Green Manufacturing and Performances in Apparel Export Industry: Mediating Role of Green Innovation

Abstract

Implementing green manufacturing in the production process of garment export-oriented enterprises not only contributes to environmental well-being but also enhances competitiveness in the global market and boosts overall company performance. Furthermore, it is critical to take immediate action to improve sustainable production levels via green innovation. This study aims to investigate the impact of green manufacturing on operational performance, environmental performance, and economic performance in the apparel manufacturing export industry. The study also investigates the mediating role of green innovation as a mediator between the green manufacturing and types of performances. A survey method is used to collect data from 123 garment export units, and structural equation modelling (SEM) is used to analyze the results. This study delivers empirical evidence of the impact of the implementation of green manufacturing on green innovation and economic performance. Moreover, green innovation has a significant impact on economic performance and environmental performance. The results signify that green innovation partially mediates green manufacturing and economic performance. Green innovation fully mediates green manufacturing and environmental performance, and also green manufacturing and operational performance. This study is unique in its focus on the use of green manufacturing and green innovation in garment export production units. It provides insights into how these green practices might improve firm performance and the environment.