B-Corp Gathering by Nespresso: Navigating Sustainability Through Dialogue Among B Corp Certified Companies | Event Report

Hello! I am Anou from the Social Good Promotion Group in the President’s Office.

SUNNY SIDE UP GROUP obtained B Corporation™ (B Corp) certification in June 2024. This certification is awarded to companies that meet rigorous international standards for environmental and social transparency and accountability.

Since then, as a PR and communications firm, we have been exploring daily how we can spread these “GOOD” initiatives throughout society.

In this article, as part of these activities, we report on the “B-Corp Gathering by Nespresso,” an exchange event hosted by Nespresso at our office late last year.

Nespresso’s Vision: Creating a Space for Learning and Dialogue

This event was organized following Nespresso’s global recertification as a B Corp, with the aim of deepening connections among B Corp certified companies in Japan.

For Nespresso, B Corp certification is not merely a credential, but a “starting point for ongoing dialogue and mutual learning among companies.” We felt this strong sense of purpose throughout our discussions.

Mr. Sylvain Simard, President and Representative Director of Nestlé Nespresso K.K.

Designing a “Circular Economy” Starting from a Single Cup of Coffee

During the event, the “Nespresso Recycling Program,” one of the initiatives symbolizing Nespresso’s commitment to sustainability, was introduced.

The aluminum used in the capsules not only protects the freshness of the coffee but is also a material that can be recycled infinitely. Used capsules are collected and repurposed within society in the following ways:

• Aluminum: Recycled into “Second Life Products” such as ballpoint pens and bicycles.
• Coffee grounds: Utilized as compost in hotel gardens, golf courses, and other locations.

Sustainability does not end after the coffee is consumed. Nespresso’s meticulous design for sustainability provided significant insights for many companies across various industries.

Peers with Shared “Questions” Across Industries

In the second half of the workshop, participants engaged in discussions based on theme cards prepared by Nespresso.

The attendees included members from B Corp certified companies of various sizes and industries.

Despite their differences, the shared values of B Corp certification allowed conversations to deepen naturally.

Sustainability is not a one-time effort. It is essential to continue questioning ourselves and society, and to keep updating our approach. This moment reaffirmed that the B Corp community is a “place for continuous collective growth.”

Spreading “GOOD” Through the Power of PR and Communications

We are sincerely pleased to have been involved in this event hosted by Nespresso as a member of the B Corp community.

B Corp certification is not the goal, but rather the “starting point” for creating a better society.
We believe that communicating these initiatives and visions to society and fostering empathy is something we can achieve through the power of PR and communications.

SUNNY SIDE UP GROUP will continue to be an entity that spreads “GOOD” changes throughout society.