Factors on implementing sustainable practices in the food retail sector: case study from Sri Lanka

Abstract

Sustainability is becoming more pressing for today’s whole world. This study aims to explore the factors affecting the implementation of sustainable practices in the Sri Lankan food retail sector, by identifying the practices that can be implemented, and the factors influencing the implementation of sustainability practices. A literature review identified such practices and the factors in the global context, which were then confirmed for the Sri Lankan context by industry experts. Next, a questionnaire survey was carried out to collect empirical data from the food retailers, which were then analyzed using PLS-SEM (Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling). Sustainable practices were identified under three categories: Facilities and Utilities, Internal Operations, and Market Activities, and the influencing factors were identified under five categories: Organization and Management, Economy, Regulatory, Society, and Industry and Market. The findings emphasize the need to increase the top management’s awareness of the various sustainable solutions, their benefits, and available financing schemes, staff training programs to enhance their knowledge, skills, and attitudes regarding sustainability, having a good functional integration in the firm, and introducing financing schemes to help companies in funding sustainable practices.