Everything you need to know about the new B Corp 2026 standards

B Corp certification is changing deeply. After a major overhaul published in April 2025 and a clarified version in August 2025, the new standards will become the official certification reference starting in 2026.

The B Corp movement is moving away from a system based on a total score (e.g. 80/200 points). Certification is shifting toward an approach built around mandatory minimum standards applied to every company that wants to be certified or recertified from 2026 onward.

👉 What changes concretely

No more global score that masks weak spots Companies must now meet minimum criteria in every key area, not just reach a high overall score.

Formalized continuous improvement Organizations have to demonstrate not only that they meet the standards today, but also that they progress over time (3- and 5-year cycles).

A third party in the loop An independent external audit is now required to ensure the truthfulness of impact evidence — a big step toward credibility and against greenwashing.

When does this apply?

January 2026 — certifications under the new standards open for existing and new companies.

February 2026 — independent external audits begin to roll out.

June 2026 — new companies can submit applications under the new standards.

⚠️ Important: after February 2026, only new certifications under these standards will be possible; the old system will no longer be open for starting a certification.

What the 7 new standards require

While the old B Impact Assessment allowed trade-offs between categories, the new framework relies on strict minimum requirements across 7 areas:

1️⃣ Purpose & stakeholder governance• Greater transparency and real decision-making practices that include employees, partners, customers, etc.

2️⃣ Human rights• Concrete measures to eliminate negative impacts directly and across the supply chain.

3️⃣ Fair working conditions• Living wage, pay equity, support for well-being and advancement.

4️⃣ Justice, equity, diversity & inclusion (JEDI)• A structured, measurable action plan tracked over time.

5️⃣ Concrete climate action• Annual GHG measurement + concrete environmental action plan.

6️⃣ Environmental stewardship & circularity• Impact reduction, ongoing supplier strategy, circular economy.

7️⃣ Public affairs & collective action• Engagement in your industry to amplify social and environmental impact.

In short

• The B Corp movement is becoming more rigorous, credible and demanding.

• Companies must demonstrate not only exemplary practices today, but also clear progress in the future.

• A global audience, external audits, and a set of mandatory minimum standards redefine what it means to be a company truly committed to people and the planet.

Article written by Thomas 🙂