Martin Guitars Achieves B Corp Certification
impact. Things like average employee tenure, amount of charitable giving, energy savings plans, recycling policies, employee volunteer service, and upward mobility were all assessed.
With a steadfast commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible manufacturing practices, Martin has propelled the acoustic guitar market forward, introducing innovative features that have become industry standards. When Brazilian Rosewood became scarce in the mid to late 1960s, Martin was one of the first guitar companies to switch to East Indian Rosewood. The rest of the industry followed suit, and now East Indian Rosewood is the wood of choice for acoustic guitars.
The prestigious B Corp certification recognizes companies that use business as a force for good, meeting the highest standards of positive impact on society and the environment, focusing just as much on people and the planet as they do on profit.
Chris Martin, the company's chairman and CEO, made it a goal to become the first business in the music industry to achieve the coveted designation. "I am personally very proud of our B Corporation Certification," said Martin. "Being the sixth generation of Martin to have the privilege of running my family business, I have always thought that corporate culture, used appropriately, can be a significant competitive advantage."
Martin Guitars has also achieved Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) Chain-of-Custody certification (license code FSC®
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FACING PAGE, TOP: Villagers from Loundoungou in the Republic of Congo seeing a guitar for the first time. FACING PAGE, BOTTOM: Albert Germick of Martin Guitar and Rob Garner of Forest Based Solutions (far left) participating in a survey of a forest in India. ABOVE: Albert Germick with the staff of CIB, a supplier of tonewoods for Martin Guitar. The custom guitar made from sustainable materials from the CIB mill and a monetary donation were made to the hospital at CIB.
Frequently asked questions
What is B Corp certification and what does it measure?+
B Corp certification recognizes companies that use business as a force for good, meeting the highest standards of positive impact on society and the environment. The assessment evaluates factors like average employee tenure, charitable giving, energy savings plans, recycling policies, employee volunteer service, and upward mobility.
Is Martin Guitars the first music industry company to become a B Corp?+
Yes. Chairman and CEO Chris Martin set a goal to make Martin Guitars the first business in the music industry to achieve B Corp certification, and the company has accomplished that.
Why did Martin Guitars switch from Brazilian Rosewood to East Indian Rosewood?+
When Brazilian Rosewood became scarce in the mid to late 1960s, Martin was one of the first guitar companies to switch to East Indian Rosewood. The rest of the industry followed, and East Indian Rosewood is now the wood of choice for acoustic guitars.
Does Martin Guitars have FSC certification?+
Yes. Martin Guitars has achieved Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain-of-Custody certification.
Who is Chris Martin in relation to Martin Guitars?+
Chris Martin is the company's chairman and CEO, and the sixth generation of the Martin family to run the family business.
Where does Martin Guitars source tonewoods internationally?+
Martin Guitars sources tonewoods from suppliers including CIB in the Republic of Congo. Martin representatives, including Albert Germick, have also participated in forest surveys in India with Forest Based Solutions.