Zechstein minerals first B Corp in Veendam
Zechstein is the first B Corp™ in Veendam
Zechstein minerals, who globally sells wellness and cosmetic magnesium salts from Veendam, has officially certified as B Corporation since February. With this international acknowledgment by B Lab, the non-profit organization behind the certification, the organization joins a growing community of companies which do not solely focus on financial results, but also demonstrable value for people, environment and society. At B Corp it’s not just a one-time certification, but rather a continuous improvement. With this, companies need to re-certify every 3 to 5 years to keep this acknowledgement. The Netherlands currently has about 450 certified companies. Of those companies, Zechstein minerals is the first company in Veendam to receive a B Corp Certification.
At the end of last year, the company also earned their ISO Certification. But the B Corp Certification in particular, put a focus on a direction the company has long pursued: Responsible entrepreneurship, with a long-term focus and strong local roots Veendam and surroundings. “This way of doing business is in our DNA, I’m incredibly proud of our team that we managed to get the certification, I want to do something in return for the environment” says Rianne Hooiveld. CMO of Zechstein Minerals.
From Veendam, for Veendam.
Zechstein Minerals views its role in coherence with the region in which it operates. Also, through the community partner Magnesium Kuurstad Veendam (MKV) the company will support fitting societal and economic development in and around Veendam. This means initiatives that contribute to the quality of life, employment and future sustainability of the region.
In addition, Zechstein Minerals is collaborating with other local businesses on plans to raise awareness about the Zechstein Source and the origin of its products in Veendam’s town center. The theme is “From Veendam, For Veendam” which emphasizes the connection between the natural resources, local businesses and the community. The plans are currently in their exploratory phase and serve as a prelude to further initiatives. More on this will follow soon.
Investing in the future.
In line with B Corp philosophy, Zechstein Minerals continues to invest in sustainable and safe operations. Construction of the Zechstein Magnesium Innovation Center (ZMIC) will begin this spring, a big step in further strengthening the knowledge, innovation, and responsible mineral extraction and processing.
Responsibility and safety first.
Zechstein Minerals believes that future economic development from the Zechstein source must go hand in hand with transparency, safety, and respect for the environment. As a B Corp, the company explicitly takes responsibility for the limited, indirect impact of its operations and actively seeks dialogue with governments, locals, and other stakeholders to this end.
"In discussions about the future of resource extraction and subsurface use, it is essential that public safety, local support, and sustainable alternatives remain central," says the management. "We want to be visible and accountable as a company that invests in solutions that suit this region and its residents."
With B Corp certification, Zechstein Minerals confirms its ambition to be a reliable, committed, and forward-thinking partner – for Veendam and beyond.
