Effect of Sustainable Green Logistics practices on competitive advantage in airline catering services firms in Kenya

Abstract

With global environmental concerns reaching critical levels, there is an urgent call for industries, including airline catering, to adopt Sustainable Green Logistics (SGL) practices. Despite growing awareness of the need for sustainability, many industries, including airline catering, still struggle with effective implementation of green logistics, hindering their ability to improve both environmental and competitive performance. Understanding how sustainable green logistics practices affect competitive advantage is crucial as sustainability plays a bigger role in company plans, especially in the context of emerging economies like Kenya. This study investigated the effects of Sustainable Green Logistics practices on competitive advantage in airline catering services firms in Kenya. The study looked at eco-friendly packaging, green procurement, waste management and energy efficiency as the four main facets of SGL and their effects on competitive advantage in airline catering services firms3 in 3Kenya. This research was grounded on resource based 3theory and industry organization theory, together providing a holistic view on how these internal resources can become a source of competitive advantage. The study was fitted under the positivism research philosophy. The research 3adopted a descriptive 3research design. The 3target population of this study encompassed all managers from the four airline catering firms operating in Kenya. The population size was 72 individuals composed of the managers and assistant managers of the departments in each of the four airline catering firms in Kenya. With only 72 individuals in the population, the study was a census survey. Questionnaire was used to gather data, which was then statistically examined using techniques like inferential and descriptive analysis. Statistical package for Social 3Science software 3 (SPSS) version 28 was used to analyze the data, and tables were utilized to display the results. Descriptive analysis provided a summary of the data. A multiple regression analysis was employed to investigate the strength and nature of the relationship between sustainable green logistics practices and competitive advantage. It is anticipated that the study will make a substantial contribution to policy, academia and theoretical contribution. The study found that eco-friendly packaging is a crucial driver of competitive advantage in the airline catering services industry in Kenya. Green procurement significantly contributes to the competitive advantage of airline catering services firms in Kenya. Effective waste reduction and management practices play a critical role in enhancing the competitive advantage of airline catering services firms in Kenya. Energy efficiency practices are a critical factor3 in enhancing the3 competitive 3advantage of airline catering services firms3 in Kenya. The study3 recommends that the airline catering firms should continue to invest in eco-friendly packaging materials and explore innovative packaging solutions that further reduce their environmental impact. Firms 3should prioritize sourcing ingredients locally to reduce logistics costs, improve product freshness and quality, and reduce the environmental impact associated with long-distance transportation. Firms should continue and expand their food donation programs to reduce food waste, enhance their public image, and contribute to the community. Increased collaboration with local charities or organizations could further improve the effects of these donations. Firms should also consider further investments in renewable energy sources for both transportation and catering services.