Week by week, month by month, year by year, the global B Corp movement continues to grow, and it’s nothing short of inspiring. With over 9,500 businesses globally, and almost 750 right here in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, this community represents a vibrant mix of industries united by one powerful mission: transforming our global economic system into one that’s kinder, fairer, and regenerative.
Take a stroll through the B Corp Directory, and you’ll find businesses across the globe using their influence to make positive change. Right here in our region, we’re lucky to see so many driving impact in creative and meaningful ways.
And we’ve welcomed some real movers, shakers, and trailblazers to the fold of late. We have the joy of introducing you to three of them today: winemakers Lawson’s Dry Hills, climate-tech company WollemAI, and creative communications studio CARMEN GET IT!
Freshly Certified, this trio might be new Bs, but they certainly aren’t rookies in doing things innovatively, intentionally, and sustainably. They’ve been using business as a force for good for years (decades even, in some cases). We’re excited to have them in the B Corp community, to understand their sustainability journey, and to see the powerful role being a B Corp will play in their ongoing pursuit of continuous improvement. To celebrate their Certification, they took us behind the scenes, sharing a little about what they do, their impact, and what they would like to see become the ‘norm’ in business.
Let’s give a big virtual round of applause to Lawson’s Dry Hills, WollemAI, and CARMEN GET IT!
Image: WollemAI
A good tipple: for Lawson’s Dry Hills, eco-sustainability is “at the forefront”
Vino aficionados will likely be familiar with Aotearoa New Zealand’s Marlborough region. It’s home to winemakers Lawson’s Dry Hills and their brands Lawson’s Dry Hills, Blind River, Inviniti, The Sisters and Mount Vernon.
This small but mighty, dedicated hands-on team handles every step in the winemaking process, which helps ensure the company controls how things are done, from the vine to your glass. In the business for over 30 years, their approach honours the industry’s traditions, but with an “inquisitive spirit”, modern techniques and fruit from carefully nurtured vineyards, they’re not afraid to shake up the status quo and do things their way.
Reflecting on their Certification, Lawson’s Dry Hills told us that environmental sustainability has been “at the forefront” for nearly two decades. The business employs water and waste management techniques, is net carbon zero certified, and is a member of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand. In 2023, they were recognised at the New Zealand International Business Awards, taking home the ‘Excellence in Sustainability’ award. They also support local community causes and initiatives, including the Marlborough Foodbank, Marlborough Book Festival, Riding for the Disabled, KidsCan, the Salvation Army and Dress for Success.
“Our advice is to begin by reviewing your business practices, understand where you are now and then start with the ‘low-hanging fruit.’ Record your progress, share it with your team and watch small wins lead to big gains! And measure, measure, measure!”
– Lawson’s Dry Hills
Image: Lawson’s Dry Hills
Clever tech and climate resilience with WollemAI
Speaking of measuring, we’re buzzing to introduce this next B, WollemAI. This climate-tech company excels at emissions measurement and climate risk management. Based in New South Wales, its primary focus is the land and agricultural sector—industries that are no strangers to the effects of climate change.
Using advanced data analytics and AI, WollemAI supports its clients by simplifying the complexities associated with reporting on emissions. They further “automate emissions measurement and climate risk analysis,” helping users make informed decisions.
“Companies that integrate climate and nature-related risk assessments into their decision-making can better anticipate disruptions, comply with emerging regulations, and build long-term resilience”
— WollemAI
“By providing precise climate analytics,” WollemAI shares, “we assist financial institutions, insurers, large corporations, and governments in understanding and mitigating environmental risks. Our platform’s ability to process and analyse extensive data ensures that sustainability goals are not just aspirational but are translated into measurable outcomes, thereby using business as a force for good.”
They oh-so-wisely propose that when businesses manage climate and nature risks, everyone wins. “Companies that integrate climate and nature-related risk assessments into their decision-making can better anticipate disruptions, comply with emerging regulations, and build long-term resilience,” they explain. “Taking action to reduce these risks, such as cutting emissions, protecting biodiversity, and shifting towards circular economy models, benefits not only businesses but also communities and ecosystems. This approach ensures long-term profitability while contributing to a more sustainable and stable global economy.”
Image: WollemAI
Awe-inspiring comms is CARMEN GET IT!’s superpower
Part copywriting studio, part creative brand strategists, all-around legends, CARMEN GET IT! proudly say that, in many ways, its greatest impact comes from “helping others amplify theirs.” Based in Melbourne/Naarm, CARMEN GET IT! works with purpose-driven organisations, helping them communicate with “clarity, courage and conviction.” We should know—you can spot their work in a bunch of B Lab AANZ campaigns, blogs, and even our first Annual Report.
“Having spent years shouting about the brilliance of B Corps, we’re thrilled to now be part of the community from the inside, standing shoulder to shoulder with so many businesses we admire”
— CARMEN GET IT!
Behind the scenes, CARMEN GET IT! has recently strengthened its approach to impact measurement, reviewed its supplier partnerships through a values-alignment lens, and become a regular donor to several environmental and First Nations organisations.
As a “feminist business grounded in equity, justice, and care,” CARMEN GET IT! is particularly passionate about doing its bit to uplift women-run businesses, offering sliding-scale pricing and pro bono support for grassroots women’s organisations and partnering with Ladies Talk Money. “I’m tired of seeing purpose-driven folks—especially women, people of colour, carers, and creatives—expected to work for ‘exposure’ or discounted rates just because they care,” founder Carmen Hawker shared. “Fair pay should be the baseline, not the bonus.”
In a refreshing take, she also reckons we don’t talk enough about the necessity of rest. “. . . Even though the robots are having a moment, last time we checked we’re still human beings,” says Carmen. “We need an economic system that supports us to be more human.” An ethos we can certainly get behind.
Image: CARMEN GET IT!
Thank you to Lawson’s Dry Hills, WollemAI, and CARMEN GET IT! for sharing your story. Take a scroll through the blog for more inspiration, insights, and experiences from local Bs. If your business is also freshly Certified, join us for a free, online introductory session this April. Or, if you’re keen to become a B, check out our handy How-to guide.
