Abstract:
With increasing global attention on environmental impact, the sustainability efforts of firms are becoming of increasing importance for all stakeholders. Along with changing regulations, technologies, and business operations, such efforts need to be continually examined and assessed for improvement. This paper examines the sustainability efforts of a large Norwegian firm, Ringnes, and assesses their distribution operations. It is essential to learn what kinds of external and internal factors impact these efforts, and what kinds of solutions are available to further them.
Our research expands on Ringnes’ current efforts by analysing their sustainability reporting process and results. To conduct our study and examine these important aspects, we have gathered a significant amount of data ourselves, including conducting a three-round questionnaire and two interviews with employees at Ringnes. The results of this illuminated five key challenges: poor infrastructure, lack of investment, lack of alternative transportation, old or underdeveloped technologies, and inefficient route planning or logistics. By examining the interplay of the external and internal factors, and in building upon essential theories and concepts such as the possibility of win-win situations as described by the Porter hypothesis, we offer insight into how Ringnes can further their sustainable transition and improve their sustainability efforts to overcome these challenges.
Keywords: sustainability, reporting, environmental, management, distribution, industry, beverage, food, infrastructure, logistics, transportation, Norway