Botanical PaperWorks’ (asi/41273) sustainability efforts are blossoming. The Winnipeg-based supplier of plantable seed paper is now a certified B Corp.

“This marks a significant milestone in the company’s sustainability journey,” said Heidi Reimer-Epp, CEO and co-founder of Botanical PaperWorks. “It shows our customers, employees and stakeholders that we’re dedicated to living out our values so we can positively impact the environment and the communities we are a part of.”

B Corps are assessed and certified by the nonprofit organization B Lab. Applicants are evaluated using the B Impact Assessment, a test that measures positive and negative impact both environmentally and socially. B Corps meet high standards for verified social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.

Botanical PaperWorks said its B Corp certification will be part of its “guiding compass” to make future decisions and improvements to the company. The supplier focuses on making a positive impact in promo, by creating zero-waste products that are both socially and environmentally responsible, including its biodegradable seed paper made from post-consumer material that can be planted and grow into wildflowers, herbs or vegetables. On average, Botanical PaperWorks recycles more than 20 metric tons of paper waste each year, according to its website.

The supplier joins a growing movement in the promotional products industry and beyond seeking out B Corp certification. Worldwide, there are more than 8,700 certified companies, according to the B Corp website. Earlier this year, Plymouth, MN-based Zusa (asi/99560) became a B Corp. In January, Top 40 distributor Leaderpromos (asi/287087) announced its B Corp certification. In 2023, Top 40 distributor Genumark (asi/204588) earned its B Corp certification, as did supplier Chameleon Like (asi/44558). The Do-Gooders Directory on ASI Media’s Promo for the Planet page lists other promo companies that have B Corp certification, along with various giveback programs, charitable initiatives and sustainability certifications they’ve attained. In the retail space, notable B Corps include Athleta, Allbirds, Ben & Jerry’s, Seventh Generation, Patagonia and The Body Shop.

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