Sustainability Claims and Environmental Performance: Symbolic-Substantive Gaps in Two Indonesian FMCG Firms

Henny Utami Putri

doi:10.59261/inkubis.v8i4.522

Authors

Henny Utami Putri Universitas Bakrie, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59261/inkubis.v8i4.522

Keywords:

Environmental Performance, ESG Disclosure, Greenwashing, Institutional Pressure, Sustainability

Abstract

Background: Indonesian fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies increasingly publish sustainability claims, yet independent evidence regarding plastic waste, emissions, and waste management does not always align with corporate narratives.

Objective: This study examines the gap between sustainability claims and environmental performance at two Indonesian FMCG companies, Unilever Indonesia (PT Unilever Indonesia Tbk; UNVR) and Mayora Indah (PT Mayora Indah Tbk), over the 2023–2025 period. It further examines how observed disclosure gaps may relate to differences in institutional pressures between a multinational enterprise and an export-oriented domestic firm.

Methods: Using a qualitative interpretivist approach and comparative document analysis, this study analyzed sustainability reports, annual disclosures, Program Penilaian Peringkat Kinerja Perusahaan dalam Pengelolaan Lingkungan Hidup (PROPER) ratings, Break Free From Plastic audit findings, and industry benchmarks through a three-layer gap analysis: (1) claim–target–performance consistency, (2) alignment between corporate claims and independent benchmarks, and (3) disclosure credibility.

Results: The findings reveal two contrasting patterns. PT Unilever Indonesia demonstrates a predominantly symbolic approach to environmental action despite the availability of verified data, with sustainability narratives substantially exceeding demonstrated operational performance. Conversely, PT Mayora Indah exhibits relatively tangible substantive environmental action in practice, although its reporting does not separate the effect of renewable energy certificates from physical emission reductions, but lacks adequate verification and communication infrastructure.

Conclusion: These divergent patterns reflect differences in institutional pressures rather than inherent corporate characteristics. This analysis offers insight into how institutional pressures may shape corporate environmental behavior in different ways. It also offers insights into greenwashing mechanisms and stakeholder accountability in emerging markets.

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