The brainchild of Dr. Bronner’s, LIFT Economy and One Step Closer, the organization is launching at the upcoming Expo West natural products trade show in Anaheim, CA—inviting established and emerging companies to pledge their commitment to 10 key areas that guide what the organization describes as a shift to authentic stakeholder capitalism.
“The Purpose Pledge is a call for meaningful action, not just intention,” said Lara Dickinson, co-founder and executive director of the nonprofit organization One Step Closer. “We’re inviting the world’s most exceptional purpose-driven companies to challenge themselves and each other to take even bigger steps forward. I believe that this effort can be a global beacon for change in how business is done.”
Participating pilot companies include Dr. Bronner’s, Gaia Herbs, Guayakí Yerba Mate, Kuli Kuli, Lundberg Family Farms, Mountain Rose Herbs, MUD\WTR, Nature’s Path Organic Foods, Numi Tea, Organically Grown Company, Pachamama Coffee Farmers, Philosopher Foods, SIMPLi and Wildway.
Change is necessary
Specifically designed for companies in the food and beverage, health and wellness, personal care and apparel sectors that manufacture products from land or ocean supply webs, Purpose Pledge is introducing “a roadmap and support structure to meet rigorous commitments and facilitate long-term, purpose-driven investment funding for companies that need it.”
“Business-as-usual profit primacy has led us into existential times,” said Kevin Bayuk, worker-owner of LIFT Economy. “Change is necessary for humanity to navigate into a livable future. The commitment of a community of companies to the Purpose Pledge marks a critical leap forward, inspiring businesses to meaningfully contribute to the long arc of transformation of the economy.”
Over the next few years, the pilot brands will receive support from and contribute to a developmental community that emphasizes openness, resource-sharing and support mutual progress as they work towards fulfilling the pledge commitments.
“The organic and natural products industry has been pioneering ecological, healthy and socially responsible products for decades,” said David Bronner, cosmic engagement officer (CEO) of Dr. Bronner’s.
“I think my grandfather Emanuel Bronner would be amazed to see how far we have come but also dismayed by the state of the world today. As a society we have to collectively embrace an economy based on ethical and not extractive and exploitative business practices. Purpose Pledge is an invitation for companies to rise and journey toward that just and healthy economy together.”
Earlier this month, Dr. Bronner’s announced that it would be dropping its B Crop certification, sharing in a press release that “the integrity of the B Corp Certification has become compromised and remaining certified now contradicts our mission.”
Purpose Pledge at Expo West
The Purpose Pledge launch will kick off with a video screening about its mission at the State of Natural and Organic keynote (March 5, 8:30 to 10:00 a.m., Marriot, Marquis Ballroom Center), followed by an introductory address by David Bronner.
The next day, an official launch event and happy hour will outline goals and framework and connect Purpose Pledge founders, pilot brands and advisors with the natural products industry community and media (March 6, 5 to 7 p.m., Hilton Pacific Ballroom A).
The 10 Purpose Pledge commitments
- Product Quality: Produce high-quality products that align consumer wellbeing with the wellbeing of planet and people
- Independent Governance: Board majority control stewarded by purpose-led owners and management team
- Supply Web Integrity: Primary products meet or exceed high bar eco/social standards through benchmarking or certification
- Fair & Balanced Compensation: 20:1 pay ratio (or better) between highest and lowest paid employees
- Living Wage: Employees make a living wage as calculated by the MIT Wage benchmark
- Inclusion: Company has instilled a culture of inclusion and belonging, where each employee feels valued and respected, regardless of their background, identity or role within the organization
- Community Engagement: Minimum of 1% of company net revenues or 10% of net profits allocated to philanthropic giving initiatives
- Climate Positivity: Emissions reductions tracking to recognized science-aligned targets
- Circularity for Zero Waste: Achieve an average diversion rate of 90% or greater from landfill, incineration and the environment at large from manufacturing
- Capability Building: Organizational participation, knowledge sharing and developmental collaboration with all member companies to support each member’s achievement of all Purpose Pledge commitments
