The Road to V2.1: Key Takeaways from the B Corp Standards Update
For more in-depth resources and announcements, take a look at the BLab website (linked below).
At Colectivo, we recently tuned into an insightful session hosted by the B Lab team regarding the upcoming transition to the new B Corp Standards (Version 2.1).
As the movement evolves, so does the certification process. We wanted to share the highlights from this B Lab-led webinar to help our community, whether you are just starting your journey or are a long-standing B Corp, navigate the changes ahead.
What’s Changing? Insights from B Lab
The session focused on the significant shift from the current Version 1.6 to the more rigorous Version 2.1. Here are the core takeaways shared by the B Lab experts:
From Points to Impact Topics: While the current system (V1.6) is points-based (reaching an 80-point threshold), Version 2.1 introduces mandatory requirements across 10 specific Impact Topics. This ensures every B Corp meets a high baseline of performance in critical areas, regardless of their total score.
Continuous Improvement is Built-In: The new standards move away from a "snapshot" audit. Instead, they embed mandatory improvement goals for Year 0, Year 3, and Year 5, ensuring that a company’s impact grows as it matures.
Third-Party Verification: To align with new regulations like the EU’s Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition (ECGT) directive, audits will transition to being conducted by external, third-party assurance providers. This adds an extra layer of transparency, particularly important for consumer-facing brands.
Mark Your Calendars: Key Dates for 2026
B Lab outlined a clear roadmap for the rollout of these new standards. If you are planning your certification or recertification, keep these dates in mind:
January 2026: B Lab releases a new B Corp Brand Book and hosts global webinars detailing the new certification process.
1 February 2026: Existing B Corps can begin submitting for recertification under the new standards (V2.1).
March 2026: Companies certifying for the first time can begin submitting for audit on V2.1. On this date, certification submissions on the current V1.6 will officially close.
Stay Informed
The B Lab team emphasized that preparation is key to a smooth transition. Whether you are curious about the movement, currently planning your journey, or already a certified B Corp, we highly recommend exploring the official resources provided by B Lab to understand how these new standards apply to your specific industry and size.
Check out the official B Lab standards guide here: 👉 Get Ready to Certify on the New B Lab Standards
