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Contents
1. Introduction..............................................................................................................................................3
2. Environmental Sustainability.................................................................................................................3
3. Social Sustainability.................................................................................................................................6
4. Economic Sustainability..........................................................................................................................7
6. Sustainability Models............................................................................................................................12
a. Economic Responsibility.............................................................................................................12
b. Legal Responsibility....................................................................................................................13
c. Ethical Responsibility..................................................................................................................13
d. Philanthropic Responsibility........................................................................................................13
a. Economic Dimension...................................................................................................................14
b. Social Dimension.........................................................................................................................14
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c. Environmental Dimension...........................................................................................................15
8. Recommendations..................................................................................................................................16
9. Conclusion..............................................................................................................................................17
10. References.............................................................................................................................................18
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1. Introduction
Operating out of Luton, Bedfordshire, Darren Bluck is the sole owner of BLUC-Graphics, a
specialized company. The firm has established a distinct presence in the design and branding
sector by focusing on customized vehicle liveries, clothes, and signs. Although BLUC-Graphics
has received acknowledgment for its unique goods and support of local sports teams and a racing
driver, it is necessary to conduct a thorough examination of its present business strategies. The
present study aims to do a comprehensive assessment of the company's operational activities and
their associated effects, with a specific focus on sustainability. Additionally, it will explore the
company's level of compliance and compatibility with both domestic and global sustainability
programs.
The report objectively assesses BLUC-Graphics' sustainability risks and prospects. Sustainability
is crucial for businesses. Businesses must recognize their environmental, social, and economic
impacts. Because printing requires resources, energy, trash, and social interaction, BLUC-
Graphics' activities are impacted. The report covers environmental, social, and economic
sustainability. BLUC-Graphics' performance against sustainability models and frameworks and
the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is also examined. It identifies threats to the
company's current practices and sustainable practice prospects. This study gives BLUC-Graphics
specific guidance to increase company sustainability and long-term viability in a changing
business climate. The sustainability of BLUC-Graphics is crucial for ensuring a promising
future.
2. Environmental Sustainability
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using paper scraps as fire starters. No formal EMS helps the company standardize and strengthen
its environmental policies and practices.
Offcuts, unused printing substrates, and packaging materials are waste products of the printing
industry. According to Evans et al. (2017) it is crucial to assess the company's waste reduction
efforts and if they correspond with national and international sustainability goals. Checking if
BLUC-Graphics recycles and reuses resources to reduce waste may help determine its
environmental responsibility. Raw material utilization matters, too. BLUC-Graphics uses
substrates, inks, and packaging. The company's environmental effect depends on these
commodities. Critical examination may reveal if the firm promotes sustainable sourcing and
material efficiency. Sustainable practices include using recyclable or eco-friendly printing
substrates, which supports worldwide sustainability initiatives.
Table 1. Environmental Impacts Overview
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during production managed
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environmental sustainability.
3. Social Sustainability
Beyond mere financial viability, the welfare of communities and the societal influence of
enterprises are fundamental to social sustainability. Roca-Puig (2019) points that the term "social
sustainability" is used to describe an organization's dedication to and success in achieving its
current and future objectives without compromising the well-being, quality of life, or equity of
its employees, stakeholders, customers, or community at large. It involves doing things and using
methods that have a beneficial effect on society and encourage things like social responsibility,
diversity and inclusion, community participation, ethical practices, and so on (Amrutha and
Geetha, 2019). To be socially sustainable, a business must do its part in improving society by
promoting unity, resolving problems, and acting with integrity toward its stakeholders.
Through its support and involvement in the local community, BLUC-Graphics has shown
admirable commitment to social sustainability (Roca-Puig, 2019). The firm shows its dedication
to the community by sponsoring local football teams, especially the young Under 8 & U9's
football teams, and by providing financial assistance to Formula Vee racing driver Rachel Swain.
In addition, it demonstrates its readiness to participate in community events by giving out posters
at no cost to the local PTA. These actions benefit the company's reputation and the community at
large.
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Opportunities for Enhancing Social Potential Threats to Social Sustainability
Sustainability
4. Economic Sustainability
According to Antikainen and Valkokari (2016) the ability of a company or institution to maintain
long-term financial stability and resilience while pursuing its goals and activities is known as
economic sustainability from an organizational standpoint. It entails keeping the company's
finances in order, bringing in a steady stream of cash flow, and maintaining a profit margin high
enough to sustain operations and fuel expansion. When we talk about an organization's capacity
to weather economic swings, invest in innovation, and meet its commitments to its many
stakeholders—including its workers, investors, and community members—we're talking about
economic sustainability (Lüdeke-Freund et al., 2018). It highlights the company's potential to
produce lasting value and contribute to economic development over time, guaranteeing the
company's survival and growth regardless of short-term fluctuations in the economy.
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4.1. BLUC-Graphics' Economic Sustainability and Financial Performance
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Opportunities for Improving Economic Potential Threats to Economic Sustainability
Sustainability
Market Expansion: Explore new markets or Cost Escalation: Rising costs of raw
regions to increase the client base, offering materials, equipment, or labor may impact
growth opportunities and the potential for profitability and financial stability, posing a
increased turnover and economic threat to economic sustainability.
sustainability (Antikainen and Valkokari,
2016).
The SDGs, which include social, economic, and environmental sustainability, present a
comprehensive framework for addressing some of the world's most pressing concerns (Pedersen,
2018). BLUC-Graphics' local and global activities are vital to these aims. The company's
sponsorships, community involvement, and growth potential are linked to specific SDGs. BLUC-
Graphics promotes local economic development, ethical consumption, creativity, and
collaborations to achieve the SDGs (Tsalis et al., 2020). This report shows how firms,
particularly small enterprises, address global issues and promote sustainability.
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Figure 1. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
SDG 12: Responsible This goal emphasizes efficient resource use and responsible waste
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Consumption and management, which are crucial for a business in the printing
Production industry (Colglazier, 2015). BLUC-Graphics aligns with this goal
through its commitment to minimize waste and explore
sustainability standards with suppliers.
SDG 8: Decent Work BLUC-Graphics can further support this goal by expanding its
and Economic Growth operations, potentially creating more job opportunities (Tsalis et
al., 2020). Promoting economic growth and providing decent work
aligns with SDG 8.
Specific tactics may help BLUC-Graphics fit with the UN Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs). First, the firm may get goods from sustainable and responsible suppliers to reduce its
environmental impact and promote responsible consumption in accordance with SDG 12
(Pedersen, 2018). Second, by adopting new technologies and processes, BLUC-Graphics may
better support SDG 9, which promotes resource efficiency and sustainable printing to decrease
environmental effect. Expanding community involvement efforts, such as mentoring local kids in
design and printing, may help it fit with SDG 8 by providing adequate job and skill development
(Tsalis et al., 2020). Finally, the firm may publish its sustainability initiatives and SDG effects to
demonstrate its commitment to sustainable development. BLUC-Graphics may enhance global
sustainability by merging these ideas.
6. Sustainability Models
The CSR Initiatives of Carroll's Corporation each of the four levels of the Pyramid's
categorization of organizational duties is relevant to BLUC-Graphics
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Figure 2. Carroll's CSR Pyramid.
a. Economic Responsibility
The printing and design services offered by BLUC-Graphics are focused on maximizing profits.
BLUC-Graphics, shown at bluc-graphics.com, is an e-commerce site selling customized
merchandise, vehicle livery, branded uniforms, and sportswear (Carroll, 2016). In addition to
achieving business goals, this diversified product line meets the needs of consumers looking for
customized and branded goods.
b. Legal Responsibility
Compliance with applicable laws and rules is a top priority for BLUC-Graphics (Ehie, 2016).
The company's internet presence reflects its dedication to legal accountability by being open and
reassuring to consumers about the legitimacy of the company's offerings.
c. Ethical Responsibility
d. Philanthropic Responsibility
On top of Carroll's CSR pyramid, BLUC-Graphics prioritizes giving back to the community via
financial and in-kind donations (Ehie, 2016). Local football clubs, Formula Vee racecar drivers,
and community activities are just some of the recipients of these charitable contributions. BLUC-
Graphics is a company that takes its charitable mission seriously, as seen by its sustained
involvement in and positive contribution to the local community.
Organizational performance may be evaluated in three distinct ways using the Triple Bottom
Line (TBL) paradigm
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a. Economic Dimension
When it comes to the financial benefits of the TBL, BLUC-Graphics shines. This dimension is
consistent with the company's financial results and future growth expectations (Dainienė and
Dagilienė, 2015). Its economic success is mostly due to the variety of products it offers, such as
custom products, vehicle livery, branded workwear, and sportswear, all of which are shown on
its website, bluc-graphics.com. This is consistent with the TBL's economic component, since it
reflects the firm's ability to make a profit while also satisfying its customers' needs.
b. Social Dimension
The social component of the TBL is clearly very important to BLUC-Graphics. According to
Diez-Busto, Sanchez-Ruiz and Fernandez-Laviada (2021) findings, the company's social
responsibility activities include community involvement projects, job creation chances, and
mentoring programs. Support for local sports and racing events is only one example of BLUC-
Graphics' commitment to the community and to social responsibility. These initiatives show the
company's commitment to improving the lives of its neighbors.
c. Environmental Dimension
BLUC-Graphics has integrated the TBL framework into its sustainability strategy in order to
better assess and manage its performance across the three pillars of sustainability (Dainienė and
Dagilienė, 2015). Sustainable business practices may be advanced by placing an emphasis on the
company's economic viability, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability.
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7. Leadership for sustainability
8. Recommendations
Implement Renewable Energy Sources: BLUC-Graphics might install solar panels and
other sustainable energy sources to lessen its impact on the environment (Weiland et al.,
2021). This helps achieve Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean
Energy), which is in line with environmental sustainability.
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Embrace Sustainable Procurement: The Triple Bottom Line (TBL) framework suggests
that the firm may improve its sustainability by working with suppliers who also adhere to
sustainability criteria (Spence, 2014). This helps with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption
and Production) by guaranteeing the use of eco-friendly products and ethical sourcing
methods.
Diversify Services for Economic Growth: BLUC-Graphics might improve its long-term
financial viability by expanding into new service areas like digital marketing and creative
design (Amrutha and Geetha, 2019). The economic component of the TBL and SDG 8
(Decent Work and Economic Growth) are both in line with this strategy, since it may
increase the customer base and income.
Expand Community Engagement: Collaboration with local schools and institutions to
host design and printing workshops is consistent with social sustainability goals of
increasing community involvement (Loviscek, 2021). This suggestion backs Quality
Education (SDG 4) and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17) and stresses the significance
of doing good for others.
9. Conclusion
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