Problematisering: Frustration hos ledare växer till följd av ökade krav på hållbarhet och en upplevd oförmåga att leverera värdeskapande som är i enlighet med förväntningar på ekonomisk prestation och ökade krav på hållbarhet. Innovation av affärsmodeller har identifierats som väsentligt för att möjliggöra hållbarhet som en plattform för framgång. Affärsmodeller som ledningsverktyg har kritiserats kring det faktum att dessa teorier och ramverk till stor del utesluter aspekter av ekologiskt och socialt ansvarstagande och således ifrågasätts tillämpandet av affärsmodeller för att bemöta utmaningar relaterade till hållbarhet. Syfte: Syftet med uppsatsen är att undersöka hur mer utvecklade ramverk affärsmodeller, som inkluderar aspekter av hållbarhet, kan underlätta för ledare och organisationer att möjliggöra hållbarhet som en plattform för framgång. Metod: Genom en systematisk litteraturgenomgång identifierades fyra operationaliserade ramverk, i form av en affärsmodell-kanvas, som inkluderade aspekter av social och ekologisk hållbarhet. Ett ramverket kallat Ekokritisk Affärsmodell-kanvas bedömdes och valdes ut för tillämpning i fallstudie. Genom en fallstudie på ett produkt- respektive tjänsteföretag kunde ramverkets praktiska egenskaper. Resultat: Undersökningen påvisar att en ekokritisk affärsmodell-kanvas visar tecken på fördelaktig användning då den utgör ett underlag för att diskutera och förmedla organisationers unika möjligheter att erhålla egennytta genom hållbara aktiviteter.

Purpose The purpose of this thesis is to set up a closed-loop supply chain model for B2C online subscription box retailers and to develop a business case evaluating the model’s sustainability. Method This explorative thesis has an abductive research approach. Multiple-case studies are conducted and data from four cases and an expert are collected by conducting interviews. The research contains both qualitative and quantitative data. Findings A closed-loop SC model is created with regards to transport packaging. The model suggests that once the package is received by the consumer it can be returned in an empty state. After being cleaned it should be reused by the 3PL. The model’s sustainability is evaluated by developing a business case. Sustainable performance measures with regards to economic, social and environmental practice are assembled. The model enhances general social performance and environmental performance. Economic performance is mostly positively influenced. Options for cost savings in order to improve the economic performance of the model are suggested by the researchers. Practical implications The work provides businesses within the online B2C subscription box retail with a model for a possible closed-loop supply chain with regards to transport packaging. The business case for sustainability can be applied as a guideline to evaluate the model or similar ones. Researchers give suggestions on adapting packaging to enhance economic performance. Societal implications This thesis points out possible environmental and social benefits that may be achieved by a closedloop supply chain model. Besides waste and emission reduction, social performance such as employee motivation is positively influenced. Theoretical implications The thesis provides a model developed from theory and empirical data. The model does not only have practical implementations but also complements theory where a gap has earlier been identified. Through the business case for sustainability researchers contribute to theory since literature is scarce.

This research explores the business case for sustainability as experienced by small and medium sized, house building construction companies in the UK and Sweden. The authors investigate what benefits, if any, these businesses have gained from adopting environmental and socially responsible business practices. The authors also set out to understand the barriers and drivers influencing the companies in respect of sustainability. The purpose of the thesis was to help sustainability practitioners in their work with the sector. The research had three separate strands of investigation; interviewing industry experts who had wide experience of the sector; interviews with companies that had some relevant experiences; and a detailed survey was sent to companies asking them to rate their experiences to date and estimate their future expectation on sustainability issues. The findings were collated, analyzed and an overview of the benefits, barriers and drivers for the sector were discussed. A sector specific strategic approach to dealing with the companies was presented for use by the practitioners.