The Power of Collective Action: Why Becoming a B Corp (Still) Matters

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news: The Future Forest Company, our parent organisation, has officially become a Certified B Corp - and that means we have too!

This is a huge milestone for us. It’s something we’ve been working towards for a long time, and it represents a serious, third-party-verified commitment to doing business in a way that benefits people, communities, and the planet. It’s a big deal - and yes, we definitely did a little happy dance.

What B Corp Means for Us

Becoming a B Corp isn’t about a shiny badge. It’s about being held to high standards, going through a rigorous process, and joining a global community of businesses committed to using business as a force for good. At its core, B Corp is about accountability, transparency, and real, measurable impact - values that align perfectly with our mission here at Trees Not Tees.

It matters because, let’s be honest, the world doesn’t need more vague green claims or empty marketing slogans. It needs organisations prepared to back up their words with meaningful, verified action. This certification is proof that what we do, and how we do it, stands up to scrutiny.

Recognising the Criticism - And Why That’s Important

That being said, it's important to note that B Corp isn’t a golden ticket. It’s had some high-profile missteps. Big names with questionable records have made it through the process, and that’s left some people (understandably) frustrated. We’ve felt that too.

That’s why we think it’s important to be part of the movement and hold it accountable.

Because if B Corp is going to mean something, it has to evolve. And it is - B Lab (the non-profit behind B Corp) is tightening its standards and taking on those criticisms. Progress is never perfect, but it’s happening, and we want to help push it forward.

For us, joining the B Corp family is both a celebration and a responsibility - a promise to keep questioning, keep learning, and keep raising the bar.

This Isn’t About a Badge

We didn’t go through this process for a sticker on the website. The Future Forest Company’s journey to certification was long, sometimes frustrating, and deeply reflective. It forced real improvements.

For Trees Not Tees, this is about showing that when we say we want to help the planet, reduce waste, and plant trees the right way, we mean it - and we’re willing to be assessed on it.

We Still Love the Rebels

We also want to be clear: you don’t need to be a B Corp to make a difference. We work with amazing grassroots organisations, independent event organisers, and community-driven collectives who are doing brilliant things far outside any formal framework. Many of them aren’t interested in this kind of certification, and we get that.

Our values haven’t changed. We’re still all about collective action, creative solutions, and real-world impact - not top-down approval.

So, What Now?

We’re sharing this because we think it’s good news, but also because we want to keep the conversation open.

If you’re excited about B Corp - great. If you’re skeptical - also great. Let’s talk about it. Let’s hold each other to high standards. Let’s keep asking questions, and keep doing better.

Got thoughts? Curious to collaborate? Fancy a deep chat about t-shirts, trees and systemic change? Let’s talk.