Employee-owned schoolwear manufacturer Rowlinson Knitwear (Rowlinson) has achieved B Corporation (B Corp) certification.

To attain this, Rowlinson met the highest verified social and environmental standards representing its commitment to goals beyond shareholder profit. It now joins a global movement dedicated to using business as a force for good.

Rowlinson is the only organisation in the schoolwear industry to achieve B Corp certification.

B Corp certification addresses a company’s entire business operations covering governance, workers, community, environment and customers. The stringent certification process demands that applicants reach a minimum benchmark score of over 80.

They must also provide evidence of socially and environmentally responsible practices. These relate to energy supplies, waste and water use, worker compensation, diversity and also corporate transparency.

Rowlinson’s B Impact score of 107 makes it the highest-scoring Certified B Corp in both the North of England and Scotland. Among B Corps in the clothing and apparel industry, Rowlinson is ranked 1st in the UK. It is also 2nd in Europe and 14th worldwide.

Donald Moore, chair at Rowlinson, says; “Becoming a Certified B Corp is a truly defining moment in our history. It’s testament to our longstanding focus on responsible practices and will motivate us to achieve even more positive and enduring change.

“We hope that our commitment to doing business more responsibly will inspire others and help spread the idea that we can redefine success in business to be as much about people and planet as it is about profit.”

Also commenting is Neil Ward, managing director at Rowlinson.

“Being a B Corp gives us the lens through which we view our world; sharpening our focus on what matters most today and for future generations too. We’re very excited to be part of a global community of change-makers. We plan to deliver even more impact with the products and services we create, the programmes we launch, and the people we work with.”

Cllr Elise Wilson, leader of Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council, adds; “Congratulations to Rowlinson Knitwear on becoming the first B Corp in Stockport. This is the result of a great deal of work on behalf of the organisation, which actively puts people, the environment, and their customers at the forefront of their business.”

Rowlinson is now part of a community of over 3,400 businesses globally that have certified as B Corps.

Kate Sandle, director of Programmes and Engagement at B Lab UK, adds; “We are delighted to welcome Rowlinson to the B Corp community. This is a movement of companies who are committed to changing how business operates, who believe business really can be a force for good. We know that Rowlinson is going to be a fantastic addition to the community and will continue driving the conversation forward.”

The B Corp community in the UK represents a broad cross-section of industries as well as sizes. It comprises over 330 companies including well-known brands such as The Guardian, Innocent, Patagonia, The Body Shop, Ben & Jerry’s and also Jamie Oliver.

Click here to visit Rowlinson’s website. For further information on B Corporation, please click here.