THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS AND ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE OF PLASTICS AND RUBBER MANUFACTURERS IN KENYA: THE MODERATING EFFECT OF ECO-INNOVATIONS

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to expose the effect of sustainable manufacturing operations on performance of plastics and rubber manufacturing firms in Kenya. Theoretical Framework: The main concepts and theories that support the research were conveyed. The study employed the natural resource-based view and ecological modernisation theory. Method: The study employed descriptive research survey that targeted all the 90 plastics and rubber manufacturing firms registered by the Kenya Association of manufacturers. A structured questionnaire as well as a data collection form were useful in collecting data. For data analysis descriptive and inferential statistics were used with the precise inclusion of partial least squares structural equation modeling method. Results and Discussion: There was a statistically significant influence of eco-innovations on the effect of sustainable manufacturing operations on environmental performance. However, the individual eco-innovations indicators namely eco-product innovations, eco-process innovations, green system innovations and material flow innovations yielded varied results. Research Implications: The findings confirm previous studies that indeed there are positive gains made from the moderating role of eco-innovations in the correlation between sustainable manufacturing operations and performance of the environment. Originality/Value: These results are expected to benefit stakeholders such as policy makers in government, plastic and rubber manufacturers and academia in augmenting the existing knowledge.