Environmental performance in manufacturing companies: a benchmarking study

Abstract

PurposeThis study aims to explore manufacturing companies' environmental performance with the green supply chain management (GSCM) approach, taking into account company size, geographic region, industrial sector, target market and environmental management maturity level.Design/methodology/approachBased on the literature review, five propositions were put forward. An empirical study, using survey research, was completed. The survey questionnaire was designed with 46 items, using both the literature and industry expert input. Statistical analysis was employed to test the propositions in a sample of 116 Colombian manufacturing companies.FindingsThe test results indicate that significant environmental performance differences exist, given company sizes and target markets. However, no statistical significance was found involving the geographic region or industrial sector. Significant differences were found in maturity levels between the three clusters identified: reactive, preventive and proactive. Although the companies in the proactive group performed better, they still lagged in green practices that implied integration with suppliers and customers.Practical implicationsThis study provides empirical evidence regarding the profile of those manufacturing companies that achieve better environmental performance. Moreover, the results yield insights for the generation of continuous improvement processes in companies with lower performance.Originality/valueFew empirical studies have been carried out in GSCM that integrate specific factors in the environmental performance assessment of manufacturing companies in developing countries. On the other hand, the results permit the identification of the profile of those companies with greater maturity in their environmental practices.

Internal environmental management and green human resource management: significant catalysts for improved corporate reputation and performance

“…However, it is important to emphasize that support from top management or supervisors is very integral if the implementation of IEM will yield its anticipated positive outcomes (Amin et al, 2020). Manifold studies have emphasized the existence and importance of environmental management in various area, spanning from the manufacturing industry (Trujillo-Gallego et al, 2020;Li et al, 2020), service industry (Lucas and Wilson, 2008;Fawehinmi et al, 2020) and mining industry (Kusi-Sarpong et al, 2016).…”

Total quality management for enhancing organizational performance: The mediating role of green manufacturing practices

“…Environmental deterioration and degradation issues recently become a significant concern in various parts of the world, including developing countries (Masri and Jaaron, 2017;Masron & Subramaniam, 2019;Asif et al, 2020). Manufacturing irresponsible practices in developing countries make the problem bigger (Ferronato and Torretta, 2019;Trujillo-Gallego et al, 2020;Karuppiah et al, 2020). This is resembled by common J o u r n a l P r e -p r o o f unsustainable management of manufacturing wastewater, open dumping and burning of solid waste, use of toxic substances, and uncontrolled pollutant emissions that harm the atmosphere (Ramayah et al, 2013;Namagembe et al, 2019;Ferronato and Torretta, 2019).…”

Towards environmental sustainability: the nexus between green supply chain management, total quality management, and environmental management practices

“…Laari et al (2016) suggested an investigation of GSCM activities with environmental sustainability since they could boost firms' environmental and financial performances. GSCM practices cover most initiatives to control the negative impacts of a company's products on the environment, while environmental performance measures the capability of a firm to control pollution, decrease waste, prevent utilize of hazardous substances and reduce environmental accidents (Trujillo-Gallego et al, 2020;Feng et al, 2018;Sahu et al, 2018;Çankaya and Sezen, 2019). GSCM practices positively affect the improvement of environmental performance by reducing the consumption of waste, minimizing the use of hazardous materials in production and improving the quality of the environment and community health.…”