PRESS RELEASE
Christchurch Companies leading the way with social and environmental performance
20th October, Christchurch, New Zealand - Three Christchurch businesses are among the first four in New Zealand to be internationally recognised for doing
business that creates value beyond the bottom line.
Eagle Consumables, Ethique, and Global Cycling Adventures have all been certified as B Corporations, a global network of
elite companies that are genuinely committed to their people, the planet, as well as profit The certification process
measures performance, transparency, and commitment to these goals.
B Corporations are legally bound to consider the impact their decisions have on all their stakeholders, from
shareholders, employees, suppliers and customers to the wider community and environment.
Steve Ardagh, CEO of Eagle Consumables says, “Having 3 out of the 4 New Zealand B Corps based in Christchurch is quite
special. Christchurch is a place of transformation – more and more companies are re-working their current structures
into new, progressive models that embed social and environmental commitments into the company blueprint. B Corp fits
this."
"To have a community of B Corps based locally can only help grow the city as a place for sustainable business to
flourish."
Certified B Corporations are leading a global movement to redefine success in business and are distinguishing themselves
in a cluttered marketplace by offering a positive vision of a better way to do business.
Brianne West, founder of Ethique said, “I founded Ethique with the outrageous goal of becoming the world’s most
sustainable cosmetic company which is easy to say, much harder to achieve.
Becoming a B Corp not only showed everyone out there that we are serious about it, but it also helped us develop
framework for a few systems and checks we didn’t already have in place."
B Corporation Certification also opens up an international network of businesses for New Zealand companies who are
prepared to go through the certification process. Ralph Freeman, owner of Global Cycling Adventures was keen to get
involved and be part of the global community.
“When we were presented with the idea of becoming a B Corporation we jumped on board right away. Not only did it match
the heart of our company and what we were already doing, but we saw it as a way to increase our global reach to a group
of people who see the world the same way we do."
Eagle Consumables is testament to how this international network can work for New Zealand business. It’s opened doors
and given them the confidence to open a California office which is expected to be in full operation later this year.
To put it simply, B Corporation is like Fair Trade, but for the whole business, not just a bag of coffee, and these
three Christchurch businesses are helping to put New Zealand on the map.
Examples of other international B Corporations include Patagonia, Ben & Jerry’s and KeepCp
About B Corporations
Certified B Corporations meet the highest standards of overall social and environmental performance, legally expand
their corporate responsibilities to include consideration of stakeholder interests, and build collective voice through
the power of the unifying B Corporation brand. There are more than 1,200 Certified B Corporations from over 120
industries and nearly 50 countries with 1 unifying goal – to redefine success in business. B Corporations are leaders of
the global movement of People Using Business as a Force for Good.
About Global Cycling Adventures
Global Cycling Adventures was established in 2001 to provide exciting biking tours around the world. The focus is on
delivering unique tours in locations that follow the same quality standard of service no matter where you are in the
world. Tours offered are off the beaten tourist paths whilst some will be renowned locations that no global directly
would be complete without. The company is privately held and headquartered in Christchurch, New Zealand. For more
information, please visit www.globalcyclingadventures.com
About Eagle Consumables
Eagle Consumables is a Christchurch-based, specialised importer and distributor of single use disposable goods for the
food processing and preparation industries, the medical sector, automotive, cleaning industry and any other major users
of these products. A US branch based in California will be operational by the end of 2015.
About Ethique
Ethique is a 100% solid skin and hair care company based in Christchurch, New Zealand. They are committed to making
amazing-smelling, seriously bubbly hair, face and body bars using natural ingredients and minimal packaging. Their lab
is powered with 100% renewable energy, they are proudly certified climate-neutral and are a business where
sustainability runs deep.