Assessment of the challenges to implementing green manufacturing in the food and beverage industry: an emerging economy perspective

Green Manufacturing (GM) is a pivotal strategy for fostering sustainability in the food and beverage industry, particularly in emerging economies. It addresses critical environmental issues, including high carbon emissions, excessive waste, and water pollution, while improving resource efficiency and aligning industrial practices with global environmental standards. Despite its potential benefits, the implementation of GM in the food and beverage sector faces significant, often underexplored, challenges, particularly in resource-constrained emerging economies. These obstacles hinder effective decision-making and the adoption of sustainable practices. This study aims to explore the challenges associated with GM implementation in the food and beverage industry within the context of an emerging economy like Bangladesh. Through a comprehensive literature review and expert consultations, seventeen key challenges were identified. These challenges were evaluated using the Bayesian Best-Worst Method (BWM), which is a probabilistic group decision-making approach. The findings reveal that the top three challenges are: “Difficulty to incorporate eco-friendly design concepts” (weight: 0.0740), “Absence of efficient recycling facilities” (weight: 0.0658), and “High initial investment cost and lack of financial support” (weight: 0.0657). The study provides a strategic framework for policymakers and industry leaders to address these barriers effectively. It also outlines actionable guidelines and strategies to facilitate the transition toward sustainable practices, ensuring environmental, economic, and social sustainability while enhancing industrial competitiveness and performance.