Keywords
Green practices
sustainable practices
How to Cite
Abstract
This article investigates the green transformation of Polish companies through the prism of the transfer of good practices between industries and the identification of the main barriers and opportunities accompanying this process. The aim of the study is to assess whether the specific nature of the industry influences the implementation of circular economy (CE) and ESG principles and whether there is potential for the transfer of cross-sector solutions. Based on case studies of three companies – o ArcelorMittal Poland, BALMA, and LPP – it was shown that although the activities vary across industries, many practices (e.g., decarbonization, recycling, education) are universal and can support the development of economic symbioses. The article emphasizes the importance of cross-sector cooperation as a condition for an effective green transition in Poland.
References
ArcelorMittal Poland, (2023), Sustainability Report. ArcelorMittal Poland, https://corporate.arcelormittal.com/media/ugrhdsrkarcelormittal_poland_sustainability_report_2023.pdf (access: 2.12.2025).
BALMA, (2023), Sustainability Report 2023, https://balma.pl/uploads/media/default/0001/11/f435c0cf1a501514a8f79d8b984f1b0ae3a0a1c0.pdf (access: 2.12.2025).
WBCSD, RY, (2024), Reporting matters 2024, Changing gears. How are companies navigating higher expectations and demands in sustainability reporting?, https://www.wbcsd.org/resources/reporting-matters-2024-changing-gears/ (access: 2.12.2025).
Ellen MacArthur Foundation, (2015), Towards the Circular Economy: Economic and Business Rationale for an Accelerated Transition, https://content.-ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/m/4384c08da576329c/original/Towards-a-circular-economy-Business-rationale-for-an-accelerated-transition.pdf (access: 2.12.2025).
Geissdoerfer M., Savaget P., Bocken N.M.P., Hultink E.J., (2016), The Circular Economy – A new sustainability paradigm?, ‘Journal of Cleaner Production’, vol. 43, p. 757–768.
Grzegorczyk M., (ROK?), Green transformation of the fashion sector – challenges and good practices, ‘Marketing i Rynek’, vol. 29, no. 5, p. 31–42.
GS1 Polska, (2024), SME entrepreneurs and ESG: diagnosis, https://akademiacyfryzacji.gs1.pl/baza_wiedzy/msp-a-esg-diagnoza-gs1/ (access: 2.12.2025).
Jałmużna I., Królikowski J., Sekieta M., Paluch A., Buchta I., Garbacz E., (2021), Are the production companies in the Łódź region ready for a “green approach” in management?, [in:] Wyrwa D., Hajduk-Stelmachowicz M., Ziółkowski B., Jankowska-
Mihułowicz M. (eds.), Gospodarka o obiegu zamkniętym, Oficyna Wydawnica Politechniki Rzeszowskiej, Rzeszów.
KPMG: Green transformation in the SME sector. KPMG Poland, https://kpmg.com/pl/pl/home/raporty-kpmg.html (access: 11.12.2025).
Kulczycka J., Nowaczek A., Kopyciński P., Głowacki J., (2021), Opracowanie systemu wskaźników pomiarowych, umożliwiających ocenę postępu w transformacji w kierunku gospodarki o obiegu zamkniętym oraz wpływu gospodarki o obiegu zamkniętym na rozwój społeczno-gospodarczy na poziomie mezoekonomicznym (regionów) i makroekonomicznym (gospodarki narodowej). Akronim Oto-GOZ, Raport końcowy, https://share.google/f49gG4AhjWztGCJF0 (access: 2.12.2025).
Polish ESG Association, (2025), On the Road to Decarbonization. Sustainability Report 2023, https://polskiestowarzyszenieesg.pl/raporty/ (access: 11.12.2025).
Polish Economic Institute (PIE), (2025), Circular economy in Poland – status and challenges, https://pie.net.pl/en/ (access: 2.12.2025).
Polish ESG Association, (2025), International ESG Barometer, https://www.keonys.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ESG_Barometer_2025_EN.pdf (access: 2.12.2025).
Ranta V., Aarikka-Stenroos L., Ritala P., Mäkinen S.J., (2023), Exploring institutional drivers and barriers of the circular economy: A cross-regional comparison of China, the US, and Europe, ‘Resources, Conservation and Recycling’, vol. 135, p. 70–82.
Reichert A., Wójcik M., Mazur M., Baran D., (2023), Green transformation in heavy industry: Case studies from Poland, ‘Sustainability’, vol. 15, no. 4, p. 2879.
Sokołowski D., (ROK??), Transfer of environmental practices between industries – case studies, ‘Ekonomia i Środowisko’, vol. 85, no. 2, p. 55–68.
Śleszyński W., Wójcik A., (2021), Sustainable development in Polish industry. Barriers and good practices. Białystok: UwB Publishing House.
World Economic Forum, (2020), The Future of Jobs Report 2020, https://www3. weforum.org/docs/WEF_Future_of_Jobs_2020.pdf (access: 2.12.2025).
Zalejska-Jonsson A., (2020), Sustainable housing and residential satisfaction in Sweden: Evidence from green building users, ‘Journal of Cleaner Production’, vol. 242, 118451.