Celebrating B Corp Month & 20 Years of Fairware
Each March, the global B Corp community unites to celebrate B Corp Month, a time dedicated to showcasing businesses that are using their influence to create positive change.
For Fairware, this B Corp Month is particularly special, as it coincides with our 20th anniversary of being in business. Over two decades, we’ve grown from humble beginnings into a leader in sustainable merchandising, all while staying true to our mission of using business as a force for good.
This dual milestone is an ideal opportunity to reflect on what it means to be part of the B Corp movement, how it has shaped us, and why it serves as our guiding compass in every decision we make.
What Is a B Corp?
Certified B Corporations (B Corps) are businesses that meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. This certification, overseen by the nonprofit organization B Lab, ensures that companies operate ethically and sustainably while considering the needs of all their stakeholders—customers, employees, communities, suppliers, shareholders, and the planet.
The certification process involves a thorough assessment of a company’s impact across these areas, requiring recertification every three years to ensure continuous improvement. At its core, being a B Corp means committing to balancing purpose and profit, demonstrating that businesses can grow responsibly without compromising ethics or sustainability.
What Is B Corp Month?
B Corp Month, celebrated annually in March, is a global campaign to raise awareness about the B Corp movement. It highlights the collective power of businesses driving change for people and the planet. This year, the campaign theme is #GenB, celebrating the generation of businesses and individuals who strive for positive impact and embody the belief that there’s a better way to do business.
For Fairware, B Corp Month is not just about celebration; it’s about recommitting ourselves to our values and sharing the story of our ongoing impact.
Fairware’s B Corp Journey
From the beginning, Fairware’s foundation has been built on the belief that business can be a tool for positive change. Co-founded in 2005 in a garage in Vancouver, Canada, Fairware was born with a clear mission—“to change the world through the simple act of buying.” Our ambition was to not just sell promotional products but champion sustainable, ethical, and meaningful merchandise.
Fast-forward to 2010, when we became the world’s first promotional products distributor to achieve B Corp certification. Even more thrilling, we joined as a founding Canadian B Corp and have since remained a proud member of this trailblazing community. We’ve relied on our B Corp certification as a compass through every decision—whether sourcing responsibly, advocating for environmental protection, or promoting inclusion.
How B Corp Guides Fairware’s Business
At Fairware, the B Corp assessment isn’t just a certification—it’s a business tool we use daily. It helps us evaluate our operations, identify areas for improvement, and reinforce our commitment to ethical business practices. Here’s how the B Corp framework aligns with our values:
Responsible Sourcing
We were founded on ethical sourcing principles, and B Corp certification has deepened our commitment to transparency and sustainability in our supply chain. We rigorously vet suppliers to ensure they uphold fair labor practices and use sustainable materials. For example, we emphasize working with impact-driven suppliers, supporting environmentally certified materials, and fostering diverse ownership structures across our supplier base.
Environmental Stewardship
Being a B Corp means more than minimizing environmental impact—it’s about actively contributing to solutions. Over the last 15 years, we’ve measured our greenhouse gas emissions and set a bold target to achieve net zero by 2040. From supporting kelp reforestation initiatives to reducing waste during production, we’re committed to addressing climate change head-on.
Advocacy and Community Impact
We don’t just work for sustainability—we advocate for it. Fairware supports grassroots organizations, contributes to social justice movements like Clean Creatives, and partners with local communities to drive long-lasting change. Our B Corp certification holds us accountable for ensuring that community engagement isn’t just a practice but a priority.
Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI)
We believe economic justice is essential to creating a sustainable future. That’s why we’ve integrated JEDI principles into our hiring practices, team training programs, and supplier network as part of our impact agenda. Rooting out bias, empowering underrepresented communities, and creating equitable opportunities are non-negotiables in how we operate.
20 Years of Fairware Impact
This B Corp Month is particularly meaningful for us as we celebrate 20 years of progress. Over two decades, Fairware has grown from a small, socially conscious startup into an influential voice in the promotional products industry—leading by example and showing how merchandise can be a tool for advocacy and change.
Some highlights:
- B Corp Milestones: From becoming the first promotional products B Corp distributor to ranking as a top performer in environmental and community categories.
- 2022 Impact Report: Our inaugural report showcased our measurable results in areas like carbon reduction, community contributions, and supplier compliance with worker wellbeing standards.
- Continuous Innovation: Whether it’s embedding sustainability metrics into our client projects or launching eco-friendly lines of merchandise, we continue to push traditional industry boundaries.
But our work isn’t done. We view every accomplishment as a stepping stone toward greater impact. Sustainability is never a finished equation. This is why we’re more committed than ever to improving and embracing new opportunities to lead with purpose.
What Does Being a B Corp Mean for You?
For our clients, employees, suppliers, and advocates, being a B Corp means you’re a part of something bigger. Every product you purchase or campaign you execute through Fairware contributes to a better planet and a more equitable economy. It means trusting that your partners prioritize people and the planet over profit.
When you collaborate with Fairware, you’re joining a global network of changemakers whose work proves that businesses can—and must—be forces for good.
Join Us in Celebrating B Corp Month
B Corp Month is a reminder that the work we do together drives progress. Whether you’re a fellow member of the B Corp community, a conscious consumer, or simply curious about the movement, we invite you to celebrate with us:
- Follow the #GenB campaign to see stories of impact from B Corps worldwide.
- Partner with us on your next project and make a statement with sustainable merchandise.
- Share our story to help spread awareness of the B Corp movement.
Here’s to another 20 years of impact, innovation, and inspiration. Together, we’re proving that better business is possible—and we’re just getting started.
Are you ready to take your business in a new, positive direction? Get in touch with Fairware today. Together, we’ll create meaningful and sustainable impact through ethical merchandise designed with purpose.