Sustainable manufacturing in Chinese semiconductor enterprises: the mediating role of green circular economy and recycling and remanufacturing between Industry 4.0 and green HRM

Purpose China is among the largest consumers of semiconductor chips and is currently focusing on becoming self-sufficient in semiconductor chip manufacturing. However, it has resulted in severe environmental damage. This has resulted in organizations adopting a sustainable development model for balancing environmental, social and economic growth, coupled with a circular economy. Thus, this study focuses on the influence of Industry 4.0 and green human resource management (GHRM) on manufacturing enterprise sustainable performance. The study also tested the mediating role of the green circular economy (GCE) and recycling and remanufacturing and the moderating effect of sustainable supply chain management has also been tested. Design/methodology/approach The study was conducted in the Chinese semiconductor industry by distributing 600 questionnaires among employees working in the chip manufacturing enterprises located in Hefei. All of the employees were selected by convenience sampling. The data collection resulted in a total of 400 questionnaires used for the data analysis. Findings Results revealed that both I4.0 and GHRM significantly influence the GCE, which later on, significantly influenced recycling and remanufacturing. Moreover, GCE was found to mediate the influence of the GHRM and Industry 4.0 on recycling and remanufacturing. Finally, the study results did not support the moderating role of sustainable supply chain management practices. Originality/value This study significantly contributes to existing literature on I4.0, GCE and enterprise sustainable performance, especially in the context of the Chinese semiconductor industry. Further, it enhances understanding about the moderating role of sustainable supply chain management.