DORSET’S iced coffee brand Jimmy’s has been named a B Corporation – a global accreditation recognising efforts for the environment and society.

The Christchurch-based business said the move was “the next step in the brand’s pledge to do better for the people and the planet”.

Companies achieving B Corp accreditation must score 80 or above on a range of social and environmental indicators covering governance, works, community, environment and customers. The business finished with a score of 86.6.

Jimmy’s co-founder Jim Cregan said: “We’ve always been on a mission to produce products in a responsible way, thinking about our impact on the planet and how we can do better. We’re honoured to be part of a global movement of companies and to be joining a network of like-minded organisations.”

The business has been focusing on moving away from single-use plastic, switching its range to infinitely recyclable aluminium cans.

It says this has saved more than 99 tonnes of plastic waste so far.

It uses only Rainforest Alliance certified coffee in a bid for social, economic and environmental sustainability.

The company also supports local food banks and the NHS and has donated 18,000 iced coffees so far this year. It targets time and resources at younger people, working with programmes such as the John Egging Trust, for which Mr Cregan gives talks to help develop young people from all backgrounds.

The B Corp movement, led by the non-profit B Lab, has more than 800 accredited businesses in the UK.

Jimmy’s says it is looking into ways it can continue to improve its operations and community support.

Jimmy’s, based at Beaver Industrial Estate, was created after Mr Cregan became a lover of iced coffee during a trip to Australia.

The first recipes were brewed in the Christchurch cafe run by his sister Suze.

The siblings have built the idea into a business which is expecting to sell more than nine million units this year.

The drink is stocked in more than 7,000 stores nationwide, including by major retailers such as Waitrose, Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, M&S and Co-op, as well as in independent stores and cafes.

It is looking to grow further after signing a distribution deal with the drinks giant Molson Coors last year.