Active Apparel Group (AAG), a leading manufacturer of performance apparel for the leisure and active markets, has earned B Corp Certification, a major milestone that underscores its commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. The certification comes after a rigorous evaluation process, in which AAG scored 84.9 points on the B Impact Assessment (BIA), surpassing the 80-point threshold required for certification.

B Corp certification, awarded by the nonprofit organization B Lab, recognizes companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. By achieving this status, AAG joins an exclusive group of companies that are redefining what it means to be a successful business by balancing profit with purpose. This accomplishment reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to use business as a force for good, with a focus on workers, customers, community, and the environment.

The BIA evaluates a company’s impact across five key areas: Workers, Community, Environment, Governance, and Customers. AAG’s strong performance in these areas helped it achieve an impressive score of 84.9. Notably, the company excelled in Governance (17.6 points), Workers (24.9 points), and Customers (4.1 points) - all of which were well above the benchmarks for companies of similar size and industry sector.

“We’re incredibly proud to have received B Corp certification, which is a natural extension of our commitment to building a more sustainable and equitable business,” says Henry Jones, CEO of Active Apparel Group. “This recognition sets us apart as a premium service provider and manufacturer in the global marketplace, assuring stakeholders that we meet best-practice standards. It also drives continuous innovation, improves operational efficiencies, and strengthens our ability to attract and retain top talent.”

One of the standout achievements in AAG’s certification process was its performance in Toxin Reduction and Remediation. The company received Impact Business Model (IBM) points for its efforts to eliminate harmful chemicals from its production processes. AAG exclusively uses 100% OEKO-TEX certified inks and adheres to responsible chemical management practices, demonstrating its commitment to reducing the environmental impact of its operations.

Promoting fair wages and ethical labour practices

AAG’s dedication to social responsibility is evident in its labour practices as well. In 2023, the company received a clean audit from Bureau Veritas, which evaluated AAG’s factory, Ningbo Longson Garments Co. Ltd (Longson), in China. The audit revealed that all workers were paid a living wage—29% above the local minimum wage and 140% above the poverty line in Ningbo. This commitment to fair wages is a rare achievement in the global manufacturing industry, particularly in China, where wages are often below living wage standards.

Moreover, AAG’s Environmental Management System (EMS), based on the ISO 14001 framework, outlines clear targets for reducing its environmental footprint. The company has implemented strategies to decrease its carbon emissions across its operations in China, Australia, and the United States. The EMS also includes policies to reduce waste, energy consumption, and water usage, ensuring AAG’s commitment to long-term sustainability.

A global leader in performance apparel

With B Corp certification, AAG solidifies its position as a leader in sustainable manufacturing within the performance apparel industry. The company’s global footprint, spanning operations in Asia, the USA, and Europe, allows it to collaborate with some of the world’s leading textile suppliers and innovate in technical performance apparel. AAG’s factory boasts cutting-edge capabilities in seam sealing, bonding, printing, and embellishment, making it one of the most advanced manufacturers of performance garments worldwide.

For AAG’s customers, the B Corp certification is a clear signal that they are partnering with a company that upholds the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility. As consumer demand for sustainable and ethically produced products continues to rise, AAG’s B Corp status provides assurance that the company is dedicated to making a positive impact at every level of its operations.

www.activeapparelgroup.com