Koskela's BCorp Certification
Balancing Purpose and Profit
Certified B Corporations, or B Corps, are a unique group of companies verified to meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability. This means B Corps go beyond simply maximising profit and are committed to using their business as a force for good, benefiting both people and the planet.
Since 2017, Koskela has held a pioneering position as the first furniture and homewares company in Australia to receive B Corp certification. This journey reflects our unwavering commitment to continuous improvement and leveraging our business to create positive change in the world.
B Corp certification is not just an achievement, but a starting point on our continuous improvement journey. We actively seek new ways to:
- Reduce our environmental impact
- Empower communities
- Operate responsibly
Our guiding principles
Environmental Sustainability: We're tackling the fast furniture issue through initiatives like ReHome, ambitious circularity goals like achieving full circularity by 2027, and zero carbon emissions by 2035. We prioritise recycled and sustainably sourced materials, while designing for longevity and easy repair to reduce waste. We're Continuously reducing our carbon footprint and are commited to Science Based Targets (SBTs).
Community Impact: We collaborate with First Nations artists and art centres, generating income for their communities and celebrating their cultural heritage. We offer a 9-day fortnight program to promote staff wellbeing and an Employee Assistance Program support employee health. We are also committed to local manufacturing ensuring fair labour practices.
Operational Excellence: We prioritise responsible sourcing with ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certifications. Standardized processes and policies secure quality and environmental management.
Koskela's ongoing impact
We've consistently improved since our first certification, achieving a remarkable score of 96.2 in 2021 (up from 82). This progress is measured across five pillars:
- Governance
- Workers
- Community
- Environment
- Customers
Looking Ahead: Continued Commitment
Koskela remains dedicated to:
- Supporting local makers and industries
- Promoting sustainability and ethical practices
- Collaborating with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
We're committed to expanding our sustainable product range and growing our presence in the Australian design industry. Join us in embracing a future where profit and purpose thrive together.