Case Sample - Grant Thornton LLP

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Policy

Consulting Edition
"Transcending the status quo."

FINAL CASE ROUND

IN ASSOCIATION WITH GRANT THORNTON


INSTRUCTIONS
1. The deadline for the submission of the solution for the case is
8:00 A.M., 12th April 2023. Any submissions thereafter will not be
entertained.

2. The solution for the case study needs to be submitted in a single


PDF. There is a slide limit of maximum 7 slides excluding cover
page and appendix slides.

3. To submit your case solutions, please send them in a single PDF


to [email protected]. Kindly do not upload your submissions
on Unstop. Submissions made via Unstop would not be accepted.

4. Nomenclature: The document should be named as follows Team


Name_Final_PCE. The document must have the Team Name;
Name of the Team Members, Email ID and Contact Number of the
Participants. Please note, teams are not allowed to mention the
name(s) of their institutions in their documents.

5. The case shall be presented offline on campus at Shri Ram


College of Commerce. Each team will be given 8 minutes to
present their solutions along with a 5-minute Q/A with the judges
regarding the case solution.

7. Assumptions, if any, should be clearly stated and justified.

8. In case of any queries, kindly write at [email protected] or


contact:
Rishabh Luthra: +91 98111 20708
Ananya Taneja: +91 98100 99601
Case Study

Case Study Title: Uncovering Fast Fashion's Greenwashing Culture at XYZ: A Case of Ethical Misconduct

Culture of disposable fashion (Fast Fashion Industry): Fast fashion refers to a business model in the fashion
industry that focuses on producing large quantities of inexpensive, trendy clothing that is designed to be quickly
and cheaply produced, marketed, and sold. This model is characterized by rapid turnover of clothing collections
and frequent releases of new styles, which encourages consumers to purchase more frequently and discard
clothing more often.
However, the environmental impact of this industry is alarming. The production process requires vast amounts of
resources, including water, energy, raw materials and generates significant waste, including fabric scraps and
chemicals used in dyeing and finishing processes. Moreover, the transportation of clothing worldwide has
environmental impacts. The social aspect of fast fashion is equally concerning, as many companies rely on low-
cost labour in developing countries, which results in low wages, poor working conditions and exposure to harmful
chemicals. The governance aspect of fast fashion refers to the ethical and legal responsibilities of companies to
operate transparently and responsibly. The industry has been plagued by concerns about forced labor, worker
safety and environmental regulations.
Overall, the fast fashion industry has significant negative impacts on the environment, social conditions, and
governance practices. As consumers become more aware of these issues, there is a growing movement towards
sustainable and ethical fashion that seeks to reduce the negative impacts of clothing production and consumption.

Introduction:
XYZ Company, a global corporation, has been touting its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
The company has implemented various policies and programs to meet regulatory requirements and improve its
image in the eyes of the public. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that XYZ Company is
engaging in greenwashing and ethical washing practices, rather than implementing true ESG strategies.

ESG Concerns and malpractices:


The following concerns along with greenwashing and Ethical Washing Practices have been identified by an ESG
Consultant at XYZ Company:
• Climate: The company has not set any clear targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions or
addressing its carbon footprint. Its sustainability reports highlight its use of renewable energy, but this
represents only a small fraction of the total energy consumed by the company.
• Worker Health and Safety: The company has implemented safety protocols and training programs, but
workers have reported health concerns related to exposure to toxic chemicals and inadequate safety
equipment.
• Waste Disposal: The company has a recycling program in place, but much of its waste still ends up in
landfills or is incinerated, contributing to pollution and climate change.
• Misleading Marketing: XYZ Company's marketing campaigns often focus on sustainability and social
responsibility, but the company has not made meaningful progress towards these goals.
• Compliance-Oriented Approach: The company's sustainability initiatives are often driven by a desire to
meet regulatory requirements, rather than a genuine commitment to ESG.
• Lack of Transparency: XYZ Company's sustainability reports are often vague and lack specific details on
its ESG initiatives.
Problem statement:
1. How can the company move towards a more sustainable and ethical business model while maintaining its
position as a leader in the fast fashion industry?
2. How can they integrate the concept of carbon pricing to mitigate their carbon footprint and ensure that
they are not just greenwashing their marketing?
3. Can a sustainable business model be designed with minimal costs?
4. What steps can the company take to ensure compliance with environmental and social regulations while
maintaining profitability?

About Grant Thornton Bharat LLP’s ESG Services:


Grant Thornton Bharat LLP provides Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) services to help clients tackle
the evolving ESG landscape. Grant Thornton Bharat's ESG services include ESG reporting and assurance,
sustainability strategy and governance, climate change and energy transition, social impact, and stakeholder
engagement. The objective of these services is to help clients build sustainable, responsible, and resilient
businesses that generate long-term value for all stakeholders.

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