What our B Corp certification means for you

Our B Corp certification is your guarantee that Roast & Ground meets the most stringent standards of social and environmental performance – and that we’re committed to continuous improvement.

We decided B Corp was the next right step because we wanted to view all areas of our business through the lens of Corporate Social Responsibility and see how we stood up. B Corp has been the perfect tool to help us do this.

“Although all our coffees carry the Fairtrade or Rainforest Alliance logo, and our packaging is recyclable, we felt there was more we could be doing.”

Catherine Gray, Joint Managing Director, Roast & Ground

What is B Corp?

B Corp businesses are independently verified by B Lab, a non-profit organisation founded in 2006 which aims to ‘transform the global economy to benefit all people, communities, and the planet’.

Its members are all purpose-driven businesses, like Roast & Ground, that voluntarily strive to meet the highest standards for social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability – creating benefits for everyone, not just shareholders.

Importantly, it’s not just a one-and-done accreditation. With B Corp, the emphasis is on continuous performance and improvement, to meet the growing social and environmental challenges facing the world.

Practical benefits to Roast & Ground customers

As a family-owned business, we are especially proud to join the ranks of B Corp members. Rest assured that in working with Roast & Ground, you’re choosing a forward-thinking, proactive company that readily aligns with your own organisation’s sustainability commitments and obligations.

Ethical sourcing guarantees and full traceability
Enhanced due diligence and compliance
Supplier audits and transparency
Responsible business practices
High operational standards approved by AVA

In addition, Roast & Ground provides quality jobs, pays fairly and creates a positive workplace culture. “Our modus operandi includes treating others with respect, and being open and fair,” says Catherine.

A new way of looking at business

The B Corp assessment was an in-depth, rigorous process that took over a year of focused effort and challenged us to review all areas of our business.

“We didn’t necessarily need to put new procedures in place,” says Catherine. “Rather, we had to formalise some of our processes. It made us focus on bringing everything together and, in areas such as Governance, Workers and Community, it was revealing to see which areas are our current strengths and where we are less strong.

“Now we can see where we are and how we can improve. The B Corp process helps us measure our impacts and propose improvement initiatives across all areas.”

Just the beginning

“We were delighted to score so highly in the initial assessment,” says Catherine. “The achievement is – and feels – immense. But, at the same time, it’s just the start of a journey.”

Now Roast & Ground officially meets the requirements of Year 0, next is to progressively adopt the Year 3 and Year 5 sub-requirements, which are phases building on the initial one. In addition, B Corp has released new, updated standards of assessment for all its members to comply with by 2028.

“We had a core team working on the B Corp assessment,” says Catherine. “Now that we’re accredited, we have access to training and briefing tools for the whole team.

“Everyone in the company is being onboarded as to what it means to be a B Corp business and we are integrating it into our Quality Management System, Consider It Done.”