Integration of Sustainable Development Goals in Multinational Apparel Companies

Purpose: In today’s rapidly changing world, global challenges including poverty, inequality, climate change and conflict require coordinated and sustainable responses. MNEs are significant stakeholders that are addressed for these issues through Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. The aim of the study is to explore sustainability integration of two global fashion leaders in apparel sectors and main barriers for achieving these SDGs. Design/data/methodology- This study examines the sustainability integration of two multinational companies in the apparel sector by employing a mixed-methods approach: a quantitative content analysis of secondary data, followed by a qualitative exploratory analysis using thematic analysis. Findings– The results reveal that both companies centralize sustainability issues at different levels in accordance with their global strategy. In contrast, there is a lack of initiatives of SDGs such as Zero Hunger, Life Below Water, and Life on Land. The findings show that despite advancement for achieving SDGs, global supply chains remain a major source of environmental degradation and social inequality, as cooperate sustainable strategies often fail to extend beyond immediate suppliers. Based on the results, the study discusses the potential barriers and challenges for SDGs integration Originality/value- The study contributes the literature by focusing apparel industry’s sustainability efforts and challenges based on their disclosures. Also, the study informs policy makers to design incentives and regulations.