Analyzing sustainable reverse logistics capability and triple bottom line: the mediating role of sustainability culture

Abstract

PurposeTo overcome the various pressures related to the environmental damage raised by production processes, enhancing sustainable reverse logistics (SRL) capability is a new road for manufacturing companies, as it facilitates them to have more sustainable operations by increasing different performance outputs. This study aims to investigate the relationship between the SRL capability and the triple bottom line (TBL) i.e. economic, social and environmental performance in the context of Turkey's manufacturing industry. The mediating role of sustainability culture has also been examined.Design/methodology/approachUsing survey data obtained from the Turkish manufacturing industry, the partial least square path modeling technique of structural equation modeling has been applied to test the research hypothesis.FindingsThe results of the study indicate that the SRL capability generates not only outstanding environmental and economic gains but also social benefits. The authors also find that sustainability culture is positively associated with environmental and social performance, yet not economic performance. In addition, the findings indicate sustainability culture mediates the relationship between SRL capability and social performance.Originality/valueThis study expands the frontier of managerial knowledge by highlighting the importance of SRL capability for sustainability and exhibiting evidence of the business value of enhancing SRL capability and sustainability culture.