Structural modelling and categorization of barriers critical to adopting sustainable manufacturing practices in medium-sized garment manufacturing enterprises

• Identification of critical barriers to adopting SMPs ‡ in MGMEs ‡‡ . • Develop a structural model using Fuzzy TISM to illustrate contextual relationships. • Examination of the influence of one barrier on other critical barriers. • Category-wise analysis of the impact of each critical barrier on SMP's adoption. • Strategy formulation to mitigate the effects of driver factors. ‡ Sustainable Manufacturing Practices ‡‡ Medium-sized Garment Manufacturing Enterprises. Garment manufacturing industries play a crucial role in the economic development of many developing countries, contributing significantly to employment generation, GDP growth, and export earnings. However, these industries face substantial challenges, particularly concerning sustainability. Medium-sized garment enterprises encounter greater difficulties compared to larger firms due to financial constraints, limited access to advanced technology, and gaps in skills and knowledge. In this context, it is essential to conduct a thorough study examining the interrelated barriers to implementing sustainable manufacturing practices. Therefore, this study aims to identify and model the critical barriers hindering the adoption of sustainable manufacturing practices (SMPs) in medium-sized garment manufacturing enterprises. Through a combination of literature review, expert consultation, and the Fuzzy Delphi method, fourteen critical barriers were initially determined and tabulated. In this study, these critical barriers were categorized into three distinct tiers based on their influence and interdependencies and strength of influences between barriers using fuzzy Total Interpretive Structural Modeling (fuzzy TISM). The Fuzzy TISM model revealed the foundational barriers, including high costs of sustainable technology and equipment, lack of collaboration, and inefficient logistics, which exacerbate other challenges and require prioritization. MICMAC analysis further categorized these barriers as autonomous, dependent, linkage, and driver factors, with driver factors exerting the greatest influence on SMP adoption. Addressing these driver barriers requires targeted interventions, including financial incentives, enhanced regulatory frameworks, and technological advancements. This study offers valuable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders, highlighting the need for strategic efforts to overcome the driver factors and support long-term sustainability initiatives.