Corporate Social Responsibility In The Apparel Industry: A Multiple Case Study Analysis

Anika Kozlowski

doi:10.32920/ryerson.14651901

Abstract

There has been a growing concern over apparel brands in improving their environmental impact and the social responsibility throughout their supply chains. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reporting has ncreased within the apparel industry as a response. This thesis presents a review of the CSR reporting on the websites of the 14 apparel brands belonging to the Sustainable Apparel Coalition. Qualitative and quantitative data are collected on all reported CSR initiatives, actions and indicators. The data are organized into the five elements that represent important aspects in developing a sustainable apparel system: product sustainability, design practice, sustainable supply-chain management, consumer engagement, and business innovation. A cross-case analysis of the apparel brands is conducted. The key findings of the study include a lack of comparability among reported CSR indicators. In addition, a similar distribution pattern of CSR indicators across the five elements was observed. The results highlight that CSR reporting currently is not effective in providing a true reflection of an apparel brands CSR actions and initiatives. This study shows that the means for evaluating effectiveness in CSR reporting has not yet been put in place.

Highlights

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) information6.2 - Indicators per element6.2.1 - Product sustainability
- Methods This research focuses on reviewing the content of the publicly available reported CSR information published by the 14 apparel brands belonging to the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC)
6.1 - Background CSR information Of the 14 apparel brands analyzed only eight had developed a CSR report that was in a downloadable .pdf format and publicly available on their website

Summary

Introduction

14 apparel brands analyzed only eight had developed a CSR report that was in a downloadable .pdf format and publicly available on their website. Of those eight apparel brands, six had referred to the GRI G3 guidelines. Out of the 14 apparel brands, 10 are publicly traded and only four (H&M, Nike, adidas and Puma) trade on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. While it is common for publicly traded companies to develop annual or CSR reports, four of the publicly traded apparel brands did not publish CSR reports (Hanesbrand, Levis, Esprit and Columbia).

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Conclusion