to make B Corp™ more open and to make it a real movement, mainly with our company and UMITO Partners, who have recently obtained the certification, as well as Oka, a consultant who supports certification acquisition and other knowledgeable volunteers.

We hope to deepen the dialogue with visitors and share our vision to take the B Corp™️ movement to the next level. We invite you to join us on our journey to become a better company.

*Day 2 of this event will be held on July 7 (2:00 pm-5:00 pm). Details will be announced at a later date.

What is B Corp™️ Certification?

B Corp™ Certification is an international private certification program that is given to companies that act with high standards regarding social and global environment. B Lab™, a non-profit organization based in Pennsylvania, USA, has been operating the certification program since 2006, and it is based on its own index, the BIA score. Major acquisitions include outdoor brand patagonia (US), food manufacturer Danone (France) and shoe manufacturer Allbirds (US). As of June 12, 2023, nearly 7,000 companies worldwide have received the certification, including 25 companies in Japan.
https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/

Flow of the day for Day 1

• 6:30 pm：Opening
• 6:40 pm：Talk session
  • B Corp™ movement so far
  • Examples of acquired companies (Day1:June 22 will focus on UMITO Partners, Day2:July 7 will focus on Harch Inc.)
  • The future of the movement
• 8:00 pm：A get-together session
• 9:20 pm：Closing

*We would like to make the session reflect the interests of the participants as much as possible. Please indicate your thoughts on B Corp™️ certification and B Corp™️ certified companies in the registration form!

Target audience (We recommend this event for…)

• Those who are working on management issues incorporating SDGs, ESG, etc.,
• Those who are concerned about the diversification of stakeholders, including not only shareholders but also employees and local communities,
• Those who are considering bridging social issues and business and
• Those who are interested in B Corp™️.

(Day1) Event Time / Date: 6:30 pm- / June 22
(Day2) Event Time / Date: 2:00 pm- / July 7

[Reference Page] “The Past and future of B Corp Certification Umito Partners” | Peatix (in Japanese)