From the very beginning, we wanted OTOTO to be a space of impact - a friendly neighborhood store with specialty coffee, a platform for the beautiful independent brands, carefully crafted with care for people and the Planet. A supportive place for the community, a place to slow down and make sustainable choices, easily and with purpose. 

Every day over the past four years, we’ve made decisions to build just that - a space with impact. Whether it was about the resources we use in the shop, how we create an inclusive organizational culture, the impact projects we support, or the partners we choose to work with, our goal to generate real, positive change has been our guiding compass.

We’re proud that these efforts have been recognized and that OTOTO is now a certified B Corp™ company. This certification marks an important milestone in our journey as an organization - one that validates our efforts and renews our motivation to continue. And through this certification, we hope that those who don’t know us yet can better understand what guides us and how we choose to do things on a daily basis.

WHAT IS B CORP CERTIFICATION AND WHY DID WE GET IT?

B Corp certification is one of the most comprehensive international certifications, measuring the social and environmental impact of a business. It is awarded by B Lab™, a global nonprofit network made up of experts from diverse fields, aiming to redefine the standards of business success worldwide. The goal? To shift the focus of success away from profit alone towards the positive impact that businesses can have on their communities.

The process of becoming B Corp certified was rigorous and examined how we operate through five key impact areas: our environmental practices, employee treatment, customer value, community involvement, and governance. To earn the certification, a company must prove its positive impact across all of these areas.

The "B" in B Corp stands for "Benefit for all". And we strive to act every day in the benefit of all - employees, customers, communities, partners, and the environment. We’re excited to join a global community of certified businesses that are shifting from the paradigm of profit for a few to real impact for everyone. The B Corp certification inspires us to continue prioritizing the common good, to have a positive environmental impact, and to focus our efforts on social equity, community involvement, inclusion, and transparency. And to turn our beliefs into impactful actions:

• supporting small, independent brands
• cultivating an inclusive organizational culture
• actively engaging with the community and supporting minorities
• choosing partners with social and environmental impact
• using resources responsibly

For us, this certification is not just a label - it’s a reflection, a confirmation that the decisions we make every day, guided by our values, are making a real difference. It’s also a challenge and a commitment to continue on this path, with the same motivation and sense of responsibility.

“B Corp certification validates what we’ve been building over the past few years: a business with real, everyday impact - beyond aesthetics, buzz, or storytelling,” says Mihai Simiuc – founder of OTOTO.  

Being a B Corp doesn’t mean being “the best,” but rather taking responsibility and committing to continuous improvement. That’s why B Corp standards are constantly reviewed, and certified companies must re-certify every three years to demonstrate ongoing progress.

28 B CORP BRANDS ON OUR SHELVES

OTOTO is a reimagined neighborhood store with a specialty coffee long bar and friendly vibes that invite you to explore and discover. Alongside a cup of specialty coffee, you can flip a magazine or do your weekly shopping out of a thoughtfully curated selection of sustainable and inspiring products.

As a platform for small and independent brands, we select the products on our shelves not just for their design & aesthetics, but also for their mission - to contribute to a circular, regenerative economy. We proudly share their stories in our store and in conversations with you. Out of the 10,000 certified B Corp companies worldwide, we proudly present 28 on our shelves:

24 BOTTLES – reusable bottles designed to reduce plastic use and carbon footprint. 

A-DAM – comfortable clothing and accessories made from organic and recycled materials.

ALLMATTERS – sustainable menstrual cups, reducing waste and promoting conscious, accessible choices.

ANCIENT AND BRAVE – supplements made with sustainable and organic ingredients for mental clarity, hormonal balance, and holistic health.

BEAR – transforms ‘imperfect’ fruit into delicious, healthy snacks in recyclable packaging.

BRAVA FABRICS – ethically made apparel in Spain and Portugal using GOTS-certified organic cotton, linen, and Merino wool.

BUDDY BUDDY – the world’s first nut butter coffee bar, handcrafting organic nut butters in small batches in Brussels.

CUPPER – organic teas made with fair trade ingredients and fully biodegradable packaging.

DR. BRONNER’S – organic, vegan, fair trade personal care products crafted with care for people and the Planet.

ECOALF – clothing and accessories made from recycled PET bottles, fishing nets, and tires, promoting circularity.

FRECHE FREUNDE – fruits and veggies turned into healthy snacks, free from artificial additives.

GOT BAG – bags and travel accessories made from ocean-collected plastic, actively supporting marine cleanup and circular economy.

GRACE & GREEN – organic, chemical-free, biodegradable hygiene products.

HUSKEE – reusable to-go coffee cups made from coffee husk, reducing industry waste.

MADARA – personal care products made from 95% plant-based ingredients supporting organic farming and biodiversity.

MUD JEANS – the first brand creating circular denim from recycled and organic cotton, even offering a jeans rental program.

NATRACARE – organic cotton, plastic-free, biodegradable self-care products.

NUOC – reusable bottles made from safe, recyclable materials to reduce single-use plastic.

O MY BAG – works with local communities in Kolkata, India, to produce sustainable, high-quality bags, including a vegan line made from apple waste.

PATAGONIA – outdoor gear and apparel made from sustainable materials, with 100% of profits reinvested in Planet positive-impact causes.

PLAYINCHOC – vegan, organic, sustainable chocolate with educational toys made from recyclable cardboard.

QWSTION – backpacks and accessories made from BANANATEX, the world’s first textile made entirely from banana plants.

RUDE HEALTH – plant-based drink alternatives & cereals made without additives or refined sugar.

SKANDINAVISK – candles, cosmetics, and home fragrances made from natural, organic, and vegan ingredients, in recycled glass jars with beechwood lids.

SOMETHING & NOTHING – low-calorie, non-alcoholic drinks made with natural ingredients in recyclable aluminum cans.

TRUE COMPANY – sustainable, natural chewing gum made without palm oil and with real tree sap.

VEJA – sustainable sneakers made from natural rubber, organic cotton, and eco leather, with fair pay and no traditional advertising.

YOGI TEA – eco-friendly teas made from 100% organic herbs and spices to support a healthy, mindful lifestyle.

Beyond shelves filled with brands acting for good, we wanted OTOTO to be a safe, inclusive space where diverse communities can find shared values: care for people and the Planet, a healthy and conscious lifestyle. From yoga classes, bike tours, and workshops to exhibitions, pop-ups, and impact-driven projects, we’re proud to be a meeting point for all those seeking more than just a space - but a true community.

No real change happens by itself - which is why we want to thank you, the OTOTO community, for every mindful choice you make each day. Whether it's a cup of specialty coffee, a pack of healthy snacks, a pair of circular denim jeans, or plant-based sneakers -  every choice matters. You turn intention into action and help make this shared mission possible: a more balanced, conscious, and kind way of living - for people and the Planet. We’re truly grateful to have you by our side on this journey.