First AV Integrator Certified as B Corporation
It took more than two years, but First Impression in Netherlands succeeded: the company has earned certification as a B Corporation, a global movement to measure and certify a company’s entire social and environmental impact.
First Impression joins 9,000+ companies worldwide that want their business to make a positive impact on people and the planet.
It is the first AV Integrator to meet B Corporation certification.
With a headquarters in Tilburg in the Netherlands and multiple offices, First Impression designs, develops and implements audiovisual concepts and solutions. It is well-known (after 27 years) for digitalizing spaces by combining digital signage and audiovisual technology with interactive content. Mainly it serves high-profile retailers and helps create better retail experiences.
Being B Corp certified shows a company is serious about meeting high standards of social and environmental responsibility, transparency, and accountability.
First Impression’s path to B Corp started in 2021 when one of its customers (the retailer Rituals) challenged First Impression to raise the bar on sustainability efforts. That push got the firm moving (“laser-focused,” in their own words) on leveling up their sustainability game. Its sustainability lead, Floris Bouckaert, labored on the B Corporation process for over two years.
This certification validates a company’s mission to make the business a force for good. First Impression had to update their core principles to ensure decisions prioritized both people and the planet. By carefully selecting suppliers and partners who share their vision, every choice and partnership First Impression now makes is driven by one goal: creating maximum impact with the smallest footprint.
Their B Impact Assessment allows the integrator to track progress across five key areas: governance, employees, community, environment and customers.
“Let’s be real — sustainability isn’t exactly standard in the AV industry, but we’re here to change that. Our approach combines innovative techniques, smart strategies, and sustainable options to reduce our ecological footprint. We’re setting a new bar by bringing together the power of AV with a commitment to sustainability,” said Ron Haans, CEO and founder at First Impression.
“Through our Network Operations Center (NOC) and smart service model, we put sustainability into practice, solving 80% of service requests remotely. Our smart deployment methods make AV expertise scalable, allowing local experts to handle most of the final assembly on-site, which keeps travel and emissions low. Plus, we offer customers sustainable options like device rotation and replacements, keeping it green from start to finish.”
With an impact score of 87.8 out of 200, First Impression is just getting started. Their company impact will be reassessed every three years to keep the company accountable.
That means ongoing investments in innovative solutions like their Network Operations Center (NOC) and more smart deployment. First Impression also says it is deepening partnerships with suppliers and customers, so together, they can make a positive impact.
Haans adds, “For us, being a B Corp means taking responsibility for what we do and how we do it. We’re excited to build a better future with our customers and partners. Want to see how we can make it happen together? Whether you’re a customer, supplier, or future team member — let’s connect and drive positive change. Let’s change the game, together.”