Everleaf and Elephant Gin get B Corp status

Elephant Gin and non-alcoholic apéritif Everleaf are the latest drinks brands to become B Corp-certified.

The two brands join a global community of more then 6,200 businesses that have been awarded B Corp certification, including Patagonia, Bailey’s and Innocent drinks.

The B Corp certification is awarded to companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability.

Elephant Gin, founded by couple Robin and Tessa Gerlach, claims to put environmental sustainability at the core of its operations, having donated 15% of its bottle profits to elephant conservation projects since its launch.

The gin maker recently donated more than €1 million (US$1m) to protect the African elephant and give back to what inspired them in the first place.

Robin Gerlach said: “We set up Elephant Gin to try and make a difference. We are used to certifications, but this was a truly rigorous process that delves deep into every area of the business.

“I have always admired the B Corp movement of using business as a force for good so to join this community of like-minded businesses and to have scored 90 points in doing so is great.”

SB recently sat down with the couple to discuss their love of conservation and passion for distilling.

Tessa Gerlach added: “For the last 10 years we have given back to what inspired us in the first place, donating to African elephant conservation projects, working with local Maasai communities, setting up an education centre and ensuring sustainable business practices are at the core of all our business decisions.

“We are immensely proud to be part of the B Corp community who can inspire us to continue to work harder for the planet.”

Everleaf

Alcohol-free brand Everleaf was created by Paul Mathew, a conservation biologist and bar owner who has been working in the drinks industry for almost 30 years.

The brand claims to source ingredients carefully, and also works with charities that help the conservation of biodiversity.

Mathew commented: “This has been a journey that started four years ago and has taught us a lot on the way. The certification by B Lab UK is just part of the recognition of everything we’ve been doing from completing our product and company carbon assessments, to gaining Fairtrade certification, improving our sourcing and supporting charities, none of which would have been possible without the success of Everleaf, particularly in the on-trade.

“B-Corp certification is a reflection of all of that, and the relationships that make it happen.”

Everleaf has donated the £5,000 (US$6,231) it costs to announce the news on a billboard advertisement to its conservation charity partner Fauna & Flora.

Chris Turner, executive director of B Lab UK, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Everleaf Drinks into the B Corp community, a global movement of companies dedicated to transforming the way business operates and proving that business can indeed be a force for good.

“We believe Everleaf Drinks will be an outstanding addition to our community, driving conversations and inspiring change.”

Tequila brand 818, founded by The Kardashians star Kendall Jenner, was also recently awarded B Corp certification.

To mark B Corp month in March, we rounded up 10 B Corp-certified brands that are leading the way to a greener future.