Product details

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Abstract

Dr Bronner's, the top-selling natural body care, home care and food brand in North America, was a family business founded in 1948 by Emanuel Bronner who hailed from a Jewish German family involved in soap making since 1858. The Bronner family was committed to honouring the vision of the Founder by making socially and environmentally responsible products. Dr Bronner's commitment to social change was visible through its pioneering USDA certified organic personal care products, fair trade projects across the world that ensured fair and just treatment of farmers and workers and activities sustaining a socially responsible workplace. Dr Bronner's retained its originality in all aspects since its launch by promoting the two popular trends of conscious consumerism and personal wellness. Thus the company owed its success largely by committing to its original ethics rather than exploiting the passing fads. The decades old hippie soap brand which claimed to be a 'fighting soap company' had become a touchstone of wellness culture which focused on leveraging its business to promote social change for the good. Can Dr Bronner's sustain its ethical heritage?

Teaching and learning

This item is suitable for undergraduate, postgraduate and executive education courses.

Time period

The events covered by this case took place in 2020.

Geographical setting

Region:
Americas
Country:
United States

Featured company

Dr Bronner's
Employees:
201-500
Turnover:
USD 122.5 million (2018)
Type:
Self-owned
Industry:
Organic personal and home care products

About

Abstract

Dr Bronner's, the top-selling natural body care, home care and food brand in North America, was a family business founded in 1948 by Emanuel Bronner who hailed from a Jewish German family involved in soap making since 1858. The Bronner family was committed to honouring the vision of the Founder by making socially and environmentally responsible products. Dr Bronner's commitment to social change was visible through its pioneering USDA certified organic personal care products, fair trade projects across the world that ensured fair and just treatment of farmers and workers and activities sustaining a socially responsible workplace. Dr Bronner's retained its originality in all aspects since its launch by promoting the two popular trends of conscious consumerism and personal wellness. Thus the company owed its success largely by committing to its original ethics rather than exploiting the passing fads. The decades old hippie soap brand which claimed to be a 'fighting soap company' had become a touchstone of wellness culture which focused on leveraging its business to promote social change for the good. Can Dr Bronner's sustain its ethical heritage?

Teaching and learning

This item is suitable for undergraduate, postgraduate and executive education courses.

Settings

Time period

The events covered by this case took place in 2020.

Geographical setting

Region:
Americas
Country:
United States

Featured company

Dr Bronner's
Employees:
201-500
Turnover:
USD 122.5 million (2018)
Type:
Self-owned
Industry:
Organic personal and home care products

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