Corporate social responsibility, ESG criteria and their communication in the Spanish textile industry

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this article is to analyse the relationship between companies' communication on sustainability and its impact on consumers' imagination, in order to assess the extent to which these variables are aligned. The study focuses on three Spanish textile companies: Inditex, Mango and Adolfo Domínguez. Methodology: A mixed qualitative and quantitative methodology was used in order to respond to the objectives and to subscribe or reject the initial hypotheses. Results: The three companies analysed represent outstanding examples of how large Spanish fashion companies can integrate ESG criteria into their operations and how these practices are perceived by customers. Discussions: Their study provides a solid basis for understanding best practices and challenges in implementing and communicating sustainable strategies in the textile industry. Conclusions: There is a significant gap between companies' sustainability actions and the perception of consumers, who receive biased information mainly through social media and retail outlets, rather than annual reports.