Blooms The Chemist has become the first pharmacy brand in Australia to achieve B Corp certification for its support office, recognising its long-term commitment to implementing better business practices and delivering on social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency.
“Over the past few years Blooms The Chemist has been on a journey to redefine what it means to be a responsible business in today’s environment, guided by our purpose to build a future where everyone, everywhere has access to good health and wellbeing,” Blooms The Chemist CEO, Emmanuel Vavoulas said.
“B Corp Certification is a tremendous milestone, and we are incredibly proud of the achievement, and to be pioneers in purpose-driven business practices among the pharmacy sector in Australia and globally.”
B Corp, or Benefit Corp certification is managed by B Lab, a non-profit entity that focuses on corporate, social, and environmental responsibility. Certified B Corporations are businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.
The certification process involved a rigorous 18-month assessment that required the Blooms The Chemist support office to meet measurable standards across business operations including employee benefits, charitable giving, supply chain practices and input materials.
Blooms The Chemist chief operating officer, Pamela Bishop said the B Impact assessment will be a framework for continuous improvement across the pharmacy’s operations.
“Becoming a B Corp validates the actions Blooms The Chemist support office has implemented and is a big motivator to strive even further. It demonstrates to our people and the industry that we are accountable for delivering a positive impact on people and planet, and that we can run a better, more optimised business focussed on continual improvement.
“The certification differentiates our brand and will be a positive force in attracting and retaining talent, and shows our customers we are committed to the highest standards of social and environmental performance.
“Although our journey toward B Corp Certification started in 2020, Blooms The Chemist has a long history of spearheading considerate and impact-focused strategies that accelerate our corporate social responsibility plans.”
Blooms The Chemist initiatives that were integral to successful B Corp certification include:
- Defining the brand’s purpose, ensuring people and their wellbeing are at the forefront of business objectives.
- Implementing new initiatives such as an Employee Assistance Program, paid wellbeing days, volunteer days, and more balanced parental leave.
- Establishing and completing the brand’s first modern slavery audit, addressing risks of modern slavery in the supply chain.
- Implementing a sustainability action plan, including a move to 100% fully renewable energy for the support office.
- Continuous support of community and charitable organisations, including charity partners, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.