Verstegen achieves B Corp certification

Verstegen is proud to announce its B Corp certification. This certification confirms and reinforces the sustainable course we pursue as a Rotterdam family business and is a significant step towards achieving our ambition of becoming the most sustainable herb and spice company in the world. What exactly is B Corp, and what does it mean for Verstegen? We explain.

What is B Corp?

You might have heard of it before: 'B Corp' stands for 'Benefit for All' and is a globally recognized sustainability certification. If a company is allowed to carry this certification, you demonstrate that you are trying to make the most positive contribution possible to people, the environment, and society. B Corp certification is an international certification for for-profit companies that strive to have a significant, positive impact on people and the environment. These companies—small and large—have made sustainability a permanent part of their DNA and know how to create value in multiple ways. Becoming a B Corp isn't easy: your entire business operations are first examined by B Lab , the independent organization behind the certification. "We are incredibly proud to have achieved B Corp certification," says Marianne van Keep, Chief Sustainability Officer at Verstegen. "This recognizes the dedication of all our colleagues and partners to bringing about positive change in the communities where we operate."

What is Verstegen's B Corp score?

The B Corp assessment, expressed as a point score, consists of over 300 questions divided into five pillars: governance, environment, employees, customers, and community. An organization must achieve at least 80 of the 200 available points to qualify for B Corp certification. Verstegen has now achieved certification with a score of 81.9 points.

Certified B Corps are legally obligated to consider the impact of their decisions on people and the environment. They do this by documenting their sustainable mission in their bylaws. Certified B Corps are also transparent and share their B Impact Report—a summary of their impact and scores on the five themes—on B Lab's Global Directory. Verstegen's score can also be viewed there.

What does Verstegen want to achieve?

As a family business, we at Verstegen believe in creating a positive impact for future generations. We want to combine the best flavors with a business that cares for people and the environment. To achieve this, we have formulated several ambitions. These ambitions include:

• Maintaining and promoting biodiversity through smart agricultural techniques, such as regenerative agriculture. This benefits both the quality of the herbs and spices and the environment.
• Achieving a positive social impact, from farm to fork. We strive for a fair income and safe working conditions for everyone who works for or at Verstegen.
• Striving for a more sustainable and healthier world, in which we collectively take responsibility for our planet. Verstegen achieves this by investing in green energy and a climate-neutral office building, among other things.
• Minimizing waste and striving for as much recyclable packaging as possible. We are gradually improving our production processes to prevent waste.

That leaves you wanting more: further on the road to improvement

As a family business with a sustainable focus, we are thrilled with this milestone in Verstegen's history. We want everyone, now and in the future, to enjoy the most delicious herbs and spices while simultaneously making a positive contribution to people, the environment, and society.

"Achieving this certification is a fantastic achievement. We're committed to further enhancing our sustainability efforts in the coming years," says Mark Schraauwen. "Our focus in the coming years will be on climate. This is a significant challenge within the 1,000 supply chain partners we work with, but we're eager to take it on!"

Also read:
Verstegen achieves B Corp certification
Verstegen Spices & Sauces BV on B Lab's Global Directory