Minnesota apparel brand Zusa gets B Corp certification.
MINNEAPOLIS (March 5, 2024) – Zusa, a sustainable corporate apparel and gifting brand based in Plymouth, Minnesota, has officially achieved B Corporation certification, solidifying its commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
The announcement of that Zusa gets B Corp status came in January, marking a significant milestone for the outspoken brand known for its sustainable practices, including being carbon-neutral and a member of 1% For The Planet.
“We’re proud that Zusa is now a B Corp brand, furthering our commitment to sustainability,” said Richard Ward, Zusa’s CEO. “Each year, we continue to make progressive steps, from our longstanding partnership with 1% For The Planet to becoming carbon-neutral in 2023. We strive to do right by our customers and the planet.”
See also: France’s Clothing Repair Program to Decrease Fast Fashion.
B Corporations are certified by the nonprofit B Lab after undergoing a rigorous assessment of their positive impacts on the environment and society. To earn certification, companies must score at least 80 points on the B Impact Assessment. Zusa received an impressive score of 123.3, well above the median for businesses.
Richard Ward, Zusa’s founder and CEO, created the brand to address the harmful environmental impacts of the clothing industry. The company has developed business practices designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, use recycled materials, and decrease natural resource consumption.
Zusa keeps a close eye on its production process, from material sourcing to shipping. The brand only partners with WRAP-certified factories, which prohibit child and involuntary labor, guarantee worker health and safety, and ensure fair compensation and benefits.
Offering sustainable apparel, hats, bags, drinkware, and more to wholesale and consumer markets, Zusa is committed to making eco-friendly practices the industry standard.
“At Zusa, we believe a brand represents the difference you make in the world,” Ward said. “With Zusa, it isn’t just about better apparel quality and comfort. It’s about doing better for the planet.”
How Zusa gets B Corp certification will be overseen by B Lab to ensure the brand upholds its sustainable and ethical practices.
Founded in 2019, Zusa aimed to provide sustainable, ethically sourced apparel and gifts so companies could shop for merchandise responsibly. The brand is known for its comfortable apparel made from recycled materials and has created a complete line of sustainable clothing, outerwear, accessories, bags, and drinkware over five years.
