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Eco‐innovation motivations and ecodesign tool implementation in companies in the Nordic textile and information technology sectors

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  • Hanna H. Salo
  • Johanna Suikkanen
  • Ari Nissinen

Abstract

The current sustainability challenges and the required systemic transformation highlight the need for innovations on multiple levels. Ecodesign integrates environmental aspects into product and process design to reduce environmental impacts, whereas eco‐innovation also concerns nontechnological solutions. In this paper, we formulate a model that combines eco‐innovation targets ad mechanisms with sustainability maturity, which also concerns stimuli and barriers faced by companies and ecodesign tools used. The results are based on a questionnaire sent to 902 textile and information technology (IT) companies (N = 104) in the Nordic countries. The tools that Nordic textile and IT companies use in particular are life cycle assessment, type I ecolabel, and carbon footprint. Internal stimuli, especially general willingness, were important for eco‐innovativeness, while legislation and customer demand also pushed companies forward. Specific no‐go barriers were not identified, although increase in costs was a common barrier. The respondents focus often on technological product innovations, but rarely on functional innovation, renting of products, and so forth. This highlights the need to address the availability of the right kind of tools to support a broader suite of innovation that can drive toward the circular economy.

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  • Hanna H. Salo & Johanna Suikkanen & Ari Nissinen, 2020. "Eco‐innovation motivations and ecodesign tool implementation in companies in the Nordic textile and information technology sectors," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(6), pages 2654-2667, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:bstrat:v:29:y:2020:i:6:p:2654-2667
    DOI: 10.1002/bse.2527
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    Cited by:

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    3. Corinna Vera Hedwig Schmidt & Bastian Kindermann & Cassian Felix Behlau & Tessa Christina Flatten, 2021. "Understanding the effect of market orientation on circular economy practices: The mediating role of closed‐loop orientation in German SMEs," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(8), pages 4171-4187, December.
    4. Banjo Roxas, 2022. "Eco‐innovations of firms: A longitudinal analysis of the roles of industry norms and proactive environmental strategy," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(1), pages 515-531, January.
    5. Nathalia Suchek & Cristina I. Fernandes & Sascha Kraus & Matthias Filser & Helena Sjögrén, 2021. "Innovation and the circular economy: A systematic literature review," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(8), pages 3686-3702, December.
    6. Hartmann, Julia & Inkpen, Andrew & Ramaswamy, Kannan, 2022. "An FsQCA exploration of multiple paths to ecological innovation adoption in European transportation," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 57(5).
    7. Ines Diez‐Martinez & Angel Peiro‐Signes & Marival Segarra‐Oña, 2023. "The links between active cooperation and eco‐innovation orientation of firms: A multi‐analysis study," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 32(1), pages 430-443, January.
    8. Kristian Peters & Paul Buijs, 2022. "Strategic ambidexterity in green product innovation: Obstacles and implications," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(1), pages 173-193, January.
    9. Budi Harsanto & Ina Primiana & Vita Sarasi & Yayan Satyakti, 2023. "Sustainability Innovation in the Textile Industry: A Systematic Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-21, January.
    10. Jianfang Liang & Ruiwen Wang & Jingjun Li, 2022. "Exploring the Relationship between Chinese Urban Residents’ Perceptions of Sustainable Consumption and Their Efficiency Behavior: A Mediation and Moderation Analysis Based on the Social Practice Appro," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-25, September.

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