PurposeThis empirical study aims to investigate the direct and indirect effects among total quality management (TQM), green innovation (GI), corporate sustainability (CS) and green supply chain management (GSCM).Design/methodology/approachThe authors collected data from 120 respondents in the French manufacturing industry using survey questionnaires. The authors used the partial least squares structural equation path modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine the hypotheses of the study.FindingsResults indicate that TQM and GI influences CS, TQM and GI influences GSCM and GSCM influences CS. Furthermore, results show that GSCM mediates the influence of TQM and GI on CS.Research limitations/implicationsThis study helps managers in achieving their sustainability goals. The findings may help managers and practitioners to understand how TQM and GI influences GSCMP and CS, as well as assist manufacturers in identifying practices that need improvement.Originality/valueThis study offers additional value and shows the importance of TQM, GI and GSCM practices on corporate sustainability and the key role played by GSCMP to ensure CS.