Dutch grocery retailer Albert Heijn has received B Corp certification.

The certification is awarded to companies that meet high standards in social, environmental and transparency measures by non-profit organisation B Lab.

Around 9,000 companies around the world have received the certification, including beauty retailer The Body Shop and clothing manufacturer Patagonia.

In order to be certified as a B Corp, companies must achieve at least 80 points out of a maximum 200 points during an assessment by the organisation.

During the process, B Lab takes a number of factors into consideration, including governance, employees, the environment, and community.

Albert Heijn said it achieved 97.9 points.

To retain the certification, each B Corp must be reassessed every three years.
Additionally, organisations need to publish the impact of its actions on stakeholders.

“As the largest supermarket in the Netherlands, we take big and small steps every day to contribute to a healthy and sustainable society based on our mission,” said Marit van Egmond, chief executive of Albert Heijn. “I am proud of the recognition from B Lab and see the certification as a positive incentive to continue on our chosen path.''

---