Drivers of and barriers to green manufacturing in South Africa

Abstract

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Green supply chain management (GSCM) integrates environmental thinking into supply chain management (SCM) processes. From a manufacturing firm’s perspective, GSCM includes inbound GSCM, green manufacturing (GM) and outbound GSCM. GM optimisation depends on integrating and optimising the ‘green’ processes upstream, within and downstream of the manufacturing firm. Previous research highlights the internal and external drivers firms use to implement GM practices, but also cautions against specific barriers that may hinder GM implementation. The purpose of the study was to examine internal and external drivers of and barriers to GM from a South African perspective. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A generic qualitative research design was used to collect data using semistructured interviews with managers and/or owners from eight manufacturing firms. Four participants from multinational corporations (MNCs), and four participants from small or medium-sized enterprises (SME) were interviewed. FINDNGS: The most prominent internal drivers of GM were a socio-cultural responsibility to be green, top management commitment, an economic benefit that may be gained and a positive corporate image resulting from GM practices. Customers and suppliers were the biggest external drivers, while financial constraints and technology were the biggest barriers. MNCs had more drivers of and barriers to GM implementation than SMEs did. RECOMMENDATIONS/VALUE: Due to the varying nature of products, industries and countries, a generic list of drivers and barriers cannot be compiled for all firms. Therefore, firms need to be acutely aware of these characteristics to identify relevant GM drivers and barriers. MANAGERIAL IMPLICATIONS: Top management should create a corporate culture to drive their GM practices from within the firm. They should emphasise their socio-cultural responsibility and the economic benefits of GM. In addition, managers should collaborate more with supply chain partners and be aware of other relevant external drivers. Financial constraints and technological barriers need to be overcome.