Work

Building resilient and competitive supply chains through green purchasing: evidence from a renewable natural resources sector

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Resilient and sustainable supply chains are crucial for competitiveness in today’s volatile economy. This study explores how corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies and environmentally focused purchasing practices enhance efficiency, resilience, and competitive advantage in the natural resources sector, such as the forest-based industry. Using survey data from 333 companies, the analysis confirms that organizations adopting CSR are more likely to incorporate environmental criteria into procurement, emphasizing eco-friendly and recyclable materials. Green purchasing was found to boost process efficiency, reduce material and energy consumption, and improve companies’ ecological reputation. Importantly, these practices also deliver measurable economic benefits, including cost savings, productivity improvements, and expanded market opportunities. The findings demonstrate how sustainable procurement connects environmental responsibility with financial performance, positioning green purchasing as a key driver of supply chain resilience and long-term competitiveness. This research offers empirical evidence for green supply chain management and provides practical insights for companies pursuing sustainability-focused strategies.

Source: Cogent Business & Management

DOI: 10.1080/23311975.2026.2712669

Authors: Martina Nosáľová, Hubert Paluš, Nikola Slašťanová, Ján Parobek, Erika Loučanová

Institution: Technická univerzita vo Zvolene

Language: English

Topic: Sustainable Supply Chain Management

Subfield: Strategy and Management

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,165