GMA Garnet’s circular economy: Jebsen & Jessen’s leadership in environmental sustainability

Abstract

Family businesses are often at the forefront of sustainability efforts. In this chapter, we describe how an entrepreneurial spirit, values-based partnerships, enabling governance and purpose-driven leadership informed the sustainability agenda at the Jebsen & Jessen Family Enterprise. The company traces its roots to 1895 as one of the few non-British foreign Hongs - a cross-continental trader of supplies and chemicals. The purpose-driven leadership and determination of the Jebsen and Jessen families to build and sustain enduring partnerships and maintain their entrepreneurial drive, shifted their focus towards a green agenda, first at their Singapore operations and then in the 1990s to achieving a circular economy at their Australian garnet mining operations. GMA Garnet, a long-term business partner, was integrated into the Jebsen & Jessen Family Enterprise’s portfolio in a gradual process that lasted 25 years. The Jebsen & Jessen Family Enterprise was able to capitalize on its partnerships, entrepreneurial leadership skills and astute governance mechanisms to achieve social innovation that now serves as a role model, not only in its entire portfolio, but also globally in its industry.