Short for Benefit Corporation, is the world’s most prestigious global certification system that identifies social enterprises which prioritize benefit—an expanded concept beyond the profit typically pursued by ordinary companies. It is a global certification granted to companies that deliver positive outcomes for a sustainable society. The nonprofit organization B Lab internationally accredits B Corps by comprehensively verifying transparency, social accountability, and socio-environmental performance. Currently, over 9,460 companies across 99 countries—including Patagonia, Nespresso, Ben & Jerry’s, Allbirds, and The Body Shop—have been certified as B Corps. In Korea, 31 companies, including TAGA, have achieved certification. B Corp certification is awarded to fewer than 4% of companies that pass the rigorous B Impact Assessment, which evaluates more than 200 criteria across all aspects of business operations, spanning five key impact areas: Governance, Workers, Community, Environment, and Customers. Based in Pennsylvania, USA, the nonprofit B Lab operates the B Corp certification to create positive impact for all stakeholders and to transform the economic system.
“B CORP"
Background of Obtaining B Corp Certification Since 2021, we have declared and been practicing carbon neutrality in order to address global warming and other challenges that humanity and the planet are facing—for the future in which children will live.
As a company that has continuously reflected on the belief “Nurturing children’s sensitivity and intellect to carry forward into the future of the Earth” and the question “What does true sustainability mean?”
“B CORP"
By introducing the perspective of a third party such as B Corp, we believed it could serve as a better opportunity to take the next step forward, and since 2020 we have been working toward obtaining certification.
Became Our Greatest Asset
What does sustainability mean to us?
During the year-and-a-half-long assessment process, we faced more than 200 evaluation items. Along the way, we gained realizations such as: “This is something we’ve already been doing,” “This is a new perspective we hadn’t considered,” and “This might be too ambitious for us now—let’s aim for it in three years.” Through repeated discussions and reviews with our employees and stakeholders on each subject, our answer to the question “What does sustainability mean to us?” became even clearer. We received high evaluations in the areas of Environment, Community, Customers, and Workers, while recognizing that there was much to learn in Governance. We also began new initiatives, such as introducing a system to support the costs of challenges that foster both intellect and sensitivity. For the other items where we did not receive additional points, we have set new actions and will continue to disclose updates regularly on Taga’s official website sustainability page.
OUR JOURNEY
TAGA’s View of Sustainability –
“Our Commitment to Carbon Neutrality”
It has been several years since the word “sustainability” began to be widely mentioned in Korea. During this time, both companies and individuals have shown changes toward taking action in some way, and we feel that awareness has, in fact, grown to some degree. At the same time, while there have been positive efforts such as reducing plastic use and adopting biodegradable or recycled materials, many of these remain short-term activities. From a corporate standpoint, there has also been uncertainty and confusion about how to approach sustainability from a medium- to long-term perspective.
For us, sustainability is never about enduring, sacrificing, losing joy, or compromising. Instead, it is about applying ideas and creativity to discover “good points” for everyone living on this planet. Carbon emissions will never be zero as long as we engage in business activities. However, we believe it is our responsibility to account for them in proportion to the joy we have created. Whether carbon neutrality is the ultimate solution is still uncertain—but through this pursuit, we are able to move forward with both enjoyment and hope.
Our Action
Sustainable Product Production
01The products produced by TAGA are based on vegan formulations, free from animal testing and animal-derived ingredients. They pursue ethical values, while being gentle on the skin and minimizing irritation and troubles. This way, they can support aging beauty for children and for people with sensitive skin. (Metal-free pump, recycled plastic tube (PCR tube), removable label, FSC-certified paper, recyclable mono-materials)
Disclosure of Carbon Emissions from Product Production
02TAGA transparently discloses the carbon emissions generated during sustainable product manufacturing. From materials, manufacturing, transportation, consumer use, to disposal — through a full Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), carbon emissions are indicated on the products, providing transparency to consumers.
Disclosure of Carbon Offsets Exceeding Emissions
03TAGA carries out carbon offset projects to reduce more carbon than the amount emitted during product production. With every product sold, a portion of the sales amount is automatically donated to the Korea Forest Service’s Forest Carbon Center, supporting forest protection in Danyang, Chungcheongbuk-do. By purchasing just one TAGA product, you help protect one tree and offset 8.6 kg of carbon emissions.
In Closing…
When TAGA first began, the words we heard most often were “impossible” and “it can’t be done.”
TAGA does not claim that its sustainability business model has all the answers or can solve every problem.
Rather, we believe that taking transparent, socially responsible actions rooted in fundamental thinking can be
a meaningful starting point for sustainability in the beauty industry, for the future of our children.
TAGA is not a famous brand.
Our vast ocean is still uncharted, and our longest journey is far from over.
The path ahead of TAGA is one no one has yet traveled.
We cannot know whether its end will be magnificent or humble, but we choose to walk this untrodden path with
joy.
Though there is fear in exploring the unknown, our mission and vision drive us forward with excitement and anticipation.