Practices and performance outcomes of green supply chain management initiatives in the garment industry

Article


Habib, M., Balasubramanian, S., Shukla, V., Chitakunye, D. and Chanchaichujit, J. 2022. Practices and performance outcomes of green supply chain management initiatives in the garment industry. Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal. 33 (4), pp. 882-912. https://doi.org/10.1108/MEQ-08-2021-0189
TypeArticle
TitlePractices and performance outcomes of green supply chain management initiatives in the garment industry
AuthorsHabib, M., Balasubramanian, S., Shukla, V., Chitakunye, D. and Chanchaichujit, J.
Abstract

Purpose
The garments/textiles industry is the second most polluting industry in the world. However, efforts to understand and curtail its adverse environmental impacts have not been commensurate, and previous works have largely been fragmented and disjointed. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive and systematic green supply chain management (GSCM) investigation on this industry, where a multidimensional framework involving green supply chain practices and performance is developed, validated and applied.
Design/methodology/approach
A framework consisting of 12 constructs (8 on practices and 4 on performance) and their underlying measures were developed through an extensive literature review. A survey methodology was used to obtain responses from 403 garment-manufacturing firms in Bangladesh, one of the leading garment producers in the world. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling were used first to validate the first- and second-order constructs and then test the hypothesized relationships.
Findings
Internal environmental management and cooperation with stakeholders were identified as necessary precursors for implementing the second-order green supply chain practices comprising green design, green purchasing, green manufacturing, green transportation, green facilities and end-of-life management. The implementation of green supply chain practices was found to have a (direct) positive impact on environmental, economic and operational performance and an indirect positive impact on organizational performance. Similarly, both economic and operational performance was found to impact organizational performance positively. Surprisingly, a negative relationship (albeit low) was observed between environmental and organizational performance. Also, garment-manufacturing firms were found to have been unable to translate their IEM capabilities into strategic and long-term cooperation with stakeholders.
Research limitations/implications
The study fills a gap in the literature about applying/implementing GSCM in the garment industry. Future studies in the garment industry and elsewhere could utilize the framework to understand further the synergistic impact of green supply chain practices on performance.
Practical implications
The findings provide practitioners, policymakers and organizations associated with the garment industry with critical insights on the various opportunities and challenges in adopting GSCM. Also, the positive impact of green supply chain practices on performance could provide the impetus for manufacturing firms to adopt GSCM.
Originality/value
A comprehensive GSCM investigation on the garment industry has not been previously attempted and constitutes the novelty of this work. Also, Bangladesh is the second-largest garment exporter worldwide, making this study contribution even more valuable.

KeywordsGreen supply chain management; Garments; Bangladesh; Environmental; Economic; Operational; Organizational performance
Sustainable Development Goals12 Responsible consumption and production
Middlesex University ThemeSustainability
PublisherEmerald Publishing Limited
JournalManagement of Environmental Quality: An International Journal
ISSN1477-7835
Publication dates
Online22 Feb 2022
Print27 Apr 2022
Publication process dates
Deposited30 Sep 2022
Accepted03 Feb 2022
Output statusPublished
Accepted author manuscript
Copyright Statement

© Copyright © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited. This AAM is provided for your own personal use only. It may not be used for resale, reprinting, systematic distribution, emailing, or for any other commercial purpose without the permission of the publisher

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1108/MEQ-08-2021-0189
Web of Science identifierWOS:000761614400001
LanguageEnglish
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