Driving sustainability: Green drivers and practices in the textile-fashion industry

Abstract

This study aims to identify the main drivers that influence internal GSCM (Green Supply Chain Management) practices undertaken by companies in the textile-fashion sector in Spain. Additionally, it examines how these companies leverage these practices to enhance both economic and environmental performance. By using a survey-based methodology and applying the PLS-SEM technique, the analysis highlights that imposed regulatory requirements and company environmental awareness are not a direct precursor to product and process oriented internal GSCM practices. Instead, internal firm-level motivators are significant in internal GSCM practices. External stakeholder pressures are significant in internal GSCM practices and more influential in internal product GSCM practices (eco-design and green packaging). Furthermore, while process-oriented GSCM practices positively contribute towards environmental outcomes, they do not directly enhance economic performance. Conversely, product-oriented GSCM practices positively affect both environmental and economic performance. By distinguishing the effects of product versus process practices, this study provides nuanced insights on the literature regarding GSCM, particularly in resource-intensive sectors such as textile and fashion, where strategic decisions regarding green practices can lead to differentiated economic and environmental outcomes.