Creating Shared Values by Integrating UN Sustainable Development Goals in Corporate Communication—The Case of Apparel Retail

Abstract

The textile and apparel industry, while endowed with enormous potential related to the development of countries, is continuously drawing attention to its negative sustainability impacts along their value chains. While apparel retail has been an early adopter to integrate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into sustainability reports, critics point to the fact that linking sustainability activities to the SDGs is not enough, and cherry-picking low hanging fruit goals is insufficient. To address this potential discrepancy between action and communication, the aim of this study is to explain the perceived value of SDG integration in sustainability reporting in apparel retail. A comparative case study has been conducted of two Swedish apparel retail companies, Lindex and Filippa K, where six sustainability reports from 2015–2017 were reviewed. Empirical findings suggest that there is a correlation between SDG integration, communication maturity, and SDG contribution. The study points to the guiding role the SDGs may have to expand the scope of corporate impact and value in sustainability communication.

Integration of CSR and SDG in creating added value of the textile industry

“…Tekstilna industrija, iako ima ogroman potencijal u vezi sa razvojem zemalja, kontinuirano skreć e pažnju na svoje negativne uticaje na održivost svojih lanaca vrednosti. Dok je maloprodaja odeć e usvojila integraciju ciljeva održivog razvoja (SDG) u izveštaje o održivosti, kritičari ukazuju na činjenicu da povezivanje aktivnosti održivosti sa SDG nije dovoljno [8]. Da bi se rešio ovaj potencijalni nesklad, cilj ovog rada je da Danas se potrošači sve više brinu o zdravlju i aktivno podržavaju "zelene" stilove života.…”

The congruence of SDG communication in formal and informal channels performed by self-titled sustainable companies

“…In the study by Olofsson and Mark-Herbert (2020), there is a correlation between SDGs integration, communication maturity. The contribution of these SDGs reinforces the need for organizations to maintain consistent communication with their target audience.…”

Systemic Insights on the Integration of UN Sustainable Development Goals within the Norwegian Salmon Value Chain

“…Nonetheless, the SDG framework is perceived as a top-down approach and criticized for an insufficient focus on systems stakeholders' perspectives and the potential role of businesses [6]. SDG achievement depends on the integration of SDGs into local business practices, created policies, internal education, active management, and engagement in partnerships [7]. Moreover, SDG integration in corporate culture is associated with a paradigm shift toward shared values of a sustainable future, as demonstrated by the SDGs [6].…”

“…The integration of the SDGs within a system is a powerful catalyst for the system's development and increased efficiency [16,17]. There is a proven correlation between SDG integration and communication maturity [7]. SDG fulfillment depends on their reflection in the knowledge systems used to develop mission statements, action plans, corporate reports, and other business tools [18].…”