Determinants of Environmental Product Innovation in the Detergent and Maintenance Sector: Application for the European Ecolabel Certification

Abstract

The aim of this article is to determine the relevant factors of environmental product innovation. In the sector of detergent and maintenance products the European Ecolabel certification, as an environmental voluntary policy, is considered one of multiple kinds of environmental innovation. According to the empirical analysis (a survey was conducted in the French market) we find that the strategy of the biotechnological firm, the market demand, the certification benefits (brand image) and policy regulation (REACH directive…) seem to be important factors in the European Ecolabel certification. Although, this voluntary policy drives some firms to innovation, the environmental performance and accession of the most firms in this sector are still a challenge. Firms which have used biomolecular substances, under suppliers' incentives effect, have not systematically developed European Ecolabel certified products.

Cooperation Networks and Organizational Factors on Sustainable Innovation

“…At the same time, sustainability oriented organizational culture is a motivator providing a firm atmosphere in order to constitute necessary condition for sustainable innovation in terms of environmental and societal awareness. (Cuerva et al 2014), (Klewitz et al 2012), (Mazzanti & Zoboli 2008), (Mazzanti & Zoboli 2009), (Wagner 2007) Governmenta l Support SI (Ketata et al 2014) Governmenta l Support EI (Yarahmadi & Higgins 2012), (Lin & Ho 2008), (Weng & Lin 2011), (Cuerva et al 2014), (Li 2014 (Yalabik & Fairchild 2011), (Horbach 2008), (Mehamli 2013), (Li 2014), (Henriques & Sadorsky 2007), (Eiadat et al 2008), (Berrone et al 2013), (Kammerer 2009), (Rennings & Rammer 2011), (Hou et (Huang et al 2009), (Weng & Lin 2011), (Cuerva et al 2014), (Lin et al 2013), (Chen et al 2012), (Guoyou et al 2013, (Qi et al 2010), (Kesidou & Demirel 2012), (Yalabik & Fairchild 2011), (Li 2014), (Henriques & Sadorsky 2007), (Eiadat et al 2008), (Kammerer 2009 (Lin & Ho 2008), (Weng & Lin 2011), (Ho et al 2009), (Qi et al 2010), (Huang & Wu 2010), (Ar 2012),…”