Internalizing Environmental Sustainability Through Lifecycle Management

Abstract

Implementing a substantial environmental strategy addressing all phases of the product lifecycle in a meaningful rather than superficial way is a complex challenge that most organizations fail to meet. Based on a case study of five frontrunner companies located in Italy and Norway, this study explores the factors that promote, or hinder, the learning process underlying the implementation of substantial measures for lifecycle management and how this can contribute to further internalize environmental sustainability throughout the organization. The paper contributes to the literature on the internalization of environmental sustainability and lifecycle management by showing, from a dynamic perspective, the enablers of organizational learning required for the implementation of a successful strategy in this area. It also highlights some of the benefits accrued from a substantial, rather than superficial, implementation of environmental sustainability. Managerial implications are also discussed.