Constraints to Green Supply Chain Management in South Africa’s FMCG Sector: A Case Study Approach.

Abstract

Organizations across various sectors including those in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry are increasingly recognizing the importance of adopting green supply chain management (GSCM) practices in their operations. This article aims to explore the specific constraints encountered by an FMCG factory located in Durban in implementing GSCM practices, and to examine the strategies the factory employs to mitigate these challenges. The study adopts an exploratory research design, utilizing primary data collected through eight semi-structured interviews conducted with key personnel at the factory. A purposive sampling approach guided the selection of participants. The findings reveal that GSCM constraints fall into four main categories: green procurement, green manufacturing, green transportation, and product recovery. In response to these challenges, the factory has implemented measures such as aligning its green supply chain goals with broader business objectives and prioritizing waste reduction initiatives. Recommendations from the study include strengthening supplier relationships and fostering a workplace culture that encourages employee engagement with environmental sustainability efforts. Given the limited research on GSCM barriers within the South African FMCG sector, this study contributes to the academic discourse by highlighting actionable areas for improvement and offering practical insights for industry stakeholders.