Kalsec, a Kalamazoo, Mich., supplier of spice and herb extracts, has achieved B Corporation (or B Corp) Certification. As a B Corp, Kalsec has met rigorous social and environmental standards for making ethical and sustainable decisions that serve consumers, customers, employees, communities and the environment.

Public benefit corporations are relatively new in the business world, although theyve been gaining traction. Theyre intended to operate in a responsible and sustainable manner, balancing shareholders’ financial interests with the benefits they bring to people, the planet and broader society. B Lab (www.bcorporation.net), a nonprofit organization, sets the general rules and certifies if companies are living up to them.

Kalsec is one of 3,500+ businesses globally that are certified as a B Corp. In the food & beverage industry, this includes Ben & Jerry’s, Danone, King Arthur Flour Co., New Belgium Brewing Co. and Torani. The B Corp community works toward reduced inequality, lower levels of poverty, a healthier environment, stronger communities and the creation of high-quality jobs with dignity and purpose.