71_Caroline Gardner.qxp_Grid 21/05/2025 12:51 Page 2
SUSTAINABLE STRIDES
The greeting card sector is continuing to prove its commitment to sustainability and best business practice as Caroline Gardner is the latest company to become B Corp certified. Following in the footsteps of Ohh Deer, Wrendale Designs, Foilco, Eight Days A Week, GF Smith, Good Tuesday, Paper Culture, Paper On The Rocks, Bloomin, and Talking Tables with this accreditation, PG finds out more about the familyrun card, wrap, stationery and gift business’ sustainable journey thus far.
B CORP GREETiNGS Above: Founder Caroline Gardner is fully behind making the business responsible and sustainable.
Reinventing business by pursuing purpose as well as profit is the mission of B Lab, the notfor-profit organisation behind B Corp. Joining the growing group of like-minded businesses, Caroline Gardner, which supplies retailers as well as direct to the consumer via online and through its own store in London’s Marylebone High Street, recently received confirmation that it has met the rigorous social and environmental standards which has earned it B Corp accreditation. In addition, Caroline Gardner has shared its first Impact Report, which founder Caroline says is “a transparent look at where we stand today, where there's room to improve, and how we plan to stay accountable in the year ahead”. As she reveals: “Over the last year our incredible team has worked hard to achieve this milestone through a rigorous certification process, demonstrating our commitment to responsible business. We’re so proud to join a like-minded community that believes business should be a force for good.” Since being founded in 1993 by the eponymous Caroline, she’s been joined in the business by husband Angus and son Charlie, all working towards more sustainable operations for the well-loved brand. The patenting of the InFold plastic-free greeting card corner in 2019 eliminated around five million single-use plastic bags annually – 11,000 every day – followed by plastic-free rollwrap, replacing bubble wrap and plastic air pockets in parcels with recycled paper products and paper tape, and last year the business switched to 100% green energy for the office and retail. All its cards and wrap are fully recyclable with any foil finish used thin enough that it dissipates in the re-pulping process while a simple change in warehouse by introducing a
What’s covered? The B Corp certification addresses the entirety of a company’s operations, covering five key impact areas of governance, workers, community, environment and customers, in rigorous process where applicants must provide evidence of socially and environmentally-
responsible practices relating to energy supplies, waste and water use, worker compensation, diversity and corporate transparency, and legally embed their commitment to purpose beyond profit in their company articles.
new outwork tray and lid that improves the average use from three to five times per box saves 2,000 boxes per year. Caroline said: “The concept of meaningful giving being a core value and runs alongside the principle of thoughtfulness, both help define our team and our relationships. Over the years, with an overriding interest in our environment, responsibility has become a guiding principle – whether reducing plastics in our supply chain or creating timeless, lasting products. “What drives us now is taking responsibility even further. But it’s about more than just the environment – it’s about balance in every sense. Everything from supporting our team’s work/life balance to nurturing long-term partnerships and ensuring that the products we create are lasting investments that bring joy and value to our customers’ lives.” And Charlie, head of strategy, change and resource, added: “Responsibility goes beyond reducing waste and material usage – it’s about creating something that could endure forever. Not that I’m suggesting Caroline
Above: Some Caroline Gardner twists on the B Corp brand.
Gardner will last forever, but it’s a principle that can be applied to everything we do. “We can’t rely on resources, whether paper, profit, or people, without ensuring the sustainability of their sources. This idea acts as a guiding rule for how we want to operate. As a business, we’re committed to growing responsibly. That means building strong foundations for growth, being mindful of the renewability of each component of this growth, and constantly checking for growing pains along the way to ensure that every component is happy. Responsible growth is inclusive growth – it benefits everything and everyone it touches along the way.” Below left: Changes to packaging, wrap and card presentation started CG’s move towards B Corp. Below: Design-led products with a sustainable and social conscience.
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