In a very significant event in the company’s history, Buff, the maker of headwear and neckwear accessories for running and other outdoor activities, has joined the movement of registered B Corporations, scoring 105.7 in its first round of testing, a major accomplishment in elevating its “Do More. Now” sustainability program.
The B Corporation community is a growing movement of more than 6000 companies who are reinventing business by redefining what success means; not just economic but also the wellbeing of people, communities, and the planet. Part of the registration process requires companies to legally embed their commitment to purpose beyond profit in company articles.
"From day one, we have been committed to choosing the responsible path with every decision. We are honored to stand alongside other sustainable organizations leading the global movement for an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy," says David Camps, Buff CEO. "It's a proud moment to receive validation for our teams' work to help forge a brighter future. It doesn't end here; we are more excited than ever to push further, build better, and design cleaner."
B Corporations must pass a rigorous 360 degree evaluation to become part of the community of companies striving not only to be the best in the world, but also the best for the world. This evaluation covers five key impact areas of Governance, Workers, Community, Environment and Customers.
Since its inception, Buff has focused on people and the planet as part of its corporate vision. A family-owned business headquartered in Barcelona, Spain, the company manufactures 90 percent of its products in-house using 100 percent renewable energy. Last year Buff reached a milestone of recycling more than 41 million plastic water bottles to make its products.
Additionally, Buff created a garment-making school to create meaningful local job opportunities and give people at risk of social exclusion the skills needed to succeed in a textile manufacturing career.
“Our goal is to continually improve and be the best that we can for our consumers, retailers, employees and the planet,” adds Marta Torner, sustainability manager at Buff. “Over the coming years our goal is to further reduce our carbon footprint, with a focus on supply chain and with an interim milestone of becoming carbon neutral in our own operations by 2023.”
As part of the process, the brand has formalized 12 new policies, ensuring its commitment to sustainability in all aspects of the business. The policies range from ethical marketing practices to a climate change policy intending to measure and reduce the company's environmental impacts. Buff plans to keep investing in sustainable product innovation as well as increase the number of products made at its in-house facility from 90 to 100 percent.