Circular with Purpose: Social and Solidarity Economy Shaping the Second-Hand Sector (A and B)
Case number : 9 70 2025 001A-B
Case published in the International Journal of Case Studies in Management, Vol. 23, No. 3
Date :
2025-09-04
Teaching notes included :
Yes
Abstract
Since its founding in 1949, Emmaüs has helped people experiencing homelessness, financial difficulty, and/or seeking professional reintegration. Part A discusses major issues in the fashion and textile industries, such as water consumption and the release of microplastics, and proposes the circular economy as a possible solution. Label Emmaüs is presented as an example of a company committed to the social and solidarity economy (SSE) that incorporates the circular economy into its business model. Part B discusses the current controversy surrounding Emmaüs and its impact on the organization's value proposition.
Teaching objectives
- Develop and discuss sustainable business models, including the circular and social and solidarity economies
- Analyze the value proposition of sustainable business models
- Recognize the interdependence of social justice and environmental sustainability
- Evaluate organizational practices and recommend ways to enrich the value proposition
Primary domain :
Cooperative and nonprofit sectors
Secondary domain :
Management
- Third sector management
Sectors :
Consumer goods
Type :
Traditional case (Descriptive or analytical case)
Event location :
France
Year of start of the event :
2023
Year the event ended :
Not available
Business size :
Small- and medium-sized