As we enter 2026, we see a clear trend that purpose-driven businesses are shifting from aspiration to an operational reality. This month’s stories highlight the trend where businesses across ASEAN are moving beyond surface-level sustainability to embed impact directly into governance structures, financial decisions, and core operations.
Danone’s health initiatives have already reached more than 210,000 children, and Steps’ digitally inclusive training is showing remarkable results, with 100% skill improvement among neurodivergent learners. These outcomes reflect a growing truth that stakeholder-focused business models are delivering real value. Meanwhile, ASEAN’s regulatory frameworks and the region’s adoption of rigorous standards like B Corp V2.0 are helping position Southeast Asia as a global leader in responsible business.
We’re excited to bring this community together at the B Corp Asia Summit this June in Kuala Lumpur, an avenue to connect with purpose-driven businesses shaping our region’s future.
As we look ahead to 2026, the B Market Builder SEA team remains committed to supporting this transformative movement every step of the way.
Meet Our New ASEAN B Corps
We’re thrilled to welcome Moreloop of Thailand and OXO Group Indonesia to the B Corp community! Moreloop brings circular fashion to life by turning surplus textiles into valuable resources, while OXO Living is redefining luxury property in Bali with eco-conscious design, wellness, and community-centered experiences. Together, they strengthen our global movement for business that works for people and the planet.
Force for Good in Action – Lessons From Global B Corp Danone
Danone’s global B Corp certification, which includes its operations in Southeast Asia, marks a significant milestone in its long-term commitment to purpose-driven growth. Health, sustainability, and social impact are fully integrated into its core business strategy and demonstrated through initiatives that address iron deficiency in over 210,000 children, promote recyclable packaging, and strengthen employee wellbeing across the organization.
EXO Travel Verified for Global Sustainability Excellence
EXO Travel has earned GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council) certification across all its destinations. This accomplishment reinforces the company’s commitment to delivering responsible tourism that meets the highest international standards by integrating sustainability into every aspect of its operations, from planning and supplier selection to on-the-ground experiences.
ASEAN Leads Sustainable Development with USD 242M in FDI
Southeast Asia is becoming a leading force in the global ESG landscape for the convergence of regulation, sustainable investment, and impact standards. With frameworks like the ASEAN Taxonomy and growing adoption of B Corp Standards V2.0, the region is aligning economic growth with environmental, social, and governance priorities. This progress is not only attracting sustainable investment, but it is also strengthening business resilience and positioning companies to meet global sustainability expectations while driving meaningful impact across the region.
How to Start a Purpose-Driven Business – Nazava Filter’s Blueprint
On the She-Co. Podcast, Lieselotte Heederik, founder of Nazava Water Filters, shared how to turn a tangible problem into a purpose-driven solution that is now a financially sustainable business. By tackling an urgent problem and designing a customer-focused solution, Nazava was able to scale impact through strategic partnerships. Lieselotte delivered a rare masterclass on turning social purpose into lasting, measurable success.
Neurodivergent Learners Achieve 100% Success in Digital Literacy Pilot
Steps’ Digital Literacy Program, designed for neurodivergent learners and supported by 3M, proved how accessible digital training can deliver measurable impact. With 100 percent of trainees showing improvement in digital and technical skills, the accredited pilot demonstrated how inclusive design, structured learning, and practical application build confidence and equip learners with career-ready digital skills.
2027 B Corp Handbook Seeks Global Success Stories
The upcoming third edition of The B Corp Handbook, scheduled for release in mid-2027, is now open for submissions from Certified B Corps worldwide. Seeking a mix of well-known companies and high-impact emerging organizations, the book will feature case studies and insights shaping the movement’s next chapter. Submissions are open until February 15, 2026.
Purpose-Driven Business Outperforms Profit-Only Models
Purpose beats profit-only models. In a recent Reuters piece, B Lab UK’s CEO, Chris Turner, emphasized that B Corps prove how prioritizing people, planet, and governance drives stronger growth and greater public trust. With 63% of consumers using certifications to guide their purchasing decisions, Turner argues that UK policymakers need to modernize corporate governance laws, so stakeholder-focused business becomes the norm.
The True Meaning of B Corp Beyond Green Product Badges
B Corp certification signals that a company embeds social and environmental responsibility into its governance and decision-making, not just its products. While adoption continues to grow in FMCG and operationally driven sectors, other industries face contraction and scrutiny, showing that B Corps’ value lies in consistent governance and accountability, not in symbolic badges.
The Global B Corp Brand Book Is Here
B Lab has launched the Global Brand Book to help Certified B Corps communicate their certification clearly and confidently. The guide offers a unified communication strategy that supports consistent messaging across the community and helps advance the collective vision of transforming economic systems for the better.
How Can We Put Our Money to Work for the Climate?
In the season finale of the Forces for Good podcast, climate finance takes center stage as one of the most powerful yet often overlooked solutions for a sustainable future. B Lab’s Kylie Nealis and Seventh Generation’s Kate Ogden explain how everyday financial choices, including investments, insurance, and banking, can advance sustainability. Their conversation shows that redirecting capital may be one of the simplest and highest-impact climate actions companies can take.
Everything You Need to Power B Corp Month 2026
The global B Corp community is buzzing with anticipation as B Corp Month approaches this March! More than a celebration, it’s a moment to spotlight purpose, impact, and the stories that drive change around the world. To help companies take part, B Lab Global has released the 2026 Campaign Toolkit, which includes themes, visuals, and customizable assets that make it easy for companies to join and amplify the movement.
B Corp Asia Summit 2026 – Where Purpose Meets Profit
Join more than 400 Asia-Pacific B Corps and business leaders at the B Corp Asia Summit this June in Kuala Lumpur. Explore how purpose-driven models deliver measurable financial returns, navigate rapidly evolving ESG regulations, and connect with impact investors prioritizing long-term resilience.
Stay tuned for more updates! Got questions? Drop us a message at comms@bcorpsea.org.
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