Investigating biodiversity and circular economy disclosure practices: Insights from global firms

Abstract

AbstractBusiness activity has contributed to biodiversity loss. The Circular Economy (CE) system is recommended as a way of recovery and to improve global resilience. Combining accounting and ecology, we examine the intersectionality between biodiversity and CE. Therefore, the research aims to investigate the companies' reporting practices on both CE system implemented, and the corrective actions taken to repair biodiversity. To achieve the research aim, we developed a new disclosure index that includes both biodiversity and CE measures. Data is collected from 28 companies operating in three different industries sectors (aerospace and defense, motor vehicle and parts, and transportation) for 4 years (2012, 2014, 2016 and 2018). Our results show, in general, the overall scoring of disclosures is low, with companies providing minimal and vague information and many companies scored ZERO in all of our disclosure items showing that companies have a lack of knowledge on the biodiversity and CE concept. However, there is an increase in the level of disclosures on both biodiversity and CE between 2012, 2014, and 2016 and there is a small decrease for the 2018. Furthermore, the Motor industry is providing more disclosure on both biodiversity and CE, followed by Aerospace & Defense and Transportation industry was the lowest in providing disclosure on both biodiversity and CE. Our study contributes to both biodiversity and CE literature as well as providing some insights on the interconnection of both concepts which is crucial for the future sustainable development.