Journal Research of Social Science, Economics, and Management
Vol. 5 No. 4 (2025): Journal Research of Social Science, Economics, and Management

Between Commitment and Image: Greenwashing Practices in Indonesia's Palm Oil Industry

Ahmar, Nurmala (Unknown)
Astuti, Tri (Unknown)
Darminto, Dwi Prastowo (Unknown)
Sekar, Calya (Unknown)
Asyraf , Muhammad (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
08 Nov 2025

Abstract

This article examines the practice of greenwashing in the sustainability reports of three major palm oil companies in Southeast Asia: PT A, PT B, and PT C. Employing the Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) approach developed by Fairclough, this study analyzes the 2024 sustainability reports of these companies to identify the diction, discursive structures, and ideologies reproduced through corporate narratives. The findings reveal notable similarities in the use of symbolic language such as “zero deforestation,” “100% traceability,” and “net zero emission”, which are presented without methodological transparency or the inclusion of counter-narratives from civil society. Each of these companies constructs sustainability discourse as a tool for reputation and legitimacy rather than as a genuine instrument for ecological and social transformation. This article recommends a reformulation of sustainability reporting to be more reflective and accountable, incorporating risk disclosure, third-party audits, and the voices of affected communities.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

jrssem

Publisher

Subject

Environmental Science

Description

The Journal Research of Social Science, Economics, and Management is a double-blind peer-reviewed academic journal and has open access to social and scientific fields. The journal is published monthly once by CV. Publikasi Indonesia. The Journal Research of Social Science, Economics, and Management ...