Greening the Supply Chain: Adoption, Barriers and Performance Outcomes in Manufacturing SMEs
Author : Vipresh Pradhan
Abstract :
This study synthesizes existing literature to examine the adoption of Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) practices, the barriers to implementation and the resulting performance outcomes in manufacturing SMEs. Drawing on secondary data from foundational reviews, empirical studies and systematic analyses, the findings reveal that SMEs increasingly adopt selective GSCM practices such as green procurement, cleaner production and waste minimization to meet regulatory and stakeholder expectations. However, the adoption process remains constrained by significant financial, technological, organizational and institutional barriers. These include limited resources, lack of managerial awareness, inadequate regulatory support and fragmented supply chain coordination. Despite these challenges, evidence shows that SMEs that successfully implement GSCM practices experience substantial improvements in environmental performance, operational efficiency and competitiveness. The review highlights the need for targeted interventions-such as policy incentives, capacity-building programs and enhanced supplier collaboration—to strengthen GSCM adoption among SMEs. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of how resource-constrained firms can effectively integrate sustainability into their supply chain operations.
Keywords :
Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM), Manufacturing SMEs, Sustainable Supply Chains, Barriers to Adoption, Environmental Performance, Organizational Performance, Cleaner Production, Green Procurement, Sustainability Practices.
