Sustainable Sourcing and Supplier Relationship Management in the Fashion Industry: A Case Study of Varner AS
Salaterä, Venla (2024)
2024
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024052918040
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024052918040
Tiivistelmä
This thesis explores sustainable sourcing and supplier relationship management in the fashion industry, with a case study of Varner AS, a key player in the Nordic fashion sector. The study seeks to discover successful solutions for increasing environmental sustainability and strengthening supplier collaboration in Varner AS’s fashion supply chain.
For this thesis, a qualitative research approach was employed, which included semi-structured interviews with sustainability executives at Varner AS and extensive desktop research. The study included both primary data from interviews and secondary data from sustainability reports and academic sources to better understand current practices, challenges, and opportunities in sustainable sourcing and supplier relationships.
Sustainable sourcing, supplier relationship management, sustainable fashion, and circular economy are fundamental concepts that drive this thesis. These terms represent the important components of the fashion industry that Varner AS aims to improve through strategic initiatives and partnerships.
The findings show Varner AS making substantial progress in integrating sustainable practices throughout their supply chain. These include innovations in sustainable product design, material sourcing, end-of-life management, and collaborative efforts to reduce environmental consequences and enhance supplier engagement. The study emphasizes the need to align with industry standards and address sustainability concerns in innovative ways through stakeholder collaboration.
Varner AS displays a strong commitment to sustainability through strategic initiatives and collaborations that not only meet industry standards but also serve as a benchmark for best practices in the fashion industry. The study adds to the discussion on sustainable supply chain management by providing insights that can help other organizations improve their environmental and social impacts through improved sourcing and supplier relationships.
For this thesis, a qualitative research approach was employed, which included semi-structured interviews with sustainability executives at Varner AS and extensive desktop research. The study included both primary data from interviews and secondary data from sustainability reports and academic sources to better understand current practices, challenges, and opportunities in sustainable sourcing and supplier relationships.
Sustainable sourcing, supplier relationship management, sustainable fashion, and circular economy are fundamental concepts that drive this thesis. These terms represent the important components of the fashion industry that Varner AS aims to improve through strategic initiatives and partnerships.
The findings show Varner AS making substantial progress in integrating sustainable practices throughout their supply chain. These include innovations in sustainable product design, material sourcing, end-of-life management, and collaborative efforts to reduce environmental consequences and enhance supplier engagement. The study emphasizes the need to align with industry standards and address sustainability concerns in innovative ways through stakeholder collaboration.
Varner AS displays a strong commitment to sustainability through strategic initiatives and collaborations that not only meet industry standards but also serve as a benchmark for best practices in the fashion industry. The study adds to the discussion on sustainable supply chain management by providing insights that can help other organizations improve their environmental and social impacts through improved sourcing and supplier relationships.