Utilizing sustainability certification processes for the sustainability transition in the manufacturing sector in Finland

Due to the complexity of multi-dimensional sustainability measurements, the meaning and representation of sustainability itself can vary considerably across different organizations and industrial sectors. This is reflected in numerous ways to communicate sustainability efforts made, such as by certifications. The benefits and competitive advantage stemming from sustainability certifications depend on the measurement focus, which can vary from the product and process levels to wider contexts on the societal level. The paper explores, via empirical data based on qualitative case studies, how manufacturing companies operationalize sustainability certification to support system-wide transition. The research is guided by three questions that are connected to micro, meso, and macro levels: how do manufacturing companies utilize sustainability certifications, what are the drivers in selecting the most relevant certifications, and how can these certifications support managerial decision-making when aiming to transition towards sustainability at micro, meso, and macro levels. According to the findings, the benefits generated by sustainability certification and associated reporting practices can be divided into direct benefits, such as enhanced reputation, cost savings, and better access to capital, and indirect effects, such as broader industry changes, innovation. The study utilizes Multiple Level Perspective (MLP) as a method theory to explore how sustainability certification supports the sustainability transition as our domain theoretical area. However, our study also contributes to MLP by showing how a predefined certification process can accelerate the institutionalization phase for the different layers (micro, meso, macro). The paper concludes with recommendations for obtaining and maintaining sustainability certification, offering practical guidance long-term strategies.