Vitiana L'Abate, Benedetta Esposito, Daniela Sica and Stefania Supino
This study aims to analyze the determinants of circular economy (CE) initiatives based on the performance related to the sustainable development goals (SDGs) of firms operating in…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to analyze the determinants of circular economy (CE) initiatives based on the performance related to the sustainable development goals (SDGs) of firms operating in the Oil and Gas (O&G) sector. In detail, adopting a stakeholder–agency theory lens, this study explores the relationship between corporate governance and CE performance measured through SDGs. Specifically, the research aims to highlight how corporate governance attributes could affect firms’ ability to implement CE practices and – in turn – reach a higher SDG performance.
Design/methodology/approach
A global sample of firms operating in the O&G sector has been selected from the Thomson Reuters Refinitiv Eikon database. To test the research hypotheses, an SDG-based CE performance index has been developed. Subsequently, an ordinary least squares (OLS) regression model is carried out to explore the impact of the following variables on the CE performance index: board size, board gender diversity, board independence and corporate social responsibility (CSR) committee.
Findings
The results highlight that the board size and the presence of a CSR committee positively influenced SDG-based CE performance. However, board gender diversity does not have a significant impact on CE performance in relation to the SDGs, whereas board independence appears to exert a negative effect.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study represents the first research that systematically addresses CE performance based on SDGs in the O&G industry, providing implications for the sector from both theoretical and managerial points of view.
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Benedetta Esposito, Daniela Sica, Ornella Malandrino and Stefania Supino
This paper investigates circular economy communications and stakeholder dialogic engagement with circular economy posts published by European agri-food companies on Twitter from…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper investigates circular economy communications and stakeholder dialogic engagement with circular economy posts published by European agri-food companies on Twitter from the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. It explores the use of social media as a dialogic tool to activate circular economy engagement in order to involve all supply-chain actors on the route to a circular transition.
Design/methodology/approach
A coding framework based on the reclassification of the Glossary of Circular Economy, according to a 4-R paradigm (reduce, reuse, recycle and recover), was developed for the analysis. All tweets published by a sample of European agri-food companies, starting from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic until data extraction, were collected, purified and analysed.
Findings
Agri-food companies showed a higher level of engagement through social media, even if mainly focused on “recycling” and “general circular economy” issues. In general, awareness among social network users of the need to be part of the circular economy transition emerged. Moreover, the highest percentage of posts published by the companies' Twitter accounts was informative rather than interactive. In addition, starting with the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, the circular economy has arisen as a central topic of debate and a driver for the rethinking process of the agri-food business community.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors' knowledge, this research represents the first study focused on circular economy engagement through social media from the company perspective in the agri-food industry.
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Maria Proto, Ornella Malandrino and Stefania Supino
The aim of this paper is to map and analyse the state of the art of eco‐energy labelling and its potential as a fundamental component in the transition process towards…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to map and analyse the state of the art of eco‐energy labelling and its potential as a fundamental component in the transition process towards eco‐sustainability.
Design/methodology/approach
A detailed scenario of trends in eco‐energy labelling systems, both on an international and European Union scale are outlined, followed by identification and analysis of the key representative experiences. Subsequently, the main constraints that limit their full potential as a benchmark and tool of improved customer communication for environmental sustainability have been highlighted and critically analysed.
Findings
The full implementation of eco‐energy labelling, as a authentic driving force in sustainability building processes, requires the elimination of the critical factors identified. Therefore, standardisation of benchmarking methodologies, based on improved customer information mechanisms regarding qualitative and quantitative indicators, need to implemented. A strong commitment on the part of all participants involved, to define a multi‐level framework, capable of promoting a recognised international rating scheme in needed.
Practical implications
The most significant implications regard the attempt to classify and coordinate all the information concerning instruments, initiatives, policies and strategies related to eco‐sustainability.
Originality/value
The paper is a contribution towards pinpointing the current fragmented scenario of eco‐energy labelling tools with the aim of re‐conducting them into a coherent and more functional whole.