IMPACT OF GREEN SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON FIRMS' ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL PERFORMANCE IN THE APPAREL INDUSTRY

Abstract

1. Introduction In the current context, people face significant challenges due to global warming, environmental pollution, and environmental degradation. Therefore, environmental sustainability has become a crucial concern for all life on Earth. In this situation, most businesses consider implementing sustainable practices and embracing Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) practices. Therefore, to empirically identify sustainability concepts, this study was conducted to determine the impact of GSCM practices on environmental and social performance related to the apparel industry in the Biyagama Export Processing Zone. 2. Research Methodology A structured questionnaire collected primary data from 133 Executive and above staff. Data was analyzed through IBM SPSS 21 statistical software. Further developed hypotheses were tested employing multiple regression analysis and correlation. Therefore, this research was conducted as a quantitative study under the positivistic paradigm. 3. Findings and Discussion Findings emphasized that the study used Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) Practices, such as eco-design, green purchasing, and Reverse logistics, to have a significant positive relationship with environmental and social performance. 4. Conclusion and Implications The study's findings suggest that the implication of green practices can gain a competitive advantage in today's corporate world. Thus, adopting green practices would be a win-win situation for firms, society, and the environment. Moreover, this study contributes to the existing literature by discovering GSCM practices on a firm’s environmental and social performance from a sustainable country perspective and lays the groundwork for upcoming studies