What Princess Polly's B Corporation Certification Means for Fashion Industry Standards

Princess Polly, the Australian fashion brand under a.k.a. Brands (NYSE: AKA), has officially earned B Corporation™ certification from B Lab, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s sustainability journey. This recognition signals that the company meets rigorous benchmarks for social and environmental responsibility, accountability, and transparency—a validation that extends across the entire business operations.

The path to certification wasn’t quick. After a two-year commitment to meeting B Lab’s demanding standards, Princess Polly emerged as part of a global network of nearly 10,000 B Corps™, now holding itself publicly accountable to high performance metrics beyond profit margins.

The Strategic Framework Behind the Certification

According to Co-Founder and Co-CEO Eirin Bryett, this certification represents more than a badge—it’s a structural commitment. “This marks a significant step in our ongoing journey to embed sustainability and purpose into every part of our business,” Bryett explained. The brand’s impact strategy revolves around four core pillars: Ethical Partnerships, Equality & Community, Sustainability and Environment.

On the product development front, Princess Polly has invested in scaling sustainable materials adoption. The brand utilizes the Lower Impact Fabric Hub to guide suppliers toward preferred materials, while the Materials Matrix empowers design and buying teams to systematically choose lower-impact options throughout production. Every garment undergoes rigorous durability and quality testing before reaching customers.

Supply Chain and Operational Commitments

The brand collaborates extensively with supply chain partners to minimize carbon emissions and promote circular economy principles. Princess Polly’s sourcing adheres to its proprietary 5A’s of Ethical Sourcing framework, moving beyond basic compliance to drive measurable positive impact.

On the employee experience side, the brand introduced Pathway to Parenthood—a comprehensive program offering reproductive health support, parental leave, flexible work arrangements, and inclusive workplace culture. This initiative demonstrates how the company extends its values across stakeholder relationships.

Industry Implications

B Lab AANZ’s Acting CEO Angie Farrugia noted that Princess Polly’s certification represents a turning point for the fashion sector. “In an industry facing complex social and environmental challenges, their B Corp™ Certification signals a serious commitment to raising fashion industry standards and prioritizing outcomes for people and the planet, alongside profit.”

Princess Polly continues expanding its retail footprint beyond its digital-first origins, bringing its trend-focused, lower-impact collections to physical locations globally while maintaining its social media presence through Instagram and TikTok communities.