From the fair trade concept to a symbiotic sustainability business model: the case of Unilever and the Lipton-Rainforest Alliance partnership Online publication date: Sat, 03-Dec-2022
by Saman Sarbazvatan
International Journal of Competitiveness (IJC), Vol. 2, No. 3, 2022
Abstract: The fair trade concept offers a means to improve the livelihoods of small producers, respond to social issues, and contribute to environmental health. The purpose of this embedded case study is to examine how the fair trade concept can be transformed into a symbiotic sustainability business model between NGOs and companies. This was approached through an in-depth examination of the fair trade concept as applied by Unilever in building a symbiotic sustainability business model through a collaborative partnership between Lipton and the Rainforest Alliance NGO to launch today's global sustainable tea market. The company's actions in this regard have proven to be positive for the company itself, its suppliers and consumers. The insights derived from this case study can be used to implement changes in managerial practices, revise government policies, agricultural practices, and economic measures, and bring about positive social changes for small producers.
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Competitiveness (IJC):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:
Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.
If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com
Our Blog 
Follow us on Twitter 
Visit us on Facebook