Ethical loo roll: Bamboo tissue brand Cheeky Panda becomes a B Corp

Eco-friendly toilet paper brand The Cheeky Panda has achieved certified B Corp status, joining more than 2,800 businesses worldwide which have to date achieved the globally-recognised ethical and environmental standard.

The UK firm, which manufactures loo roll made from 100 per cent FSC-certified bamboo, was launched in 2016 to provide a more sustainable alternative to traditional sources of toilet paper, and is now a top seller with online retailers such as Amazon and Ocado.

Aimed at encouraging businesses to act as a "force for good", the B Corp accreditation was confirmed this week in recognition of The Cheeky Panda having reached stipulated standards for governance, workers rights, community and customer engagement, and environmental impact.

Julie Chen, co-founder of the company, said achieving B Corp Certification had "firmly put The Cheeky Panda on the map as a leading business in sustainable bamboo products".

"We are delighted to be a part of a global community of business that are a force for good," she said. "The Cheeky Panda's mission statement - the Cheeky Is - aims to innovate, impact and inspire by: creating a sustainable world for future generations through innovative products; enriching people and our planet without exploiting the environment; and to inspire a fun, conscious, healthy lifestyle."

Other companies in the B Corp stable include outdoor brand Patagonia, smoothie maker innocent, and boutique mother and baby clothing brand JoJo Maman Bebe.

Kate Sandle, director of programmes and engagement at B Lab UK, which runs the B Corp certification programme, said companies achieving the accreditation were "committed to changing how business operates, who believe business really can be a force for good".

"We are pleased to have B Corps of all shapes and sizes as part of our community - from startups to multinationals, and across many different industries," she said. "Welcoming The Cheeky Panda is a particularly exciting moment because we've seen that the tissue industry is in particular need of a shake-up. We and the rest of the B Corp community are really pleased to support The Cheeky Panda in paving the way for a new way of doing things."