Driving environmental sustainability through synergistic green business practices and green innovation in developing economies’ leather, textile and garment industries

Purpose This study investigated how green innovation (GINO), using practices like green marketing orientation (GMO), manufacturing (GMfP), investment (GINV) and HRM, improves environmental performance (EnP) in Ethiopian leather, textile and garment businesses. Design/methodology/approach The study used a cross-sectional, quantitative design. It surveyed 201 participants, selected via stratified random sampling. Researchers examined the hypothesis using PLS-SEM. Findings Our findings showed that green practices, especially GMP, GMO, GHRM, GINV and GINO, greatly boost firms’ environmental performance. GMP, GMO and GINV had a strong synergy on green innovation. GHRM had no significant effect. Except for GHRM, results showed that green innovation helps most green practices. It links them to better environmental performance. Practical implications For managers and policymakers working in the leather, textile and apparel industries in Ethiopia, this report provides insightful information. Strategic planning that supports and prioritizes the adoption of green practices is shown to be essential. Such activities are expected to improve corporate competitiveness and green innovation, ultimately resulting in ecologically sustainable performance. Originality/value Unique findings illuminate emerging nations’ leather, textile and apparel industries. This pioneering study reveals critical links that were previously unexplored. Its relevance extends across developing economies, offering fresh insights into these interconnected sectors.