Adaptability of green manufacturing initiatives in China

Although China has long been considered as the "World's Manufacturer Centre", she has always been criticized that her manufacturing process has resulted in significant damages to the environment. Many manufacturers have attempted to implement green manufacturing initiatives; however, they are lacking in experience or technology to successfully achieve their goals or targets. This paper analyses the challenges and opportunities in adopting green manufacturing initiatives using a case study approach. Semi-structured interviews are performed in 4 sizeable and reputable garment manufacturers in Hong Kong and China. External stakeholders who significantly affect the green manufacturing initiatives are interviewed. They include brands (customers), consultants, NGOs and government agents. Based on the data collected, the external stakeholders actually play multiple roles and may interact with each other in the process of adopting green initiatives. The four manufacturers in this study have different leadership styles, market shares, operation cultures and marketing strategies. However, the different successful paths in overcoming the adaptability challenges have been identified. This paper intends to provide alternative successful paths for other manufacturers to follow in adapting to green initiatives that are becoming a growing concern across all manufacturing industries. © 2012 CIE & SAIIE.