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This study examines how Sustainable Innovation contributes to Business Sustainability in food-sector small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through the mediating role of Zero Waste Operations. The study responds to the need to understand sustainability not only as a strategic objective, but also as an operational process embedded in inventory control, product return handling, near-expiry product management, packaging practices, and waste-reduction routines. A quantitative explanatory design was employed at Pasundan Snack Purwokerto, a distribution-based food SME in Indonesia. Using a census approach, data were collected through structured questionnaires from 65 employees involved in operational and distribution activities. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results show that Sustainable Innovation has a positive and significant effect on Business Sustainability and Zero Waste Operations. Zero Waste Operations also positively and significantly influence Business Sustainability. Mediation testing confirms that Zero Waste Operations partially mediate the relationship between Sustainable Innovation and Business Sustainability, indicating that innovation improves sustainability both directly and indirectly through waste-reduction routines. These findings suggest that sustainable innovation becomes more effective when translated into concrete operational practices, such as digital stock recording, FIFO or FEFO implementation, return classification, supplier coordination, packaging reuse, and near-expiry product handling. The study contributes to sustainability management literature by positioning Zero Waste Operations as an operational mediation mechanism in a distribution-centered food SME. Practically, the findings provide guidance for SME owners and policymakers to design feasible zero-waste initiatives that fit the resource limitations of small food distribution businesses in developing economy food supply chains.

Organizations have developed practices that sustain environmental resources in a circular economy. Yet, practices that enhance resource optimization for long-term survival of organizations and the environment in the developing world remain under researched. The study explores internal practices that sustain an environment in a circular economy in the public sector. Drawing from a resource-based perspective and employing a qualitative interpretivist design, six (n=6) in-depth interviews were conducted with participants involved in sustainability, environmental health and waste management at a local metropolitan municipality in emerging South Africa. The analysis revealed themes around internal organizational capabilities to deploy resources for implementing environmental practices. The study finds that engaging values and promoting learning entrenches ongoing recycling using green infrastructure at a local metropolitan municipality. The study contributes internal sustainable circular resource practices to resource-based perspective. Organizations ought to build valuable internal capabilities by utilizing circular inimitable resources to enhance environmental sustainability in the public sector in the developing world.

The rapid growth of e-commerce has significantly increased product returns, making reverse logistics a critical component of sustainable supply chain management. The purpose of this study is to examine consumer perspectives on reverse logistics in Gauteng, South Africa, where infrastructural constraints and diverse consumer expectations pose unique challenges. A quantitative research method was employed, with data collected from 250 online shoppers through a self-administered questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis confirmed five underlying constructs, which are Return policy transparency, Efficiency of return process, Customer support, Customer satisfaction and Trust. Multiple regression analysis tested the construct's predictive power. The findings reveal that Return policy transparency was the strongest predictor of consumer satisfaction, while efficiency and customer support were less influential in this context. The findings highlight that clear, accessible return policies improve consumer trust and satisfaction, even in the presence of operational inefficiencies. This study highlights that the strategic role of transparent communication instils positive return experiences in emerging markets. The study contributes to reverse logistics literature by integrating behavioral dimensions into operational frameworks and offers practical implications for retailers aiming to build consumer trust without heavily investing in infrastructural investments.

This study examines how Sustainable Innovation contributes to Business Sustainability in food-sector small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through the mediating role of Zero Waste Operations. The study responds to the need to understand sustainability not only as a strategic objective, but also as an operational process embedded in inventory control, product return handling, near-expiry product management, packaging practices, and waste-reduction routines. A quantitative explanatory design was employed at Pasundan Snack Purwokerto, a distribution-based food SME in Indonesia. Using a census approach, data were collected through structured questionnaires from 65 employees involved in operational and distribution activities. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results show that Sustainable Innovation has a positive and significant effect on Business Sustainability and Zero Waste Operations. Zero Waste Operations also positively and significantly influence Business Sustainability. Mediation testing confirms that Zero Waste Operations partially mediate the relationship between Sustainable Innovation and Business Sustainability, indicating that innovation improves sustainability both directly and indirectly through waste-reduction routines. These findings suggest that sustainable innovation becomes more effective when translated into concrete operational practices, such as digital stock recording, FIFO or FEFO implementation, return classification, supplier coordination, packaging reuse, and near-expiry product handling. The study contributes to sustainability management literature by positioning Zero Waste Operations as an operational mediation mechanism in a distribution-centered food SME. Practically, the findings provide guidance for SME owners and policymakers to design feasible zero-waste initiatives that fit the resource limitations of small food distribution businesses in developing economy food supply chains.

Organizations have developed practices that sustain environmental resources in a circular economy. Yet, practices that enhance resource optimization for long-term survival of organizations and the environment in the developing world remain under researched. The study explores internal practices that sustain an environment in a circular economy in the public sector. Drawing from a resource-based perspective and employing a qualitative interpretivist design, six (n=6) in-depth interviews were conducted with participants involved in sustainability, environmental health and waste management at a local metropolitan municipality in emerging South Africa. The analysis revealed themes around internal organizational capabilities to deploy resources for implementing environmental practices. The study finds that engaging values and promoting learning entrenches ongoing recycling using green infrastructure at a local metropolitan municipality. The study contributes internal sustainable circular resource practices to resource-based perspective. Organizations ought to build valuable internal capabilities by utilizing circular inimitable resources to enhance environmental sustainability in the public sector in the developing world.

The rapid growth of e-commerce has significantly increased product returns, making reverse logistics a critical component of sustainable supply chain management. The purpose of this study is to examine consumer perspectives on reverse logistics in Gauteng, South Africa, where infrastructural constraints and diverse consumer expectations pose unique challenges. A quantitative research method was employed, with data collected from 250 online shoppers through a self-administered questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis confirmed five underlying constructs, which are Return policy transparency, Efficiency of return process, Customer support, Customer satisfaction and Trust. Multiple regression analysis tested the construct's predictive power. The findings reveal that Return policy transparency was the strongest predictor of consumer satisfaction, while efficiency and customer support were less influential in this context. The findings highlight that clear, accessible return policies improve consumer trust and satisfaction, even in the presence of operational inefficiencies. This study highlights that the strategic role of transparent communication instils positive return experiences in emerging markets. The study contributes to reverse logistics literature by integrating behavioral dimensions into operational frameworks and offers practical implications for retailers aiming to build consumer trust without heavily investing in infrastructural investments.