How FatFace Became a B Corporation
British outdoor lifestyle brand FatFace has achieved B Corporation certification, becoming one of the first in the industry. B Corps are for-profit companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance. The certification recognizes FatFace’s commitment to sustainability, ethics and community impact across its business. The company aims to set an example for others in adapting core values to commercial success and scale.
Embedding purpose into growth
FatFace was founded in 1987 with a mission to create ethical and sustainable outdoor products. However, as the company grew, that purpose was at risk of being diluted or distorted to prioritize profit alone. The founders sought to formally institutionalize their values and ensure they remained central to decision making as FatFace expanded. B Corp certification provides an ongoing framework for considering the social, environmental and economic impacts of business strategies and operational choices. It helps keep purpose and profit in balance.
Meeting rigorous standards
To achieve B Corp status, FatFace had to meet high standards across social, environmental and governance factors. It was required to have a positive impact on workers, communities, the environment, and customers. FatFace was assessed on criteria such as fair pricing, sustainability certifications, diversity and inclusion, community programs, and transparency. Only those that achieve an high score, demonstrating comprehensive commitment to benefit, are certified B Corporations. It is a mark of integrity that customers and partners can trust.
Inspiring others to act
FatFace aims to inspire other businesses, especially in apparel and outdoors, to pursue purpose and principles over just profits. By achieving B Corp status, the company demonstrates how mission-driven values can apply to commercial success and scale. Its leaders hope other founders and CEOs will reevaluate their priorities and make positive impact a higher goal. As more B Corporations emerge, especially in the industry, businesses will have more examples and support to succeed sustainably and for the benefit of all stakeholders.
FatFace’s journey to B Corp certification shows how purpose can be built into business strategy and operations. By setting an influential example, the company also helps drive broader changes in business practices. B Corps offer a model of responsible and sustainable commercial organizations that can raise ethics, transparency and community partnership to match financial success. Overall, FatFace is helping redefine success and reimagine the purpose of business.
