An exploration of sustainable innovation in the plastics industry
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School of Business |
Master's thesis
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Authors
Date
2024
Department
Major/Subject
Mcode
Degree programme
Strategic Management in a Changing World
Language
en
Pages
69 + 11
Series
Abstract
This thesis explores sustainable product innovation within the context of the plastics industry, addressing the so-called plastic paradox—where plastic is both a critical material for modern life and a significant environmental pollutant. The study focuses on the strategies and practices of two companies, Vita and AnaBio, to understand how sustainable innovation is implemented in different organizational and geographical settings. Vita, a global leader in foam and polymer products, and AnaBio, an emerging player in sustainable personal care products in India, provide contrasting yet complementary perspectives. Using a qualitative research design, the study employs in-depth interviews with key personnel from both companies to gather insights into their approaches to sustainable product innovation. The interviews reveal how Vita integrates sustainability into its product development and supply chain management, achieving significant reductions in carbon emissions and promoting industry-wide changes. AnaBio's innovative approach involves developing biodegradable sanitary products that align with local market needs and infrastructure. The findings highlight the importance of organizational size, geographic location, and regulatory environment in shaping sustainable innovation strategies. Vita's comprehensive sustainability measures and proactive industry engagement contrast with AnaBio's market-driven and locally adapted innovations. Overall, the thesis contributes to the understanding of sustainable product innovation by providing detailed case studies that illustrate the practical applications and challenges of implementing sustainability in different business contexts while addressing the inherent contradictions of the plastic paradox.Description
Thesis advisor
Laine, LauriKeywords
sustainable innovation, plastic paradox, organizational strategies, environmental sustainability