From river to runway: how small-scale suppliers drive Sustainable Innovation in Global Fashion – the case of pirarucu leather
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2024-07-03
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Costa, Ricardo Sarmento
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Purpose – The purpose of this thesis is to examine the role of small-scale suppliers in driving sustainable innovation within the global fashion industry, focusing on the specific case of Pirarucu leather. Design/Methodology – The research utilizes theoretical frameworks such as Sustainable Supply Chain Management and Stakeholder Theory. It employs a qualitative content analysis using Gioia’s methodology, conducted through five semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders in the Pirarucu leather supply chain. Findings – The study confirms and extends current literature by identifying six main success factors for integrating sustainable innovation across global supply chains: Close and transparent relationships, extensive networks, unique product offerings, open dialogue, partnerships with local initiatives and sustainable practices throughout the production process. It also highlights key challenges for small-scale suppliers, including high costs, certification difficulties, and the difficulty to meet industry standards. The findings emphasize the intrinsic motivation and innovative spirit of small-scale suppliers, which enable them to drive sustainable practices throughout the entire supply chain. Research limitations – The primary limitation of this research is its focus on a single case study and the use of qualitative methods. Future research could expand to multiple cases and employ quantitative methods to validate these findings. Practical implications – Organizations can leverage these insights to support small-scale suppliers in overcoming challenges and promoting sustainable innovations. By fostering collaboration among all supply chain stakeholders, they can enhance the contribution of small-scale suppliers to global sustainability. Social implications – Identifying the drivers of sustainable innovation can help organizations promote ethical practices, reducing the environmental impact and fostering a more sustainable fashion industry. Originality – This is one of the first studies to explore the unique contributions of small-scale suppliers to sustainable innovation in the fashion industry, specifically focusing on Pirarucu leather.