Bassike has become the first major designer brand in Australia to become a certified B Corporation.
The Sydney-based label underwent a comprehensive third-party audit by B Lab to reach certification, under the guidance of The Growth Activists.
The impact assessment evaluated the environmental and social impact of the business across five categories: governance, workers, community, environment and customers.
Unlike certifications like Fairtrade or Climate Active which apply to just one aspect of a business’s operations or practices, B Corp is a whole-of-business certification and assesses a company’s overall positive impact outside of profit.
Bassike achieved a score of 92.6, which sits well above the minimum threshold of 80 points to attain certification.
Bassike co-founder Mary Lou Ryan said this is the next step in the brand's sustainability journey.
"We are thrilled to join the B Corp movement and be recognised as an organisation using business as a force for good."
Bassike co-founder Deborah Sams added the brand was built on three principles: considered design, responsible business and sustainable manufacturing.
“We are proud to be a design-led business, committed to purposeful creativity whilst creating value and equity for a bigger group of stakeholders, including our community and our planet.”
Bassike has been Climate Active carbon neutral certified since last year.
The brand uses organic cotton jersey across its clothing range, as well as ethically sourced denim and leather.
All of Bassike's collections are designed in Australia, with the majority of their garments made in Australia.
The Growth Activists managing partner Rosanna Iacono said the brand has set a new benchmark in the industry.
“We are incredibly proud of our work with Bassike, where we built on an already exceptional foundation of environmental and social impact practice.
"Bassike's B Corp certification is a further proof-point of their impressive leadership in sustainable fashion.
"As a design leader their certification is also noteworthy in signalling to the fashion industry that ‘good’ really is the new cool.”
Founded by Deborah Sams and Mary Lou Ryan in 2006, Bassike now has eight stores across New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria in Australia, a digital flagship that ships globally and is proudly represented in more than 80 retailers worldwide.
The Growth Activists is a strategy and engagement consultancy across business strategy, communications and ESG and sustainbaility services.