Eco-innovative measures in large Swedish Companies - An inventory based on company reports

• The project examines eco-innovative measures among 100 large companies from 11industries in Sweden. Data from corporate annual reports was gathered and analysedusing a range of criteria that show what types of measures companies pursue in order totackle environmental issues. These criteria range from internal measures, such asdeveloping new products and processes, to measures that include the value chain andpublic/private partners that can help boost eco-innovation.The study shows that the majority of companies see themselves as proactive and thattheir main focus vis-à-vis eco-innovation is on internal measures, with an emphasis onenergy efficiency and renewable energy and materials. Examples of measures that focuson energy efficiency include effective lighting, insulation and lean production. Examplesof measures that focus on renewable energy measures include sourcing electricitybased on wind, biomass and solar power. Examples of measures that focus on renewablematerials include bio- and organic-based products, or biomass-based production.The study highlights various eco-innovation measures that have the potential to bringabout meaningful change, including “ZERO mission” (Skanska), the “One tonne life”project to create a climate smart household (ICA as partner), launch of a “left overdating” matchmaker service to find “dinner partners” with supplementary ingredients(Lantmännen), smart homes and cars (Semcon), smart application of technologies (ABBand Ericsson), smart grids to link homes, vehicles and users (Toyota), regenerativebraking systems (SJ), “Zee-weed” membrane techniques for water treatment (ITT),biomass-based fuels of their own process (SCA), and light-weight materials (SSAB).The study finds some evidence that drivers of eco-innovation range from businessopportunities to costs and legislation. Companies in the construction and consultancy/service groups, for instance, see environmental issues as a business opportunity. Generally,companies note the importance of legislation such as REACH, and consumerdemands as drivers of eco-innovation. However other companies in our sample rarelymention drivers. The study also shows that annual reports are sufficient for gatheringgeneral information on product development and production processes, while informationregarding R&D is not always presented and needs to be supplemented withquestionnaires and interviews. The project provides a starting point for further researchon eco-innovation regarding the value chain, the consumers and the role of networks.

Subject headings

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Naturresursteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Environmental Engineering (hsv//eng)

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Ekonomi och näringsliv (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Economics and Business (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Swedish companies

inventory

Eco-innovation

Publication and Content Type

rap (subject category)

vet (subject category)