Joining a growing global community Oakland International has received B Corp Certification, acknowledged as meeting the high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.
Internationally there are over 7,800 B Corps across 92 countries encompassing 161 industries which employ over 708,300 people. Certified B Corporations, or B Corps, are companies verified by B Lab that meet exacting standards, with B Corp certification acknowledged as one of the most extensive and rigorous business certification processes.
Oakland International’s Co-Founder Dean Attwell commented: “We are absolutely delighted to have attained B Corp Certification as this accreditation provides an external verified standard for several areas not considered by traditional certifications such as corporate responsibility, being a good employer/neighbour, our commitment to social improvement and green credentials, and acknowledgement of our sustainable practices. We hope others in our sector will follow our lead as we genuinely believe that better business results are delivered from practices encouraged by the standard.
“Moreover, the standard is designed to encourage better behaviours across all levels of our business and our view is that B Corp should be a common standard across industry, showing customers that they are dealing with an ethical and responsible partner.”
The B Corp movement aims to bring about a systemic change of the global economic system, moving from profit driven to a system that takes people and the planet into account alongside profit and a positive shift to impact all stakeholders from employees, communities, customers, and the planet, rather than just shareholders.
A total solutions provider Oakland International is an award-winning integrated supply chain specialist and a leader in distress load management whereby food and non-food are saved from going to waste.
A difficult standard to obtain with much positive work undertaken prior to applying for B Corp accreditation, Oakland’s initial assessment was completed in early 2021 with confirmation of certification given by the end of 2023.
Added Dean: “Being B Corp certified is highly unusual for a company in our industry and of our size, so we are thrilled to be at the forefront of sustainable business values. We will have teams on each site to ensure standards are maintained and that the correct improvements are planned to advance future certification.
“We now have a structured system on which to base further improvement that will enhance team welfare, our community engagement and our business sustainability.”
BRCGS AA accredited and an authority in direct to consumer, case consolidation, contract packing, storage and distribution, food tempering and brand development support for ambient, chilled, and frozen food, servicing retail, convenience, discount, wholesale and food service markets in the UK and Ireland, Oakland International is working towards becoming the first business within their sector to achieve net-zero.