Lawrence, MA (October 9, 2024) - Gemline, the first and only major supplier to earn Certified B Corporation™ status, proudly announces its newest milestone in corporate social responsibility. This certification, which spans multiple industries and countries, and is considered the most difficult to attain, underscores the Company’s commitment to balancing profit with purpose, and driving meaningful social and environmental impact through its business operations. 

Gemline’s B Corp certification comes on the heels of its May 2024 reincorporation as a State of Massachusetts Public Benefit Corporation (PBC), reinforcing the Company’s role as a leader in responsible business practices. As a B Corporation, Gemline meets the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. Certified by B Lab™, B Corp certifications endorse for-profit companies that use business as a force for good, benefiting all stakeholders—customers, employees, suppliers, communities, and the environment.

As the first and largest promotional products company/supplier to achieve B Corp status, Gemline is demonstrating that it is possible to be both a market leader and a force for positive change. This certification is a testament to Gemline’s unwavering belief that business success and societal impact are not mutually exclusive. By integrating social and environmental considerations into its governance, Gemline ensures that these priorities are at the forefront of its decision-making.

“Becoming a B Corp highlights Gemline’s commitment to setting a higher standard for corporate responsibility,” said Frank Carpenito, President and CEO of Gemline. “We are proud to be the first and only major promotional products supplier to earn this certification, proving that industry leadership and responsible business practices can go hand in hand. As Gen Z and Millennials continue to raise the bar for companies and brands they desire to do business with, Gemline is now better positioned than ever to be the CSR/ESG destination of choice for our distributor partners.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Gemline into the B Corp community," said Max Hayes, Community Growth Manager at B Lab U.S. & Canada. “Their commitment to social and environmental excellence clearly demonstrates leadership in responsible business practices.”

What’s more, Gemline’s B Corp certification also extends to Gemline branded products and three of its house brands: AvianaTM, Travis & Wells® and RuMe®. The achievement reflects Gemline's dedication to its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, Betterway™, which focuses on making a meaningful difference by positively impacting people, planet, and products. For more information about Gemline and Betterway™, please visit Corporate Social Responsibility (gemline.com).

About Gemline

Founded in 1958, Gemline is an award-winning, design-centric supplier dedicated to supporting all types of communities by providing high-quality branded consumer products to the promotional products industry. Exemplified in our purpose statement of 'We Promote Community,' Gemline prioritizes building connections in everything we do.

Ranked as the 12th largest industry supplier and the 5th largest hard goods supplier by the Advertising Specialty Institute, Gemline offers a diverse range of gourmet food and lifestyle gifts, electronics, bags, coolers, drinkware, stationery, writing instruments, umbrellas, and headwear. In addition to its strong portfolio of house brands and Gemline-branded products, the Company’s product lineup includes renowned retail brands such as Anker, CORKCICLE®, Cuisinart®, Igloo®, MiiR®, New Balance®, Osprey®, Moleskine®, Samsonite®, Sharpie®, and more.

Gemline is both B Corp Certified and a State of Massachusetts Public Benefit Corporation and is committed to making a positive impact both locally and globally. To learn more about Gemline, visit www.gemline.com or call 1-800-800-3200. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. 

About B Corp Certification

B Corp Certification assesses the overall social and environmental impact of a company. To achieve B Corp Certification, a company must meet a score of at least 80 points in the B Impact Assessment, an evaluation of a company’s positive impact, and pass a risk review, an evaluation of a company’s negative impact. 

It must change its corporate governance structure to be accountable to all stakeholders, not just shareholders, and exhibit transparency by allowing information about their B Corp Certification performance to be publicly available on their B Corp profile on B Lab’s website. B Corps recertify every three years and, once certified, are expected to increase their score over time as they progress towards becoming more equitable, inclusive, and regenerative businesses.