Sustainability in the luxury industry: an exploratory analysis based on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework

Objectives. The following work aims at identifying the most accounted economic, environmental and social indicators in the 100 largest luxury goods companies in the world, through a content analysis of GRI-based sustainability reports Methodology. In accordance with the exploratory aim of the research, a content of the GRI-based sustainability reports was adopted. The analysis is based upon 18 sustainability reports regarding different types of luxury companies. Findings. The result indicates that adoption of GRI indicators is still at an early stage and can be improved in the future. Research limits. The proposed approach could be enriched with other theoretical perspectives and empirical explorations Practical implications. A deepen understating of the relationship sustainability and corporate communication in the luxury market, managers can improve strategy design and communication campaign. Originality of the study. Sustainability in luxury market is a rather recent research stream, and at the best of our knowledge no research has been carried out with specific attention to the adoption of GRI framework in corporate sustainability reports. The paper contributes to this research stream by describing the main approach used by luxury companies in the preparation of these reports and the most widespread actions carried out.