Clipper Teas and Whole Earth brand owner, Wessanen UK has secured the coveted B Corp certification, becoming the latest in just 25 food and drink businesses in the UK to currently earn this.
Wessanen has pledged to deliver a positive social and environmental change through its unique brand portfolio. Committed to a mission of ‘connecting to nature’, Wessanen aims to help people make sustainable food choices that are better for their health and the health of the planet.
With its ambition to be a new kind of food company, the certification recognises Wessanen UK’s commitment to its key partners Fairtrade, Soil Association and Natural Capital Partners.
Wessanen UK is a carbon neutral company and is committed to ethical sourcing and natural ingredients. The company works closely with its suppliers to ensure alignment on its sustainability mission and is also focused on reducing the environmental impact of its packaging – looking at innovations in materials that will be fully compostable, recyclable or reusable. Through its Clipper Teas brand, the company was the world’s first to develop a plastic-free tea bag that’s also unbleached and GM free.
Emma Vass (pictured), CEO at Wessanen UK, said, 'Becoming a B Corp means joining a vital and powerful movement that looks to positively impact the world around us and inspire others. It is about putting nature first and working in the most sustainable way possible; operating with purpose and looking to benefit others by building a more sustainable economy. We look forward to working alongside our retail partners to drive the agenda for change.'
Cristina Ramsay, CSR and Technical Director at Wessanen UK, commented, “We are very proud to be part of the growing B Corp community; this highly valued certification is the latest demonstration of our commitment to ethical business, alongside our long-established Fairtrade and organic roots. We're delighted to join the small group of food and drink companies in the UK that are B Corp certified.”
Christophe Barnouin, CEO for the Wessanen group, said, “A growing number of people care deeply about our planet and how others are treated and are actively seeking out companies that act responsibly. With the UK, France, Italy and Germany all now B Corp certified, Wessanen has taken another big step towards reaching our target of becoming the first multinational food business to be fully certified by 2020.”