In 2019, we were thrilled to join the global B Corp movement. Earning this certification was a huge milestone for us, as it means we meet the high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. 

Fast forward to 2026, and we’re proud to have recertified again, this time under B Lab’s new, more rigorous standards. We’re one of the first in New Zealand and Australia to do so. 

We know this isn’t the finish line. There’s always more to do, and we’re excited for the challenge and the work ahead as we keep lifting the bar on what good looks like. 

Certified B Corporations, or B Corps, are companies verified by B Lab, a third-party, non-profit organisation, to meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. The “B” stands for Benefit: for people and the planet, not just shareholders. 

Kathmandu was born in New Zealand, where the mountains and sea are on our doorstep, protecting wild places isn’t optional for us. It’s part of who we are. Here’s what that looks like in practise: 

• Designing products to last longer 
• Repairing, not replacing. Reusing, not wasting. 
• Working with our supply chain partners to reduce our impact 
• Supporting community and environmental partnerships 
• Partnering with farmers using regenerative practices that support soil health, biodiversity and animal welfare 

B Corp Certification helps businesses act as a force for good and helps investors select organisations that align with their values. This certification means Kathmandu meets high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. 

We’re proud to have been a B Corp since 2019, and to have recertified in 2023 and again in 2026 under B Lab’s new standards. It’s a globally recognised benchmark, and independent verification that we’re considering our impact on people, communities and the planet.  

So when you see the B Corp logo on something we make, it means gear built to last and materials you can trust. More information on the B Corp movement can be found here. 

The standards we’re held to 

• Climate: Working to be part of the solution by taking actionable steps to address the climate crisis. 
• Purpose & Stakeholder governance: We live by a clear and meaningful purpose that promotes a positive impact, and we consider the interests of all stakeholders not just shareholders. 
• Environmental Stewardship & Circularity  B Corps are committed to understanding our environmental impact, including taking action to address negative impacts in order to contribute to an economy that preserves our natural resources. 
• Human Rights  We treat people with dignity and respect human rights, taking due diligence seriously on how our business and operations impact people. 
• Fair Work  B Corps create workplaces where all employees can thrive, through quality jobs and positive workplace culture. 
• Government Affairs & Collective Action  We collaborate with others in our community to make a positive impact and drive systemic change beyond what we could achieve alone. 
• Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committed to an inclusive workplace and embedding equity and justice into how we operate. 

Being a B Corp isn’t just something we put on a label. Sustainability runs through every part of Kathmandu, from how we’re governed to our policies and how we do things day to day. It’s a way of working that’s empowering, and a source of pride for our team. 

You can see it in the little things too. 

But don’t just take our word for it. We asked our team why working for a B Corp matters to them.