Laika frames B Corp certification as the natural evolution of values baked into their culture since day one in 2005. CMO David Burke emphasizes this isn't a sudden epiphany but recognition of practices already in place—the studio wants audiences to know they were doing right by employees and the environment long before it became trendy or profitable to brag about it.
Insiders note that B Corp certification is increasingly becoming table stakes for studios courting talent. With major actors and directors now asking pointed questions about a company's environmental footprint before signing deals, Laika's move isn't purely altruistic—it's strategic positioning in an industry where sustainable credentials can make or break casting decisions.
Laika was certified by B Lab U.S. & Canada on June 17, 2026, making them the first stop-motion animation studio to earn Gold Level Green Seal from the Environmental Media Association. The Oregon-based studio, founded in 2005, will release 'Wildwood' later this year under director Travis Knight.
Look, any studio that voluntarily subjects itself to third-party scrutiny deserves credit—but let's see if Laika walks the walk when production budgets are on the line. The real test comes when sustainable practices cut into profit margins.
Stop-motion animation house Laika—the creative force behind genuinely unsettling classics like "Coraline" and "ParaNorman"—has officially joined the B Corp ranks, making them the first studio in their medium to snag certification from nonprofit organization B Lab. The announcement, published exclusively by Variety on June 17, 2026, signals a major shift for the Oregon-based studio, which must now meet rigorous ongoing standards for social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. David Burke, Laika's Chief Marketing & Operations Officer, didn't waste time positioning this as some sudden corporate awakening.
"Many of the values and practices it recognizes have been part of Laika's culture from the very beginning," he said in a statement. "We are proud to join the global B Corp community and stand alongside organizations committed to using business as a force for good." Burke also emphasized that the certification reflects a long-term mindset, challenging the studio to think beyond any single production cycle while pursuing creative excellence.
That's corporate-speak for: we're not going anywhere, and neither is our commitment to doing things right. But here's where it gets juicy. Laika didn't just stop at B Corp status—they also became the first stop-motion animation studio to earn Gold Level Green Seal from the Environmental Media Association (EMA), Hollywood's leading sustainability nonprofit.
Keriann Reeves, Manager of Customer Success & Growth at B Lab U.S. & Canada, made sure to highlight what this means for the entertainment industry: "Laika is now counted among businesses that are leading a global movement for an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy." She credited their track record on employee well-being, community investment, environmental stewardship, and responsible governance as key factors in earning the designation. The timing isn't accidental.
Laika has "Wildwood" hitting theaters later this year, directed by Travis Knight—no relation to the company's founding history with stop-motion pioneer Aardman, but definitely someone who's got skin in the game. By locking down B Corp and EMA certifications before a major release, the studio is signaling to talent, partners, and audiences alike that they've got their ethical house in order. Whether that's genuine commitment or really expensive PR remain to be seen—but for now, Laika's got the receipts to back up their claims.
