Key drivers for sustainable operations in developing countries: A textile case study from Egypt

There has been a recent paradigm shift towards sustainable development of business operations worldwide. Limited resources and the need for a cleaner and unpolluted global environment, along with recent developments in governmental legislations have made it difficult for international companies to take advantage of developing countries more lenient environmental policies. This paper presents an in-depth case analysis of a leading company´s role in sustainable development in the textile industry in Egypt (Hesni Group, HG). While the Egyptian government has recently conducted several adjustments to the legislations that govern the textile industry in terms of emissions and water usage, HG responds to more stringent regulations enforced by the top management and governed by the regulations of its clients. Literature reviews and comprehensive interviews with the different stakeholders suggest a three-pillar model presenting the different key drivers that promote sustainable operations in developing countries. We aim to motivate organizations in developing countries to think greener, and to contest the notion that sustainability means giving up on current processes and incurring irredeemable losses.