Evaluating sustainable supply chain management : Using the Triple Top Line to evaluate sustainability in the textile industry.

Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this research is to explore how CSR reporting of supply chain management indicators and metrics in the textile and apparel industry relate to the Triple Top Line framework. Design/methodology/approach: This thesis is conducted by doing a content analysis of sustainable supply chain management performance metrics and indicators in a first step which is then matched within the conceptual framework of the Triple Top Line. Finally, a content analysis of branded marketers’ and retailers’ corporate social responsibility reports is conducted using the conceptual framework as a guideline. Findings: The results showed that certain segments of the conceptual framework were under represented in the terms of sustainable supply chain management performance indicators and metrics, and that the reporting of the metrics and indicators is still lacking as a whole within the textile and apparel industry. Research limitations/implications: The limitations of the thesis are that the analysis of the CSR reports was conducted through a manifest content analysis and could be improved by using a latent approach and whilst the CSR reports of branded manufacturers and retailers were analysed, the researcher could have included the analysis of fabric and fibre producers to have an even more complete vision of the industry. Originality/value: The value of this thesis is that it offers academics and practitioners a new conceptual framework to evaluate their CSR reporting and measuring of sustainable supply chain management indicators and performance metrics.