Consumer Social Responsibility (CnSR) in the Circular Economy of Global Value Chains - What Does It Mean, and Why Does It Matter?

Abstract

What does it mean for global consumers to be 'socially responsible' in the context of sustainable supply chains? Why should Consumer Social Responsibility (CnSR) in the sustainable value chains matter? In this paper, we examine global consumers' responsibilities in the context of the United Nations' Sustainable Agenda 2030, Goal 12. Goal 12 addresses sustainable production and consumption. We explore CnSR from normative and descriptive standpoints. We look explicitly at the consumers' duties and responsibilities to influence global production and supply networks. To accomplish this purpose, we apply philosophical theories to the importance of sustainable value chains, especially to the meaning of 'value' in a sustainable supply chain. Consumers can and should influence corporations with global supply chains to produce goods sustainably while still meeting consumers' needs worldwide. We also look at why consumers should be willing to live up to these responsibilities in the context of sustainable supply chains.