FOOTWEAR WITH A MISSION
Now a Certified B Corp
OUR JOURNEY TO CERTIFICATION
For over 14 years, we've dedicated ourselves to supporting the wellbeing of women worldwide through our award-winning, science-backed footwear designs. This is an important milestone and we’re proud of our journey so far, but this is only the beginning.
The road to becoming a B Corp has been both challenging and rewarding. From the start of our story, we've placed innovation and responsible business practices at the heart of everything we do. Becoming B Corp certified solidifies our dedication to high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.
But what exactly does it mean to be a B Corp? Certified B Corporations are businesses that prioritise the interests of all stakeholders—workers, customers, suppliers, investors, the broader community, and the environment—equally with profit. This concept, known as "stakeholder governance", ensures that companies operate with a purpose beyond profit. After all, the "B" in B Corp stands for "Benefit for all".
A WORD FROM OUR CEO
Global CEO, Hilary McMillan
THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS
For FRANKIE4, becoming a B Corp was a two-year journey. The certification process, conducted by non-profit organisation B Lab, involves an intensive assessment of a company's impact on its workers, customers, community, and environment.
This evaluation includes over 300 questions, reviewing everything from employee benefits and charitable giving to supply chain practices and environmental policies. To maintain B Corp status, companies must be recertified every three years.
We're proud to have scored 85.7 on our maiden B Impact Assessment, above the qualifying score of 80 out of 200 and the overall median score of 50.9 out of 200 for all businesses. This globally recognised certification places FRANKIE4 among an international community of likeminded companies dedicated to driving positive change and building a more inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy.
See our official B Corp profile.
WHY WE CHOSE TO BECOME A B CORP
Since the creation of our very first pair of shoes, we've been driven by the desire to innovate and make a positive impact. Becoming a B Corp aligns with our mission to support long-term health and wellness outcomes for women and reinforces our commitment to responsible business practices. By joining the B Corp community, we're reaffirming our pledge to operate with purpose and integrity.
Learn more about our story.
OUR IMPACT ON CUSTOMERS, COMMUNITY, EMPLOYEES, AND THE ENVIRONMENT
OUR CUSTOMERS
FRANKIE4 was born out of a need for stylish, supportive footwear that alleviates foot pain and supports lower limb alignment. Our podiatrist-designed footbed technology is at the core of every style, ensuring comfort and support for women around the world.
Our rigorous product development and testing processes involve in-house wear testing, size trials, and feedback from trusted testers to maintain high performance and stakeholder engagement.
Learn more about our tech here
OUR COMMUNITY
We believe in giving back. In Australia, 100% of net profits from FRANKIE4 sock sales are donated to BrainChild Foundation, supporting children and families affected by spinal cord tumours ($661,722.88 AUD raised, 31 March, 2024).
In America, these profits go to The Cure Starts Now, which focuses on eliminating cancer and supporting paediatric cancer research ($11,546.01 USD raised, 31 March, 2024).
In New Zealand, our sock sales support Brain Tumour Support NZ, aiding adults diagnosed with brain tumours throughout their journey ($9426.87 NZD raised, 31 March, 2024).
Learn more about our charity partners
OUR EMPLOYEES
We prioritise our employees' wellbeing, offering support and financial assistance following the birth, fostering, or adoption of a child, regardless of gender. We sponsor health and wellness initiatives and provide access to free health services through our Employee Assistance Program.
FRANKIE4 also conducts annual engagement surveys to understand individual and team satisfaction, so we can set clear goals.
Read more about our corporate governance and employees here.
THE ENVIRONMENT
We conduct annual Greenhouse Gas Assessment’s (GHGs) to understand our annual Group carbon emissions across Scopes 1, 2, and 3. We have policies in place to prioritise maritime shipments over air, and support zero shoes to landfill.
We're committed to better responsible practices. Three examples include: Firstly, the footbeds in the majority of our slides are made from 10% upcycled rice husk—an agricultural by-product. Secondly, our leather is sourced through the Leather Working Group (click here for more information on how the LWG is making an impact in fashion). Lastly, once the recycled-cotton shoelace handles are removed, our shoeboxes are curbside recyclable.
View our stance on responsible practices.
LOOKING AHEAD
Achieving B Corp certification is just the beginning. We started this journey in 2022 with a comprehensive self-assessment that motivated us to document our processes and standards. As we look ahead to recertification in 2027, we're committed to further improving our operations and impact.
We're proud to be part of the B Corp movement, using business as a force for good and becoming a more responsible version of ourselves—one step at a time. Thank you for joining us.
Read more about our B Corp journey and what it means for you as part of the FRANKIE4 community here.
FAQs: YOUR QUESTIONS, OUR ANSWERS
WHY DID FRANKIE4 CHOOSE TO BECOME A B CORP CERTIFIED?
Since the creation of our very first pair, innovation and responsible business practices have been at the core of all we do. We’re proud to say FRANKIE4 has become a B Corp certified brand to solidify this commitment to high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.
WHAT IS THE B CORP PROCESS?
The B Corp certification is a globally recognised standard for businesses that balance profit with purpose, ensuring they meet high levels of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. To achieve this certification, companies must undergo a rigorous assessment process, scoring at least 80 out of 200 points on the B Impact Assessment.
Once achieved, B Corp companies must continue to be reevaluated every three years.
WHAT ARE YOU ASSESSED ON?
This comprehensive evaluation covers various aspects of business operations, including governance, workers, community, environment, and customers. The assessment scrutinises everything from ethical supply chain practices and employee benefits to environmental policies and community engagement.
HOW DID WE SCORE?
FRANKIE4 has secured B Corp Certification with a maiden score of 85.7, passing the qualifying score of 80. You can view our public B Corp profile here. This score is above the median score of 50.9 out of 200 for businesses who take the assessment, but we look forward to improving further for our next recertification.
WHAT CAN WE EXPECT NOW THAT FRANKIE4 IS B CORP CERTIFIED?
The journey to becoming part of the global B Corp community has been demanding but rewarding.
The process began in 2022, with a thorough self-assessment to evaluate our social and environmental impact, examining every aspect of our operations from supply chain ethics to employee wellbeing and environmental sustainability.
This two-year process required us to scrutinise our practices established over 14 years and ensure they align with the rigorous standards set by the team at B Lab.
ONWARDS AND UPWARDS
Along the way, we collaborated with stakeholders, received valuable feedback, and implemented meaningful changes that reflect our dedication to creating a positive impact. Achieving B Corp certification underscores our commitment to operating with purpose and integrity, supported by you—our community.
We know this is only just the beginning and look forward to improving our operations and impact further ahead of recertification in 2027.