Autori
Costa, Alessandra
Abbate, Tindara
Marozzo, Veronica

Titolo
From Wine to Circular Vines via the BCorp Certification: an exploratory analysis of Italian SMEs
Periodico
Sinergie
Anno: 2025 - Volume: 43 - Fascicolo: 126 - Pagina iniziale: 199 - Pagina finale: 219

Framing of the research: The Circular Economy has progressively emerged as a transformative model aimed at reconciling economic and social values, while preserving the environment and biodiversity. Adopting Circular Economy principles requires firms to fundamentally change their business practices by integrating ecological and social perspectives into value creation processes. Benefit Corporation represents a recent and promising example of business models designed to operationalize Circular Economy principles, incorporating a proactive approach to sustainability. However, within the context of SMEs, there is a notable lack of empirical evidence regarding the extent to which BCorp certification aligns with and supports Circular Economy principles. Purpose of the paper: This study aims to explore how Benefit Corporation (BCorp) certification can guide low-tech hybrid-purpose SMEs in embodying Circular Economy principles. It addresses the following research question: is BCorp certification an appropriate tool for facilitating the integration of Circular Economy principles at the core of SMEs, leading to a better balance between social and economic purposes? Methodology: To address the aforementioned research question, this research employs a comparative multiple analysis approach focused on six Italian wine BCorps. This qualitative approach allows for an in-depth exploration of entrepreneurial and circular transformative paths of selected companies, boosted by the requirements of the certification scheme. Findings: The findings highlight the practices and initiatives that influence and guide the potential circularity of the selected companies, by assessing the efficacy of BCorp certification in facilitating the integration of Circular Economy principles. Research limits: The exploratory nature of this study is also its main limitation, restricting the generalizability of results. The findings are also heavily context-dependent, requiring further investigation in other industries and countries. However, these limitations do provide a platform for future research. Practical implications: The present study does also offer some practical implications. Managers of hybrid-purpose organizations could benefit from a categorization of practices and initiatives that allow BCorps to pursue a dual profit-purpose goal with Circular Economy principles while fostering the effective implementation of business models for Circular Economy. Originality of the paper: The originality of this paper lies in its ability to explore the potential of BCorp certification requirements in guiding companies in the application of Circular Economy principles.



SICI: 0393-5108(2025)43:126<199:FWTCVV>2.0.ZU;2-
Testo completo: https://ojs.sijm.it/index.php/sinergie/article/view/1787/1005

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