What is the Triple Bottom Line — and Why Does It Matter?
These days, a lot of businesses use words like “sustainable,” “eco-friendly,” and “ethical.” But how many of them really live up to those ideals?
The truth is, many companies talk the talk but still rely on outdated, harmful practices behind the scenes. So where did this idea of a truly responsible business begin? And how can it actually make a difference?
🌍 A Turning Point: Why Business Had to Change The push for sustainability didn’t come out of nowhere — it followed real-world tragedies that showed how dangerous unchecked business could be:
1984 – Bhopal, India: A toxic gas leak at a chemical plant killed thousands, exposing serious corporate negligence.
1986 – Chernobyl Disaster: A nuclear meltdown that shocked the world, highlighting the risks of ignoring safety.
1989 – Exxon Valdez Oil Spill: A massive oil spill off the Alaskan coast sparked a global outcry for environmental reform.
In response, the 1987 Brundtland Report (“Our Common Future”) introduced the idea of sustainable development — a balance between economy, people, and the planet. By the early ‘90s, this idea began to gain momentum thanks to environmental groups and global summits.
📌 Enter: The Triple Bottom Line
In 1994, sustainability expert John Elkington introduced a new business model called the Triple Bottom Line (TBL). It said that companies shouldn’t focus only on profit — they should also consider their impact on people and the planet.
This idea became the foundation for modern standards like ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) and changed the way many startups and conscious brands think about success.
💡 A Real-World Example: Volans
Elkington founded Volans, a consulting company helping other businesses build sustainability into their DNA. Volans works with major organisations worldwide to show that purpose and profit can go hand-in-hand. Their approach proves that sustainable thinking isn’t just idealistic — it can lead to long-term success.
🌱 Why This Matters for SPA GAIT
✨ Sasha, the founder of SPA GAIT, first discovered the concept of the Triple Bottom Line in 2023 — and was struck by how closely it aligned with the values she had already been weaving into her work. For her, it felt like a sign of alignment — a confirmation that her product could stand for something real: care, honesty, and warmth. With deep gratitude, Sasha looks back on everything that brought her here.
If you’d like to read more about how the brand was born, check out the About Us page!
