Laminate and lining supplier Sympatex has been gained recognition for “continuous improvement in sustainability”.

Its involvement in European industry partnership wear2wear, its first climate-neutral membrane and its contribution to the UN Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action impressed the judges.

Sympatex CEO Dr Rüdiger Fox said: "We want to continue to work on our responsibility and use the impulses we experience through the network and through B Corp's intensive assessments and audits. They give us the opportunity to continually check whether we are working faithfully on our principles.”

The B Corp certification is based on a company's verified performance in the B Impact Assessment. Since the founding of the B Corp NGO in 2006, there are now over 4,000 certified B Corporations in 77 countries. 

Patagonia Works, footwear brand Toms and denim companies Mud Jeans, Outland and Saitex also made the top list.

Juan Pablo Larenas, executive director of B Lab Global, said: "This year's Best for the World companies are operating at the very top of their class, excelling in creating positive impact for their stakeholders, including their workers, communities, customers and the environment. 

“We're proud of the community of stakeholder-driven businesses we've cultivated over the last 15 years; together we're marching toward our collective vision of an inclusive, equitable and regenerative economic system for all people and the planet.”