We are proud to announce that we are B Corp certified. Certified B Corps are part of a global movement dedicated to transforming the global economic system. We stand for an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy that benefits all people and the planet. To learn more about what this certification means for Glacier, we asked our two founders, Rainhard Fuchs and Andreas Tschas, for an interview.
An interview with co-founders Andreas Tschas and Rainhard Fuchs
An interview with co-founders Andreas Tschas and Rainhard Fuchs
Rainhard, what is a B Corp, and how did you come to be certified?
Rainhard Fuchs: B Corporations, or B Corps for short, are companies that meet high standards in terms of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. The letter “B” stands for “Benefit for all”—meaning a benefit for everyone. The certification is rigorous and comprehensively evaluates a company’s social and environmental impact. To become a B Corp, we had to undergo a so-called “Impact Assessment,” in which we answered over 200 questions on topics such as corporate governance, employees, customers, community, and environmental impact. This process took us over six months and was a valuable opportunity to deeply reflect on and optimize our practices. Overall, however, we worked on this for just under a year and a half from the initial idea to the final certification—that’s a considerable amount of time for a startup like ours.
Andreas, why do you think this is important?
Andreas Tschas: At Glacier, our goal is to lead by example and contribute to a sustainable economy. B Corp certification gives us the opportunity not only to offer sustainable solutions but also to serve as a role model for other companies. This certification is more than just a seal of approval—it confirms that we consistently adhere to the highest social and environmental standards and are a reliable partner for sustainable transformation.
What does the certification mean for our customers?
Andreas Tschas: With B Corp certification, we give our customers the assurance that we at Glacier keep our promises and that our internal processes are certified and standardized accordingly. Only companies that score more than 80 points in the Impact Assessment receive the certification. We currently have 99.0 points, which is a very strong result for an initial certification. Through this certification, we commit to continuously improving and setting specific goals for enhancement. Additionally, the entire process must be repeated every three years, which demonstrates to our customers that our commitment to sustainability is not a one-time effort but is actively practiced on an ongoing basis.
Rainhard, how many companies worldwide hold B Corp certification?
Rainhard Fuchs: Currently, over 9,000 companies in 105 different countries and across various sectors are B Corp certified. When you consider that there are around 3.5 million companies in Germany alone, it becomes clear that the B Corp community is still relatively small. But that is precisely why our goal is to continue working together until more and more companies become a force for good.
And how many are there in Austria?
Rainhard Fuchs: There are currently only 10 B Corps in Austria. This shows that we still have a lot of potential here to further expand the B Corp movement and inspire companies to become part of this global network for positive change. And that’s what Glacier stands for—we take action and want to convince others of the positive aspects of sustainability! Even as a small company, a lot is possible.
Rainhard, what challenges did you face during the B Corp certification process, and what did you learn from it?
Rainhard Fuchs: The B Corp certification is an intensive process. It wasn’t just about documenting existing practices, but also about taking a really deep look into our company and even making adjustments in some areas. One of the biggest challenges was documenting all our processes and guidelines in a way that meets B Lab’s strict criteria. But this process helped us act with even greater awareness and improve in areas that may have previously received less attention.
Andreas, how will you ensure that Glacier maintains the high B Corp standards in the coming years?
Andreas Tschas: We have already established structures to ensure continuous improvement. It is important to us that certification is not a one-time event, but that we continue to evolve between recertifications. To this end, we have established internal processes to regularly assess how we can improve our social and environmental standards.
Andreas, what advantages does B Corp certification offer companies compared to other sustainability certifications?
Andreas Tschas: B Corp certification goes far beyond mere environmental performance. It takes a holistic view of the company and incorporates aspects such as corporate governance, employee rights, and social justice. What makes B Corp certification unique is the legal framework that requires companies to not only pursue shareholder interests but also to serve the interests of employees, the environment, and the community. This comprehensive perspective aligns perfectly with our mission at Glacier.
Rainhard, what advice would you give to other companies looking to become B Corps?
Rainhard Fuchs: My first piece of advice would be: Take it step by step and make sure your team is behind the process. B Corp certification is demanding, but every single question encourages you to shape your own company with even greater awareness. My second piece of advice would be: Find partners who can support you on this journey. The B Corp community is large and offers many opportunities for exchange and support. Ask companies like ours exactly how we did it and avoid the mistakes others have made.
Andreas Tschas: Our goal is to be a role model for other companies and to work together to build a sustainable economy. We want to show that economic success and social responsibility can go hand in hand. In the long term, we hope that more and more companies will follow our example and join the B Corp movement.