Plastic Processing MSMEs and Triple Bottom Line: Perceptions Regarding Factors Contributing to Business Sustainability

Abstract

This study empirically examines the perceptions of the owners of plastic processing MSMEs regarding the factors that contribute to business sustainability. The census technique was adopted to collect the data using exploratory factor analysis to identify the variables. The output was integrated with the triple bottom line framework of sustainability. Exploratory factor analysis yielded a 21-item, three-factor solution, which when subjected to confirmatory factor analysis established the awareness of the owners of plastic processing MSMEs regarding the three pillars of business sustainability: profits, society, and environment. This study documents the awareness of the owners of small businesses regarding sustainability initiatives and adds to the emerging sustainability research that is grounded in evidence gathered from the owners of MSMEs. The results of this study can be a helpful input into policy formation.