Enhancing green total factor productivity through corporate social responsibility: The moderating effect of environmental regulations

• Enhancing corporate social responsibility practices can foster advancements in green total factor productivity. • Environmental regulation positively influences the enhancement of green total factor productivity via corporate social responsibility. • Firms pursuing CSR commitments have boosted R&D investments, enhancing GTFP performance. Drawing on a comprehensive dataset spanning from 2012 to 2022, this paper delves into the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and green total factor productivity (GTFP) among A-share listed manufacturing companies in China. Our findings underscore the pivotal role of CSR in bolstering GTFP, thereby fostering environmental sustainability. Notably, we observe that environmental regulations serve as a catalyst, positively amplifying the beneficial impact of CSR on GTFP. Furthermore, in pursuit of fulfilling their CSR commitments, firms have increased their investments in research and development (R&D), a strategic move that has significantly enhanced their GTFP performance.