Case Study: Lion B Corp
About Lion LION is a leading beverages company with powerhouse brands headquartered in Sydney, Australia, and founded in New Zealand. From iconic classic and craft beers to innovative ready-to-drink offerings, exceptional spirits, remarkable wines and more – LION’s brands have been shaping culture for more than 180 years. Proudly part of global company KIRIN, LION is focused on becoming an unrivalled Force for Growth and Force for Good. Our diverse portfolio of iconic brands includes Hahn, Steinlager, Stone & Wood, Speight’s, XXXX, Tooheys, KIRIN Ichiban, KIRIN Hyoketsu, Mac’s, Panhead, Emerson’s, James Squire and Little Creatures. LION also has an enviable portfolio of New Zealand wine brands; a craft spirits distribution arm in Australia in Vanguard Luxury Brands and Yarra Valley-based Four Pillars Gin. We employ more than 2500 people across our network of iconic breweries and other operations in Australia and New Zealand. www.lionco.com The Challenge LION saw B Corp certification as an opportunity to demonstrate its whole-of-business commitment to sustainability and independently validate the positive impact already being delivered by the organisation. The challenge was achieving certification with proof that its practices are credible, embedded and at scale across the organisation. The process required capturing and evidencing the good business that LION was already doing to be certified. The Solution Becoming a B Corp was closely aligned with LION’s Force for Good ambition, providing an independent, globally recognised framework to validate impact performance and strengthen accountability. With strong foundations already in place, the challenge for LION was to use the certification framework to assess the maturity and strength of its practices and identify areas for improvement, as part of its commitment to drive progress and continuous improvement in its ESG practices and principles. The Approach We supported LION through the B Corp Business Impact Assessment (BIA) to optimise their points by mapping requirements translated into practical, business-ready actions aligned with LION’s purpose, and by implementing and embedding their mature ESG practices into robust evidence ready for B Corp submission. A core element of the project was highlighting the organisation’s commitment to implementing measurable, verifiable practices at scale. This included strong governance principles, strategies, and systems for managing its environmental and social impacts. The project also leveraged compelling examples of impact-driven innovation within the portfolio, including Stone & Wood’s systems-based approach to sustainability, which features regenerative agriculture partnerships and practices that demonstrate how certified-sustainable sourcing can reduce footprint and create additional value for communities and ecosystems. The Deliverables We worked alongside LION to confirm strengths, create evidence for impact practices and identify where existing initiatives could be better defined and measured when seen through a B Corp lens. The deliverables included: Baseline Score established with actions required to achieve certification Target Score identified with detailed underlying action plan delivered for achieving the score ESG Leadership Strengths identified, through the Impact Business Model identification process Comprehensive Action List delivered, enabling LION team to move seamlessly into the implementation phase High Level Implementation Roadmap delivered through co-design for the LION team to have a clear view into the timeline for the submission milestone Internal and External Expertise identified, for any key implementation actions that require specialised or technical skills Stakeholder Engagement Opportunities identified, with broader strategic goals and included engaging teams across the business who have become leaders in continuing improvement plans Support in identifying and completing action items for submission Evidence checking to B Lab requirements and standards LION’s major ESG pillars identified for ESG storytelling Support through the verification process to defend points The Results LION achieved certification demonstrating strong performance across the assessment and reinforcing its whole-of-business sustainability commitment through an independent, globally recognised standard. Achieving certification at this level is particularly significant for a large and complex organisation, where meeting B Lab’s rigorous standards requires consistent policies, controls and evidence across multiple business units, sites and functions. LION’s highest scoring impact areas were Workers, Environment and Community, reflecting mature systems and policies, strong people and community outcomes, and a clear commitment to making a measurable impact at scale. While the certification is fresh, interest and engagement is high, and LION has begun preparing for recertification under the new standards. Starting early is delivering clear benefits, including: Using the momentum of recent certification to drive continuous improvement rather than losing pace after the milestone. Allowing time to identify and sequence changes in a way that can be embedded through controlled planning for costs and resources, and aligned with other strategic initiatives. Leveraging the Year 0, Year 3 and Year 5 improvement deliverables to drive, shape and influence LION’s broader ESG strategic roadmap. By treating B Corp as an ongoing framework, LION is positioning certification not only as a mark of credibility, but as a structured pathway for sustained impact improvement at scale. Client Testimonial “The Growth Activists have been a trusted partner in our certification journey. LION initially partnered with The Growth Activists to help us navigate the Standard and its requirements and establish a clear action plan that made certification under Standard v1.6 possible. Post certification, we have continued our partnership with The Growth Activists to understand the Requirements of the new Standard 2.1 and the program of continuous improvement required to re-certify in 2028.” Rebecca Loch, LION Sustainability Leader
Case Study: Refuture Foundation
About SCRGroup / Refuture Foundation SCRgroup is a leader in the recovery of unwanted clothing, diverting clothing from landfill and giving garments a second life in local and global communities. Every day, SCRgroup collects a kilogram of unwanted clothing across Australia. They are a certified B Corp and partner with organisations that create jobs and strengthen communities. This includes employment pathways through Australian Disability Enterprises and support for charities such as Lifeline and The Smith Family. Giving back is built into how SCRgroup operates. The Challenge In late 2023, SCRgroup visited Ghana and Kenya to understand on the ground outcomes of secondhand clothing flows. They saw thriving micro businesses supported by the trade, alongside the reality of garments arriving that cannot be sold and end up as waste. The experience highlighted a critical issue: meaningful change requires transparency and responsible practices across every step of the supply chain, from shipping and sorting through to trading and end-of-life outcomes. At the same time, SCRgroup set out to build a Foundation to deliver measurable social impact. The challenge was turning that ambition into a clear strategy, a strong identity, and an operating model built for real outcomes. The Approach The approach involved identifying the priority initiatives that could accelerate growth for the Foundation with strategic planning being the first step. Together we focused on where Refuture could make the biggest difference across international development support, education, advocacy, and thought leadership. Once the strategic plan and roadmap were in place, we turned to the brand. We developed a distinctive brand so that the Foundation could build trust with stakeholders and connect respectfully with communities. The Deliverables The Results Refuture Foundation launched in 2024 with a clear roadmap and a distinctive identity to advance ethical and transparent practices in the global secondhand clothing trade. The Foundation has delivered six projects focused on reducing textile waste and strengthening social and economic outcomes for communities most affected by the trade. Early impact includes US$7,800 to expand The Revival Studio’s upcycling work in Accra’s Kantamanto Market and A$10,000 in crisis relief following the January 2024 fire, supporting market workers and women traders. By backing initiatives like Africa Collects Textiles and broader research into global secondhand clothing flows, Refuture Foundation continues to strengthen fairer trade systems and scale its positive environmental and social outcomes.
Case Study: ULUU – B Corp Certification and Responsible Business Transformation
About ULUU ULUU is an Australian biotechnology company producing regenerative, biodegradable alternatives to fossil-fuel plastics using seaweed-derived PHAs (polyhydroxyalkanoates). Based in Perth, ULUU converts seaweed sugars through fermentation into high-performance materials that are marine-safe, home-compostable, and circular by design. With growing applications across fashion, surf, packaging, and consumer goods, the company partners with global brands seeking sustainable material innovation. ULUU’s mission is to replace traditional plastics with climate-positive alternatives that benefit people, oceans, and the planet. With increasing commercial traction and impact-led growth, ULUU pursued B Corp Certification to formalise its systems and verify the environmental and social performance underpinning its business model. The Challenge ULUU needed to formalise its impact documentation, evidence, and governance systems to achieve B Corp certification while ensuring its rapidly scaling, innovation-led operations strongly reflected the environmental, social, and supply-chain impacts central to its purpose. The Solution The Growth Activists supported ULUU through a structured B Corp certification program, mapping evidence, identifying high-value Impact Business Models, supporting policy and systems implementation, and guiding the team through evaluation and verification to successfully secure B Corp certification. The Approach The Growth Activists worked closely with ULUU to assess its practices across Governance, Workers, Community, Environment, and Customers, clarifying evidence requirements and aligning internal processes with B Lab standards. We supported the implementation of key governance, environmental, and supply-chain policies, helping the team formalise impact practices and document existing procedures in line with certification requirements. A major outcome of the project was the identification and evidencing of three high-value Impact Business Models, contributing significantly to ULUU’s final score: The Growth Activists prepared submission materials, guided ULUU through reviewer queries, and ensured all impact claims were robustly evidenced. This work strengthened ULUU’s score and positioned the company for a smooth certification outcome. The Deliverables BIA evidence mapping, carbon baseline calculations using NetNada, policy and systems implementation support, development and implementation of an ISO 14001-aligned Environmental Management System, documentation of three Impact Business Models, preparation of submission materials, and full evaluation and verification guidance through to certification. The Results ULUU successfully achieved B Corp certification with a final score of 108 points, a significant portion of which was driven by three verified Impact Business Models reflecting its environmentally innovative manufacturing process, circular material design, and positive supply-chain contribution to Indonesian seaweed-farming communities. Certification strengthened ULUU’s governance structures, enhanced documentation of environmental and social practices, and increased internal clarity on impact measurement. Achieving B Corp status further validated ULUU’s mission, strengthened partner and investor confidence, and differentiated the business as a global leader in regenerative biomaterials. The process established a strong ESG foundation to support ULUU’s continued growth and upcoming scale-up activities.
Case Study: Bassike – Achieving B Corporation Certification
About Bassike Bassike is an Australian designer fashion brand that champions local production of high-quality, sustainably-made wardrobe essentials. With eight stores across the country and products stocked by over 80 retailers worldwide, Bassike is regarded as an Australian leader brand in the designer fashion segment. The Challenge In 2019, Bassike made a strategic commitment to elevating responsible business practices as a core part of its purpose and vision. Recognising the challenge of turning their commitment into action, the leadership team engaged The Growth Activists as external ESG experts for guidance. The Solution The Growth Activists had previously worked with Bassike, supporting annual strategic planning and implementation. As part of this work, B Corp certification was identified as Bassike’s best ESG global accreditation option. This certification demonstrates the brand’s commitment to ethical and responsible business practices and the positive impact of its ESG efforts. The Deliverables The Growth Activists guided the Bassike team through the B Impact Assessment (BIA) process, identifying actionable items and operational practices that could lead to significant additional points, referred to as Impact Business Models (IBM). After receiving the BIA report and comprehensive action list, the Bassike team began implementing the next stage, concentrating on improving their policies and operations. Upon completion, they submitted for certification through B Lab, which involved standard evidence verification. The Results Bassike became a Certified B Corp in June 2022, achieving an outstanding score of 92.6 – an exceptional achievement for a fashion retail business. It also demonstrated remarkable success in the BIA by scoring strongly in two impact areas, Community (28.9 points) and Environment (26.1 points). The BIA process and subsequent implementation plan helped the Bassike leadership team identify ethical and responsible business practices that were already implicitly ingrained in the organisation, but importantly the framework helped them articulate them more explicitly and effectively. The BIA also helped them to recognise strengths, identify areas for improvement to meet the standards, and underscored the importance of documentation of evidence of processes and policies as foundational to good ESG practice. Furthermore, the BIA process led to an enhancement of existing operational procedures. Notably, Bassike was able to enrich its Sustainable Ethical Manufacturing Index (S.E.M.I.), a proprietary internal framework developed to guide internal decision-making around Bassike’s supply chain. S.E.M.I. screens and ranks Bassike’s fabric mills, manufacturing partners and the material composition of every Bassike product across three pillars; environment, labour and animal welfare. The BIA framework enabled the Bassike team to cross-reference standards and enhance the process. Finally, the process highlighted the opportunity to strengthen the brand’s ESG narrative for critical stakeholders, particularly for employees and customers, who offered valuable insights into material issues that matter. This led to an employee education program enabling store staff to understand what it means to be a B Corp and engage with customers confidently on the positive impact of the brand on people and planet. In 2023 Bassike also published its first impact report, leveraging the important chain of evidence already created through the B Corp certification process to tell their impact story to all their stakeholders.
Case Study: Avant Dental -Marketing Engagement
The Challenge By 2019, the Australian dental lab market had become highly competitive and commoditised, leading dental labs to engage in a price-driven race to the bottom. Avant Dental found themselves struggling to stand out amidst the sea of competitors and were ranked 10th in the market. They recognised the need to break free from commoditised competition and achieve growth, so they partnered with The Growth Activists (TGA) for business growth through integrated marketing. Their key objectives were to acquire new dentist customers, drive revenue growth, and move up from the number 10 spot in the dental lab market. The Approach TGA adopted a data-driven approach to devise a comprehensive growth strategy for Avant Dental: The research, analysis, strategy, and planning phases were finalised in late 2019. Following this, the implementation of brand, communications, and marketing initiatives began in early 2020, coinciding with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Deliverables The marketing engagement between TGA and Avant Dental included the following deliverables: The Results Avant Dental achieved remarkable results through their strategic partnership with TGA: In conclusion, Avant Dental were able to rise above a saturated market, becoming a leader in the dental lab sector. With a strong brand and united digital marketing, they achieved remarkable growth, widened their market presence, and established a solid foundation for lasting success. Avant Dental’s experience highlights how a well-executed, data-driven marketing strategy can drive a business to lead in the market and achieve lasting growth.