Analysing the barriers to green apparel manufacturing implementation

Abstract

PurposeApparel manufacturers’ achievement of green manufacturing (GM) goal remains low. This paper aims to identify and prioritise the barriers to GM implementation in apparel companies.Design/methodology/approachFirst, an extensive literature review is conducted to identify the key barriers to GM implementation. Second, 374 usable questionnaires are collected from apparel manufacturing companies to (a) examine the impact of and (b) rank the barriers. Third, interpretive structural modelling (ISM) is applied to test the relationships among barriers. Finally, structural equation modelling (SEM) is applied to improve the model derived from the ISM.FindingsThe results reveal that the independent barriers – lack of eco-literacy among upstream or downstream supply chain members, lack of specific company-level training and monitoring of the progress of GM implementation and inadequate support from regulatory authorities – are the root causes of all the barriers. These three barriers are also at a low level of the ISM model, indicating that they significantly affect the entire system and therefore should be accorded the highest priority in dealing with these barriers.Practical implicationsThe results are useful for decision-makers and apparel companies to understand identified barriers, develop potential GM interventions and formulate appropriate strategies to overcome these barriers.Originality/valueThe listed barriers are yet to be comprehensively synthesised in a coherent model and empirically tested in the apparel sector using a combination of the ISM and SEM techniques. The empirically validated model presented in this study is an important step in that direction.

The influential capacity of carbon neutrality environmental orientation in modulating stakeholder engagement toward green manufacturing

“…Simultaneously, this heightened environmental consciousness has prompted clothing manufacturers to exert more efforts to mitigate the environmental impact of their production processes (Chang, 2019;Guo, 2022aGuo, , 2022bKozlowski et al, 2012;Nguyen et al, 2020).…”

“…Government involvement imposes a significant influence on business practices regarding environmental sustainability. Governmental regulations and standards necessitate business compliance with environmental legislation, and simultaneously, encourage adherence to high environmental performance benchmarks (Guo, 2022a(Guo, , 2022bJamali & Keshishian, 2009;Kraft et al, 2013;Song & Yu, 2018). For example, Zhou et al (2018) elucidated the Chinese government's use of Energy Performance Contracts (EPCs) as an incentive for businesses to voluntarily adopt GM technologies.…”

“…Thus, it is evident that governmental regulations and policies can significantly promote GM practices and enhance GM performance within firms. As such, we propose: Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have increasingly been found to encourage businesses to respond effectively to multifaceted environmental challenges (Guo, 2022a(Guo, , 2022bGuo & Xu, 2021;Moshtari & Vanpoucke, 2021). Prior research has established a positive correlation between the engagement of NGOs in environmental implementation (SE) and the subsequent adoption of GM practices (Guo, 2022a(Guo, , 2022b.…”

“…As such, we propose: Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have increasingly been found to encourage businesses to respond effectively to multifaceted environmental challenges (Guo, 2022a(Guo, , 2022bGuo & Xu, 2021;Moshtari & Vanpoucke, 2021). Prior research has established a positive correlation between the engagement of NGOs in environmental implementation (SE) and the subsequent adoption of GM practices (Guo, 2022a(Guo, , 2022b. Collaborative endeavors with NGOs facilitate the deployment of environmental management systems and green innovations, thereby enhancing green manufacturing performance.…”

“…For instance, developing nations might exhibit a weaker EO, SE, and GM correlation due to laxer environmental regulations and lower stakeholder pressure to adopt GM practices. Additionally, economic realities might limit the ability of businesses in these regions to invest in GM technologies (Guo, 2022a(Guo, , 2022b.…”