You are the CEO of a major clothing manufacturer based just outside Manila, Philippines. Over 80 percent of your output sees you operating as a third-party manufacturer for several global brands. All of these clients are keen to promote their green credentials to appeal to their Millennial and Gen Z consumers. Clients are beginning to demand you follow this trend.
1. Clients are asking you to show that you are sustainable, eco-friendly, and natural. Your company’s response has been described as greenwashing. What are the ethical implications of this?
2. Although there is demand from clients to be more sustainable, many of your regional competitors seem to be able to retain their unsustainable production processes while claiming they are ethical or eco-friendly. How could they be doing this?
3. You decide to announce that all your products are 100-percent-organic cotton, and that they are cruelty-free. You hope this will satisfy your clients. Do you think this is sufficient?
4. Your clients remain largely unconvinced; the largest, which accounts for nearly a quarter of all your output, has reiterated the point in an email stating their intention to “focus on supply chain partners with a holistic approach to sustainability.” What does this mean, and what are the implications for you?