Hi-Tech Surfactants, India: Sustainability ZED Certification Dilemma: Go for Gold?
Ravi Sharma (Conestoga College); Rajul Singh (Conestoga College); Jane Gravill (Conestoga College)
Abstract
On January 9, 2024, Harsh Bhardwaj, Managing Director of Hi-Tech Surfactants (HTS), Sikunderabad, Uttar Pradesh, India - an outsourcing partner of Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) - faced a crucial decision regarding whether to invest further resources to attain a Sustainability Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) Certification. Bhardwaj met with his management team, Guarav Bhardwaj, Jr, Executive Director, Kamlesh Shukla, Director Supply Chain & Operations and the Company Secretary, regarding the upcoming March 31, 2024, registration deadline for the Sustainability Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) Certification program offered by the Government of India, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME). Bhardwaj had to decide whether the company should invest its time and resources in registering for the ZED program and which ZED certification level - bronze, silver, or gold- HTS would strive for. Each ZED certification level had associated increased registration costs, operational requirements and government financial incentives.
How to cite
Ravi Sharma et al. (2025). Hi-Tech Surfactants, India: Sustainability ZED Certification Dilemma: Go for Gold?. Open Access Teaching Case Journal, 3(2). The Case Centre, reference 210749.