Accessories & eyewear specialist Bollé Brands has confirmed its recent B Corp Certification, with a commitment to meeting high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
The process to earn the B Corp label, governed by the non-profit organisation B Lab, requires businesses to undergo rigorous scrutiny, evaluating their performance across various areas. This includes: governance, workers, customers, community, and the environment.
The company noted that… ‘Joining a movement of companies dedicated to making a positive impact on the world, Bollé Brands is proud to lead this effort and inspire its sector towards a sustainable business model. This milestone underscores the company’s pioneering approach to ethical practices and its unwavering commitment to social and environmental responsibility.’
Peter Smith, CEO of Bollé Brands, said “Bollé Brands is proud to join the B Corp community. Today represents another important milestone on our ongoing commitment to a more sustainable future.
“This label is not just a badge of honour, it represents our dedication to being part of a global movement of companies using business as a force for good. It is a clear indicator to consumers, partners, and the industry at large that Bollé Brands is not only on the forefront of fashion and function but also leading the charge in corporate responsibility and sustainable business practices.”
He continued, “Our journey to becoming a B Corp has been a rigorous but rewarding process, reflecting our core values and our commitment to excellence in every aspect of our business. This achievement marks our ongoing dedication to not only creating the best products but also to building a better world through responsible and sustainable practices to make sure we do all that we can to leave the world in a better place than we found it.
“B Corp Certification marks an exciting step in our ESG journey to date. From the development of our first eco-friendly packaging back in 2000 to the launch of our comprehensive and ambitious ESG strategy in 2021, Bollé Brands has been on an accelerated journey of sustainable innovation and transformation over recent years, setting a new standard in the sector.”
Sabine Beaudoin, Vice President of HR & ESG at Bollé Brands, added “Achieving B Corp Certification is a significant step on Bollé Brands’ ESG journey. It underscores the importance we place on human capital and the value we place on our employees’ well-being and development as we continue to foster a culture of inclusivity, diversity, and ethical practices.
“This label reflects our deep commitment to our people and the communities we serve globally. It is a recognition of the tremendous and collective work of our teams and employees to integrate ESG at all levels of the business. The culture of care and respect we’ve built empowers every employee to contribute to our collective mission of sustainability and social responsibility.”
In 2021, Bollé Brands embarked on a journey to reshape its ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) program and strategy. The company has set objectives and actions for 2027 and 2030, aiming to develop a more sustainable business model.
Highlights of Bollé Brands’ ESG journey include:
- A 35% reduction in CO2 emissions per product by 2027 (vs. 2021), with a current progress of 15-20% reduction for Bollé Safety products
- The use of the Global Biodiversity Score (GBS) to measure and reduce the impact on the erosion of biodiversity, targeting a 5% reduction by 2027 (vs. 2022)
- Engaging 100% of key suppliers in ethical progress, with over 60% undergoing SMETA audits in the last two years, and 80% of safety suppliers undergoing the same audits
- Implementing ESG criteria in employee remuneration schemes, with a bonus of 5% linked to ESG performance
- A commitment to a fair workplace, fostering engagement through annual surveys and action plans
- The implementation of over 60 ESG initiatives by Bollé Brands’ ESG ambassadors over the past two years. These include volunteer days, charity runs, product donations, and conferences on climate change.
Bollé Brands’ adds that its growth towards sustainability and social responsibility is ongoing, with the company closely monitoring its progress and continuously seeking ways to improve its environmental footprint and social impact.
The company has also committed to a number of initiatives, such as expanding its use of recycled and bio-based materials in product lines, using low-carbon energy in manufacturing processes, and fostering community engagement through volunteerism and partnerships with local organisations.
With this positioning, Bollé Brands intends to onboard its partners, stakeholders, and ultimately the wider industry on an ambitious sustainability journey.
