Analysing the Effects of Supply Chain Practices on the Sustainability of Ethiopian Small and Medium Scale Garment Manufacturers

Abstract

This paper examines the effect of supply chain practices on the sustainability of Ethiopian Small and medium scale garment manufacturers. One of the evaluation tools for manufacturers sustainability is environmental issue. Small and medium scale clothing manufacturers in Ethiopia do not prioritize sustainability in relation to the green supply chain concept. This study assessed small and medium scale clothing manufacturing enterprises' existing supply chain practices and operations in relation to sustainability. Due to the nature of small and medium-sized manufacturers, questionnaire survey was utilized assess their supply chain practices regarding with the sustainability of apparel supply chain. The Green Supply Chain Operations Reference (G-SCOR) model was used to assess the supply chain sustainability practices of the participating companies. Using this model, the green or sustainable functions of SCOR processes were analysed. These green supply chain management functions were green procurement, green manufacturing, green distribution and green logistics. Survey result shows that, there is a gap in greening of the supply chain practices in the upside and downside. In order to fill this gap and improve the sustainability of these manufacturers, Green Supply Chain Operations Reference (G-SCOR) model was developed. This research also integrates the green supply chain operation reference model with the closed loop supply chain concept.