The Rise of Socially Responsible Brands: 15 Companies Making a Difference in 2022

In recent years, corporate social responsibility (CSR) has shifted from a nice-to-have to a business imperative. Modern consumers increasingly demand that the brands they support make a positive impact on society and the planet. According to the Havas‘ 2021 Meaningful Brands Report, 73% of people believe companies must act now for the good of society and the environment. 64% said they prefer to buy from brands with a reputation for purpose as well as profit.

So what exactly does it mean to be a socially responsible brand? Put simply, CSR is when companies act as good citizens and consider their impact on all stakeholders – including employees, customers, suppliers, local communities, and the environment – in addition to generating returns for shareholders. Socially responsible brands make intentional efforts to benefit society and operate sustainably.

While the specific CSR initiatives vary, there are some common ways companies can demonstrate their commitment to social good:

1. Adopting sustainable and environmentally-friendly business practices to minimize ecological footprint
2. Ensuring ethical supply chains and fair labor practices that respect human rights
3. Engaging in charitable giving and community involvement to support important causes
4. Fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace that provides equal opportunities
5. Taking a stand and advocating on important social and political issues

An increasing number of brands are stepping up as leaders in corporate citizenship. Let‘s highlight 15 socially responsible companies making a difference in 2022:

1. Back Market

This e-commerce platform is on a mission to reduce electronic waste by refurbishing used devices and selling them at accessible prices. Back Market provides an eco-friendly and affordable alternative to always buying new.

2. Warby Parker

For every pair of glasses purchased, Warby Parker donates a pair to someone in need through their Buy a Pair, Give a Pair program. To date, they‘ve distributed over 10 million pairs of glasses to underserved communities around the world. The Warby Parker Impact Foundation also partners with nonprofits and government agencies to expand access to vision care.

3. Ben & Jerry‘s

This iconic ice cream brand has a long history of corporate activism, taking progressive stances on issues like LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, climate change, and more. Ben & Jerry‘s regularly uses its platform to advocate for social change and partners with grassroots organizations through The Ben & Jerry‘s Foundation.

4. Oliberté

Oliberté made history by founding the world‘s first Fair Trade Certified footwear factory in Ethiopia. While now based in Canada, the company remains committed to supporting its workers and ensuring they earn a fair share of profits. Oliberté is also a member of 1% for the Planet, donating a portion of sales to environmental causes.

5. Patagonia

A pioneer in corporate environmental activism, Patagonia leads by example with its sustainable business practices and bold advocacy. Through its Worn Wear program, Patagonia repairs and resells used gear to keep clothing in use and out of landfills. Patagonia Action Works connects customers with environmental nonprofits and grassroots activists in their communities.

6. EnrichHer

EnrichHer is a fintech platform dedicated to empowering women-owned businesses with greater access to capital. In addition to connecting women founders to grants and loans, EnrichHer provides resources like business coaching, networking opportunities, and educational programs to help women entrepreneurs thrive.

7. IKEA

The world‘s largest furniture retailer is striving to have a fully sustainable supply chain by 2030. This includes transitioning to 100% renewable and recycled materials and phasing out all single-use plastics. The IKEA Foundation supports poverty alleviation and environmental protection projects around the globe.

8. Cracked It

This London-based social enterprise offers employment opportunities to at-risk and formerly incarcerated youth through its electronics repair business. By providing technical training and transferable job skills, Cracked It helps young people break the cycle of crime and build brighter futures.

9. Allbirds

With its commitment to renewable materials and responsible energy use, Allbirds is on a mission to slash its carbon footprint in half by 2025. Like Patagonia, Allbirds also operates a program called ReRun to refurbish and resell its used products, helping to reduce waste. As a certified B-Corp, Allbirds meets high standards of social and environmental performance.

10. Cora

Cora provides organic period care products and partners with nonprofits to donate menstrual supplies and body literacy resources to underserved communities, particularly those affecting women of color. To date, Cora has donated over 6 million products and diverted 14,000 pounds of plastic from landfills.

11. Loop

This AI-powered car insurance provider is making coverage more equitable and affordable for communities of color, who have historically paid higher premiums than white drivers. By basing rates primarily on an individual‘s driving record rather than demographics, Loop aims to reduce discriminatory practices in the insurance industry.

12. Glass Half Full

Dedicated to diverting waste from landfills, this New Orleans startup collects glass to be recycled and crushed into sand and cullet. The sand is then used for disaster relief, coastal restoration, and eco-friendly construction projects. So far, Glass Half Full has repurposed over 2 million pounds of glass.

13. Culture Brands

Through its media platforms like Because Of Them We Can, Culture Brands shares uplifting content that celebrates Black history and culture. The company amplifies Black voices and Black-owned businesses, helping people feel seen and find products and content relevant to their experiences.

14. Tony‘s Chocolonely

On a mission to eradicate child labor and modern slavery in the chocolate industry, Tony‘s Chocolonely sources its cocoa through direct trade partnerships that guarantee farmers a living income. Tony‘s Open Chain platform maps its supply chain and shares that information with customers for full transparency.

15. Accion

Accion is a global nonprofit focused on building a more inclusive financial system and creating economic opportunity for communities often left behind. In 2021 alone, Accion initiatives reached over 220 million people with resources like microloans, business education, coaching and support networks for underserved entrepreneurs.

As these 15 brands demonstrate, companies can make a meaningful difference when they put social responsibility at the heart of how they do business. And it‘s not just good for society – it‘s good for business too. Research shows that purpose-driven brands benefit from greater customer loyalty, more engaged employees, and a stronger reputation.

As a consumer, you have the power to vote with your dollars for a better world. By being intentional about supporting socially responsible brands that align with your values, your everyday purchases can help build a more just and sustainable future.

Of course, no company is perfect and CSR will continue to evolve. By staying informed and holding brands accountable, we can all play a role in driving positive change. The rise of socially responsible brands is an encouraging shift – but it‘s up to all of us to keep pushing for business to be a force for good.