Effects of adopting green procurement practices on organization environmental performance in tea industries in Meru County

Abstract

The world-wide trend favors environmentally sustainable practices and numerous organizations have embraced this concept through initiatives known as green practices. This compelling study investigated the transformative impact of adopting green procurement practices on the environmental performance of tea processing industries in Meru County, Kenya—a critical agricultural hub contributing significantly to the nation's economy. The research specifically focused on four critical areas: green supplier selection, green manufacturing, green logistics, and the incorporation of renewable energy sources. Data were collected from a sample of 321 respondents, including factory unit managers, departmental heads and staff from eight tea processing factories in Meru County. The study achieved an exceptional response rate of 94% ensuring the reliability of the findings. Primary data was gathered through structured questionnaires and face-to-face interviews with the respondents, while secondary data were obtained from existing literature to provide context and depth to the analysis. The study also included a pilot study conducted in Kericho County with 34 respondents representing 10% of the sample size, to ensure the reliability and validity of the research instruments.The findings revealed several groundbreaking insights that challenge conventional assumptions about environmental sustainability in manufacturing. First, the selection of green suppliers was found to significantly reduce environmental degradation, with tea factories that prioritized environmentally responsible suppliers reporting improved resource management and waste reduction. Second, the adoption of green manufacturing practices led to enhanced resource efficiency and minimized waste production, contributing to better environmental performance and substantial cost savings. Third, the implementation of green logistics practices, such as optimizing transportation routes and adopting eco-friendly packaging, resulted in a substantial reduction in the carbon footprint of the tea processing factories and improved operational efficiency. Most remarkably, the incorporation of renewable energy sources, including solar and wind power, was found to significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduce energy costs, further strengthening the environmental sustainability of these factories.