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    Green or greenwashing? The $95m sustainability paradox

    Launched in 2018, the Tropical Landscapes Finance Facility (TLFF I) was hailed as a pioneering example of sustainable finance, bringing together Michelin, BNP Paribas, WWF, USAID, and other partners to support sustainable rubber production in Indonesia through a $95 million bond. Intended to balance environmental protection, community development, and commercial success, the initiative soon faced allegations of greenwashing, stakeholder grievances, and scrutiny over its sustainability credentials. This case explores the tensions between innovation and accountability, reputation and reality, and the challenge of judging past sustainability initiatives against evolving standards. When ambitious green finance projects encounter unintended consequences, how can leaders distinguish genuine progress from well-intentioned greenwashing?

    By Vanina Farber and Shih-Han Huang
    September 2026
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    The AI paradox: Will generative AI enhance or destroy the business model of 99designs.com? (Cartoon case)
    By Stefan Michel
    Case reference: IMD-7-2505 ©2024
    Summary
    99designs.com is a global platform connecting freelance designers with potential clients. The case study examines the potential impact of generativ…
    Best-selling Case Study
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    Reference IMD-7-2505
    Copyright ©2024
    Copyright owner IMD Copyright
    Industry Manufacturing, Graphic Design
    Available Languages English
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    Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

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    Case reference: IMD-7-2479 ©2023
    Summary
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    Reference IMD-7-2479
    Copyright ©2023
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    Organization Nespresso
    Industry Consumer Goods, Coffee
    Available Languages English
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    Copyright ©2023
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    Available Languages English
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    Reference IMD-7-2513
    Copyright ©2026
    Copyright owner IMD Copyright
    Organization Novastone Capital Advisors
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    Available Languages English
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    Copyright ©2026
    Copyright owner IMD Copyright
    Available Languages English
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    Reference IMD-7-2646
    Copyright ©2025
    Copyright owner IMD Copyright
    Organization Michelin, BNP Paribas, ADM Capital, Barito Pacific
    Available Languages English
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    Reference IMD-7-2632
    Copyright ©2025
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    Organization Legendary Foods Africa
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    Available Languages English
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