Brand marketing manufacturer Wild Thang aims be one of the most sustainable SMEs in Liverpool city region weeks after making major investment into renewable energy. Tony McDonough reports

Bootle-based manufacturer Wild Thang has announced it aims to become one of the most sustainable SMEs in Liverpool city region in 2024.

Wild Thang, which produces and supplies branded marketing materials to multiple blue chip clients, is on track to become a B Corp certified company. Founder Andrew Dwerryhouse says certification would mark a “monumental milestone” for the business.

In October LBN revealed that Wild Thang has installed 290 solar panels on the roof of its headquarters, close to Liverpool’s northern docklands. They will provide around 80% of its energy needs.

And in November, the company’s sustainability efforts were recognised when it won the Sustainable Business of the Year accolade at the Liverpool Chamber Innovation in Business Awards. It also won the International Business of the Year award.

Wild Thang has already set a target of becoming a net zero carbon business by 2030. Now it is to embark on the next stage of its sustainability journey by achieving B Corp status.

B Corp organisations have to commit to the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. The rigorous assessment process includes answering 250 questions that all have sub questions.

To achieve the milestone Wild Thang has enlisted the help of Liverpool-based consultancy 2030hub. It is recognised by the UN as a Local2030 Hub, part of a global network aiming to make cities more sustainable.

Carrie Dwerryhouse, ESG (environmental, social and governance) manager at Wild Thang, said: “The journey so far has been challenging but it is the right thing to do. It’s a big undertaking, but Wild Thang is fully committed.”

In order to achieve certification, a company must:

• Demonstrate high social and environmental performance by achieving a B impact assessment score of 80 or above and passing a risk review.
• Make a legal commitment by changing its corporate governance structure to be accountable to all stakeholders, not just shareholders.
• Exhibit transparency by allowing information about their performance measured against B Lab’s standards to be publicly available on its B Corp profile on B Lab’s website.

Andrew added: “Guided by the incredible team at 2030hub who are experts in their field of achieving long term sustainability, we’ve taken the momentous step of initiating the B Corp application process.

“This marks a monumental milestone for Wild Thang, a testament to our unwavering commitment to making a positive impact and a step we promised to make as part of our long-term sustainability pledge.”

“As we tread this path as a SME, we are fueled by not only our sustainability pledge but also social ethics and values of making a difference in the lives of our team, community and society.

“It’s not just about what we do, it’s about who we are and the positive change we aspire to bring to the world.”

David Connor, founder of 2030hub, also said: “We are excited to be working with Wild Thang, not only on their sustainability journey but also to amplify their eagerness to encourage and support as many other like-minded businesses.

“They want to encourage them to move faster, be bolder and push beyond merely sustainability towards innovative, restorative and regenerative business practices and models.”

Wild Thang has already previously committed to producing as many of its products as possible sustainability. It is continuing this theme with its gifts to clients this Christmas.

Andrew said: “We have once again tried to choose high quality useful products that have some eco or sustainability credentials with a focused bamboo theme.

“Bamboo is one of the most sustainable materials in the world, which is why we will continue to highlight bamboo and many other eco orientated products throughout 2024. This is an important part of our eight-point sustainability pledge.”