Lakes Celebrates 'world first' B Corporation Certification

Shower-enclosure brand Lakes has achieved B Corporation (B Corp) certification, becoming the first bathroom sector manufacturer in the world to reach this milestone. The industry-first accreditation recognises Lakes’ commitment to meeting the highest verified standards of sustainable practices throughout all of its operations, outstanding customer service and staff welfare, and active community support and participation.

Lakes MD Mike Gahir said: “We are thrilled to have achieved B Corp certification at Lakes. Getting to this point has take a sustained effort from everyone at the company as we work together to ensure that Lakes is hitting the highest standards across the board. This achievement is a reflection of who we are and how we do business, with honesty, transparency and accountability for our people, our community and the environment. The fact we are the first bathroom manufacturer in the world to achieve this is even more rewarding and an example of the forward thinking, innovative team we have here. Achieving B Corp status is not an end for us, it’s the start of a continued journey of excellence.”

The B Corp certification process involves a rigorous assessment of a company’s impact across five key areas; governance, workers, community, environment and customers. Aside from practices at its Tewkesbury headquarters, Lakes’ wholly owned manufacturing site in Ningbo, China, was also analysed as part of the certification process. Their involvement means that the factory has also become one of the first 100 companies in China to be awarded B Corp status.

As part of its sustainability journey over recent years, Lakes has:

• * Introduced 100% recyclable packaging, the first in its sector to do so
• * Achieved a 24% reduction in carbon emissions between 2019 and 2023
• * Invested in software to optimise delivery routes, digitise operations and improve customer service
• * Switched its UK operations entirely to 100% renewable energy sources
• * Removed 2000 km of plastic banding and nearly two million piece of polystyrene a year from landfill

The certification also recognises Lakes’ focus on its people. Investing in employee development and training apprentices in different areas of the business, it has a long-term staff retention and several apprentices have gone on to secure permanent positions.