Sustainable e-commerce and environmental impact on sustainability

Abstract

Sustainability is one of the most important socio-economic-environmental topics of the time. Consumers are increasingly demanding companies to have eco-friendly approaches that ensure sustainable e-commerce. There is a great challenge to e-commerce business, taking into account that e-commerce is connected with frequent shipping, high return rates, and non-recyclable packaging, which cause a negative impact on the environment. The studies show that e-commerce is rapidly growing and widely accepted. However, the challenge is how to sustain the growth of e-commerce in the long run considering the environmental impact. Therefore, the research gap on sustainable e-commerce should be considered in the light of the environmental impact. Qualitative, quantitative and cluster analysis methods are applied in this study. The results indicate that investing in more sustainable processes has a positive environmental impact. According to the survey, two out of three customers find online retailers adopting sustainability policies important. Only one out of four customers has decided to refuse firms that do not meet sustainability practices. Therefore, the studies of sustainable e-commerce are crucial. The findings indicate that most European countries have adopted e-commerce sustainability policies while countries in Africa have adopted only few (Kenya). Thus, theoretical and managerial implications are proposed in this study. In addition, all stakeholders should apply policies governing sustainable e-commerce and environmental impact: the government, retailers, and consumers.

Assessing the E-Commerce Sustainability Readiness: A Green Logistics Study on Online Sellers

“…The positive relationship observed between sustainability and online seller behavior (β = 0.936, p = 0.004) underscores the influence of sustainable practices on shaping the behavior of online sellers, aligning with previous research emphasizing the impact of sustainability initiatives on business conduct in the e-commerce sector [36]. Additionally, the positive association between online seller behavior and environmental impact (β = 0.886, p = 0.005) highlights the role of online seller actions in influencing environmental outcomes, as evidenced by studies investigating the environmental implications of e-commerce activities and supply chain management practices [49].…”

“…they showed that sustainable practices directly influence seller behavior and decisionmaking processes [36]. Similarly, Ghaffar et al (2023) explored the role of sustainability values in shaping online retailers' strategies.…”

“…Sustainability is one of the most important socio-economic-environmental topics of the time [36] SU7 It is essential to enact and implement policies that are in line with businesses and e-commerce sustainability [36] SU8 Sustainable e-commerce is the backbone of the sustainability and growth of online businesses [36]…”

Innovation-Driven E-Commerce Growth in the EU: An Empirical Study of the Propensity for Online Purchases and Sustainable Consumption

“…This trend is further explored in a study by Štofejová et al [32], which discusses the environmental impacts of online shopping habits. Additionally, the importance of responsible consumption and return policies in e-commerce is emphasized, aligning with the findings of Oláh et al [33] and Oláh et al [34]. The integration of advanced technologies such as data analytics and AI for inventory optimization and waste reduction is another key strategy for aligning e-commerce with sustainable practices.…”