Skincare brand Comfort Zone's parent company, Davines Group, has been awarded a B Corporation certification (B Corp) – an award only given to companies that use the power of business to solve social and environmental problems.

There are currently almost 2,000 Certified B Corps from more than 130 industries and 50 countries with one unifying goal – to redefine success in business. B Corp is a certification, like fair trade, but it goes to whole companies.

"We believe that business has a higher social purpose beyond simply profit," Comfort Zone general manager Brian Brazeau told Spa Opportunities. "Companies have more than ever a big responsibility, and they can truly shape the world."

Additionally, Brazeau said, "professional clients and consumers are looking for honest, sustainable products 'with a soul.' Being a B Corp implies measuring and communicating what we do in a very rigorous and transparent way."

Davines Group was founded in Parma, Italy as a research laboratory, before launching two brands – Comfort Zone and Davines, a haircare range. Its aim was – and is – to be a business with a positive impact both on people and the environment.

"[The certification] is a validation that Davines Group, with the two brands Comfort Zone Skin Care and Davines Hair Care, is doing something great and effective not just for us, but for all of our stakeholders," said Brazeau. "[It is] a key step in certifying our long-term commitment in creating a 360-degree sustainable business model and a new starting point towards excellence.”

To become B Corp-certified, companies have to meet certain requirements, such as environment and workers’ rights.

Davines was rated ‘excellent’ in several areas:

• The analysis of the product life cycle (SLCA) based on their environmental and social impact

• The reduction of materials for the packaging of products, through a lower environmental impact choice and a more responsible product design

• The reduction of waste, and an increase in the percentage allocated to recycling

• The involvement of all suppliers in the certification path

• The attention to the welfare of the company staff.

Davines group earned a review of 99 points, on a scoring scale of necessary qualification minimum of 80 and a maximum of 200.

"The affiliation of Comfort Zone with this group has encouraged us to see our business as a power for good, and has challenged us to rethink and improve our impact on people and society," said Brazeau. "This implies a constant commitment to respect and improve the influence on the environment and in the relationship with our clients, employees, consultants, and suppliers."