Sustainable Business Model Archetypes in the Handloom Industry

A Case Study of Bodh Shawl Weavers

Abstract

This paper presents a case study on the application of Eight Sustainable Business Model Archetypes within the handloom industry, with a focus on Bodh Shawl Weavers. The archetypes explored include maximising material and energy efficiency, creating value from waste, substituting with renewables, delivering functionality rather than ownership, adopting a stewardship role, encouraging sufficiency, repurposing the business for society/ environment, and developing scale-up solutions. This case study illustrates how innovation drives sustainability through the transformation of traditional business processes, product diversification, and the development of enhanced market access strategies. The findings reveal that integrating these archetypes into business models not only enhances environmental responsibility but also fosters economic growth, strengthens competitiveness, and preserves cultural heritage. Through strategic
innovation, businesses can address challenges related to market access and competition while contributing to the principles of a circular economy and sustainable development in the handloom sector.