Bollé Brands embraces sustainability with B Corp label

Bollé Brands, the global leader in the design, conception, and production of high-quality protective eyewear and head protection gear, is proud to announce its recent B Corp Certification. This accomplishment is a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to meeting high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.

Founded in 1888, Bollé Brands has grown to become a trusted name, serving millions of customers globally with a commitment to excellence and innovation in protective, sports and luxury eyewear.

The process to earn the B Corp label, governed by the non-profit organisation B Lab, requires businesses to undergo rigorous scrutiny, evaluating their performance across various domains such as governance, workers, customers, community, and the environment. Joining a movement of companies dedicated to making a positive impact on the world, Bollé Brands is proud to lead this effort and inspire its sector towards a sustainable business model. This milestone underscores the company’s pioneering approach to ethical practices and its unwavering commitment to social and environmental responsibility.

Peter Smith, CEO of Bollé Brands, said: “Bollé Brands is proud to join the B Corp community. Today represents another important milestone on our ongoing commitment to a more sustainable future. This label is not just a badge of honour, it represents our dedication to being part of a global movement of companies using business as a force for good. It is a clear indicator to consumers, partners, and the industry at large that Bollé Brands is not only on the forefront of fashion and function but also leading the charge in corporate responsibility and sustainable business practices.

Our journey to becoming a B Corp has been a rigorous but rewarding process, reflecting our core values and our commitment to excellence in every aspect of our business. This achievement marks our ongoing dedication to not only creating the best products but also to building a better world through responsible and sustainable practices to make sure we do all that we can to leave the world in a better place than we found it.

B Corp Certification marks an exciting step in our ESG journey to date. From the development of our first eco-friendly packaging back in 2000 to the launch of our comprehensive and ambitious ESG strategy in 2021, Bollé Brands has been on an accelerated journey of sustainable innovation and transformation over recent years, setting a new standard in the sector.”

Quentin Chapelain, Global Head of ESG at Bollé Brands: “Receiving the B Corp label is a culmination of huge efforts from across our portfolio of brands. It reflects the extensive work we’ve done to integrate ESG into the core of our operations and the ongoing initiatives that will propel us towards a more sustainable future. For us, becoming a B Corp is more than just a label; it’s a promise of our company’s integrity and dedication to creating a positive impact on the world now and into the future.”

In 2021, Bollé Brands embarked on a transformative journey to reshape its ESG program and strategy. The company has set ambitious objectives and actions for 2027 and 2030, aiming to develop a more sustainable business model. Key highlights of Bollé Brands’ ESG journey include:

A 35% reduction in CO2 emissions per product by 2027 (vs. 2021), with a current progress of 15-20% reduction for Bollé Safety products.

The use of the Global Biodiversity Score (GBS) to measure and reduce the impact on the erosion of biodiversity, targeting a 5% reduction by 2027 (vs. 2022).

Engaging 100% of key suppliers in ethical progress, with over 60% undergoing SMETA audits in the last two years, and 80% of their Safety suppliers undergoing the same audits.

Implementing ESG criteria in employee remuneration schemes, with a bonus of 5% linked to ESG performance.

A commitment to a fair workplace, fostering engagement through annual surveys and action plans.

The implementation of over 60 ESG initiatives by Bollé Brands’ ESG ambassadors over the past two years. These include volunteer days, charity runs, product donations, and conferences on climate change.

Bollé Brands’ growth towards sustainability and social responsibility is ongoing, with the company closely monitoring its progress and continuously seeking ways to improve its environmental footprint and social impact. The company has also committed to a number of innovative strategies and initiatives, such as expanding its use of recycled and bio-based materials in product lines, using low-carbon energy in manufacturing processes, and fostering community engagement through volunteerism and partnerships with local organisations. These efforts are part of a broader commitment to not only meet but exceed global sustainability standards, ensuring that Bollé Brands remains at the forefront of ethical and responsible business practices. With this positioning, Bollé Brands intends to onboard its partners, stakeholders, and ultimately its industry on an ambitious sustainability journey that concretely, transparently and effectively addresses the environmental and social challenges of our time