More than 200 companies across Spain are part of the B Corp movement in 2022, with 80% growth over the previous year.
The aim of many companies has shifted from simply maximizing profit to reinvesting in production and people. In the early days, profit was the primary driver, yet recent findings show a strong push toward sustainable and transparent business models. A Canvas study highlights that businesses must align with environmental and social standards, especially when crises hit. The B Corp movement began in the United States during the 2007 Lehman Brothers crisis, when a group of entrepreneurs sought a way to prove their commitment to more than just economic gains and to balance purpose with profitability. This origin story is often cited by experts when explaining how measured accountability can influence long-term resilience.
In discussions about the movement, Pablo Sanchez, managing director of the B Lab Spain foundation, explains that environmental values initially lagged behind investor demand. He notes that B Corp gradually took hold, expanding worldwide to highlight firms that meet verified high standards of social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability. While the project aims to balance profit with purpose, companies that embrace these principles often see a notable uptick in workforce numbers and morale, reflecting stronger organizational health and impact across the value chain.
Spain welcomed the B Corp framework in 2018, with the B Lab Spain foundation now employing a growing team. Collaborations with brands such as Camper, Isdin, MásMóvil, Capsa Food, and Chiesi illustrate how a network of firms can exceed standard business practices. Across the country, notable outcomes include high rates of local supplier engagement (about 94%), substantial use of renewable energy (around 70%), and a strong presence of women in management roles (roughly 84%). The momentum described by Sanchez indicates that these responsible companies have grown by about 80% and are on track to surpass 300 certified firms by 2022. Globally, more than 6,300 companies hold B Corp certification, underscoring the movement’s breadth and influence.
Transition poses real challenges, however. Certification requires a rigorous assessment, and many firms must answer a lengthy survey and achieve at least 80 points out of 200. Industry observers note that only a small share of applicants meet the threshold, with many scoring far below the target. For large organizations, earning B Corp status represents a 360-degree impact across the value chain, environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and transparency. Alfredo Gazpio, director of international relations for Danone, points out that the company became the first major Spanish firm to secure the certificate. Danone’s early mission to improve health through food has evolved into a broader commitment, including a 30% reduction in methane emissions and a move toward solar energy at its Valencia plant, where all energy is sourced from green options. The director describes certification as a process of using private resources to solve public problems and pursuing continuous improvement with no endpoints.
Recent legal developments in Spain further support seamless certification efforts. The Create and Grow Law, effective October 19, establishes a framework for a new legal entity known as SBIC (interest and common interest communities). While this is promising progress, some officials admit there is still work to do to finalize regulation and determine registration conditions. Still, many firms are already progressing toward SBIC status, reflecting a broader appetite for accountability and sustainable growth across sectors.
Certification renewal and ongoing progress
Ongoing improvement remains central. Ruben Gonzalez-Novel, director of Research and ESG Strategy and president of the B Corp for a leading Madrid firm, emphasizes that certification is renewed every three years. Early scores have given way to more robust results, with higher benchmarks driving deeper commitments. A local firm, employing about 25 staff, has raised its score and achieved carbon neutrality, illustrating how ongoing assessment can push a company toward meaningful environmental gains even within a competitive market.
Every purchase by consumers becomes a vote for the world they want. In today’s climate, surviving as a business increasingly depends on adaptation and responsible practices. Silivian Single, CEO of Motocard, notes that Spanish customers place a high value on corporate responsibility across every facet of operation. It took his firm roughly a year and a half to reach the B Corp standard, and by 2022 the company stood out as a sector pioneer in Europe with a recognized accreditation. The emphasis is clear: responsible practices are not a niche feature but a core driver of trust, loyalty, and long-term vitality across industries. As this movement continues to expand, more firms in North America and Europe are embracing the same rigorous standards, signaling a shared global commitment to value-based business models.