B Corp in Practice: What Responsible Manufacturing Really Looks Like
As sustainability and ethics move from marketing messages to commercial expectations, manufacturers are under increasing pressure to demonstrate how responsibility is built into day-to-day operations. For food brands, especially in the plant-based and dairy-free sector, choosing a manufacturing partner that operates responsibly is no longer a “nice to have”, it’s essential.
B Corp certification provides a clear framework for what responsible business looks like in practice. But what does it really mean on the factory floor? And why does it matter for brands looking to scale?
B Corp certification is awarded to companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency. It assesses businesses across five key areas: governance, workers, community, environment and customers.
For manufacturers, this goes beyond high-level commitments. It means embedding responsibility into operational decisions, from energy use and waste management to employee wellbeing and supply chain transparency. In an industry where scale and efficiency often dominate the conversation, B Corp provides a framework that balances growth with long-term impact.
At the heart of responsible manufacturing is a commitment to people. This includes creating safe, inclusive and supportive working environments, offering fair pay, and investing in training and development.
In practice, this means:
For manufacturing partners, strong people practices lead to better outcomes for everyone. Engaged, skilled teams contribute directly to product quality, consistency and innovation - critical factors in chilled and dairy-free production.
Manufacturing has a significant environmental footprint, particularly in chilled food production. Responsible manufacturers take a proactive approach to reducing this impact, rather than treating sustainability as an afterthought.
This includes:
For dairy-free manufacturers, this is especially important. Plant-based production is often chosen for its lower environmental impact, and manufacturing practices need to align with the values of the brands and consumers they serve.
A responsible manufacturer understands that sustainability does not stop at the factory gate. B Corp standards place strong emphasis on supply chain transparency and ethical sourcing.
This means working with suppliers who share similar values, prioritising responsibly sourced ingredients and packaging, and maintaining visibility across the supply chain. In plant-based manufacturing, where ingredient innovation is moving quickly, having robust sourcing standards ensures quality, consistency and resilience as brands scale.
One of the defining features of B Corp certification is accountability. Certified businesses commit to measuring and reporting their impact, and to improving it over time.
For manufacturing partners, this transparency builds trust. Brands increasingly want visibility into how their products are made, not just in terms of food safety and quality, but environmental and social impact too. Responsible manufacturers can provide clear answers, backed by data and third-party standards.
Plant-based consumers are often highly values-driven. They care not only about what is in a product, but how it is made. For brands operating in this space, manufacturing choices directly influence brand credibility.
Working with a B Corp certified manufacturer helps ensure:
It also supports long-term brand resilience, as retailers and investors increasingly prioritise responsible supply chains.
At Met Foods, B Corp certification reflects how we operate every day, not a separate initiative, but an integrated way of doing business. From investing in our people and reducing waste across our facilities, to prioritising responsible sourcing and transparent partnerships, responsibility is embedded into how we manufacture dairy-free and plant-based products at scale.
As a manufacturing partner, our role is to help brands grow without compromising on their values. B Corp provides a shared framework that aligns commercial success with positive impact — supporting better outcomes for businesses, consumers and the wider food system.
Responsible manufacturing is no longer a future ambition; it is a present-day expectation. As the plant-based category matures, brands will increasingly be judged not only on product innovation, but on the integrity of their supply chains.
B Corp certification offers a clear signal of intent and a practical roadmap for manufacturers committed to doing better. For brands looking to partner with manufacturers who share their values, responsible manufacturing is not just about meeting standards, but about building a more resilient and sustainable food industry for the long term.
