Drivers and barriers influencing the implementation of green manufacturing practices in manufacturing organizations

Abstract

The green manufacturing concept has become such an important strategic necessity for manufacturing companies that have to deal with more stringent environmental regulations, the demands of stakeholders, and the limitation of the necessary resources. The study refers to the drivers and barriers that affect the adoption of green manufacturing practices in different manufacturing sectors. The research takes a mixed-methods approach, which is composed of literature analysis and empirical data that have been gathered from 280 manufacturing companies operating in the automotive, textile, electronics, and chemical industries. knowledge and inability to cooperate with suppliers. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences. In implementation success depending on the company size, industry and region. Large firms show 45% more implementation rates than SMEs due to better access to resources. The research delivers a comprehensive framework which describes the critical success factors of green manufacturing implementation and provides the recommendations for the relevant authorities and industrial practitioners. The figures suggest that the companies that have successfully integrated green methods into their practices realize cost savings of 18–22% along with the environmental benefits, thus indicating that the potential for win-win situations exists if the barriers are methodically removed.