Sustainability strategies and stakeholder relationships : a multiple case study in the fashion industry

The global need for sustainable business practices has intensified due to the growing environmental and social consequences of industrial activity. The fashion industry is a resource-intensive and polluting sector that poses significant challenges related to ecological degradation, labor conditions, and ethical consumption. Academics and practitioners are increasingly highlighting the necessity of examining how firms, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), incorporate sustainability and stakeholder involvement into their strategic plans. This study employs a multiple case study approach to examine the sustainability practices and stakeholder interactions of fourteen Italian fashion SMEs. The results indicate a broad commitment to sustainable manufacturing methods, encompassing consumer education programs, transparent supply chain management, and principles of the circular economy. This study enhances the literature by providing empirical insights into how SMEs in

high-impact sectors operationalize sustainability. It emphasizes the significance of collaborative networks, openness, and trust in developing business models that are both responsible and resilient. [Publisher's text]