Appreciation, empowerment and investment – how ABURY takes social projects in the arts and crafts sector to the next level
ABURY was named “Best for the World” in the Community category by B Lab this year. We ask Andrea Bury, CEO ABURY Collection, 5 questions about this and find out, among other things, what measures social projects in the arts and crafts sector can use to generate substantial impact.
What do you think led to this award? What does the high score in this category represent?
The idea behind ABURY is to train local artisans and give them the opportunity to earn a good income with their traditional skills. But we go even further and reinvest part of the profits back into the community through the ABURY Foundation. For example, we use it to finance a school for the children and a literacy program for the women. The idea behind this is that it is a kind of profit share and that they have earned the money – and not just charity. In other words, the DNA of ABURY is to support our supply chain, the community. That’s how the high score comes about.
You also have an impact business model in the category. Can you briefly describe what this means and what it represents?
I have already briefly mentioned our impact business model in the community area above. We have two approaches. One approach lies in the product or production and value creation on site. We train the craftspeople so that they can produce high-quality, sustainable products for the international market that secure them a fair income. That is one impact. The second impact lies in the repatriation of parts of the profit, which is used for educational and other community projects locally.
What specific impact have you been able to achieve with the measures in this category? What are you particularly proud of?
We have already been able to train over 100 artisans through our design and quality workshops and get them into continuous work. We have financed 40 looms for weavers in Ethiopia, 200 women have completed our literacy program and even more children have attended our preschool. It is difficult to say what we are particularly proud of, as each project is special in its own right. However, we are proud of one thing that unites all projects across all countries: The appreciation that the artisans receive from our designers, employees, etc. creates pride in them and from this comes their own activity. We are most proud of the projects that the people we work with are now initiating, without us driving them, but because they want to do it themselves and, above all, because they believe in themselves again!
What or who made this award possible?
The B Corp certification examines the entire company. The award would not have been possible without our great team, who worked passionately to improve many areas. The certification was a team effort. Everyone wanted us to achieve it and do well, so they gave their best in their area and are still doing so! Because that’s what makes B Corp so special – it’s a journey you embark on.
In conclusion, what are 3 (or 5 :)) words that define the B Corp movement for you?
Values, Global Community, Activity.
About ABURY
ABURY is a fair trade lifestyle label based in Berlin. ABURY combines modern design with traditional craftsmanship to create new luxury products while supporting artisans around the world. Working closely with local artisans, ABURY designs and produces high-quality bags, shoes and other accessories that are sold in over 20 countries. All products are handmade and produced locally. ABURY has been B CORP certified since 2017. 50% of the profits are reinvested in local communities through the ABURY Foundation More information at www.abury.net
About “Best for the World™ Each year, B Lab recognizes the top performing B Corps. “Best for the World” is the award given to a B Corp-certified company when it ranks in the top 5% globally in its respective size group in one of five impact areas: community, customers, environment, governance and employees. These companies prove that they have successfully integrated the three pillars of sustainability and, as “the best for the world”, are at the forefront of a movement that is driving the transformation of business to a stakeholder-oriented and inclusive economy. This interview previously appeared on Karry Schwettmann’s blog.