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Eco-Efficiency, Environmental and Sustainable Innovation in Recycling Energy and Their Effect on Business Performance: Evidence from European SMEs

Author

Listed:
  • Sara Majid

    (School of Management, Xi’an Jiaotong University, No. 28 Xianning West Road, Xi’an 710049, China)

  • Xin Zhang

    (School of Marxism, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China)

  • Muhammad Bilawal Khaskheli

    (School of Law, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China)

  • Feng Hong

    (School of Journalism & Communication, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China)

  • Patricia Jie Hung King

    (Institute of Ecosystem Science Borneo, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Bintulu 97000, Malaysia
    Faculty of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Bintulu 97000, Malaysia)

  • Imran Haider Shamsi

    (Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Crop Germplasm, Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China)

Abstract

This paper examines the influence of adopting resource efficiency actions, saving water, saving energy, using renewable energy, saving materials, minimizing waste, selling scrap, recycling, using durable products, promoting environmental responsibility, and offering green marketing products and services on the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). More specifically, we investigate specific resource efficiency actions and their impact on production costs, investment, the available support for product expansion, and the effect of encountered barriers on SME performance. We develop a theoretical framework based on stakeholder- and resource-based theories to serve as the foundation for this analysis. We use these theories to explain the link between eco-efficiency actions, firm performance, and ecological behavior, along with public policy and innovation. This study uses Flash Eurobarometer survey datasets FL342, FL381, FL426, and FL456, which cover SMEs across time and sectors in 28 EU countries. The data are analyzed through descriptive and ordered logit regression analysis, using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) to test the relationship between the above variables and the parameters. In terms of practical implications, these findings are crucial in helping SMEs pursue sustainable development. According to the findings, SMEs lack information on how implementing eco-efficiency action affects their financial health and sustainable innovation. This study can provide valuable insights into how implementing eco-efficiency practices can positively impact a company’s bottom line, good health, and employees’ well-being and how SMEs can use this information to make more informed decisions. Additionally, the findings can help inform policy makers about how to better support SMEs in pursuing sustainable development.

Suggested Citation

  • Sara Majid & Xin Zhang & Muhammad Bilawal Khaskheli & Feng Hong & Patricia Jie Hung King & Imran Haider Shamsi, 2023. "Eco-Efficiency, Environmental and Sustainable Innovation in Recycling Energy and Their Effect on Business Performance: Evidence from European SMEs," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-30, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:12:p:9465-:d:1169633
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    3. Muhammad Naveed Jamil & Dr. Abdul Rasheed, 2023. "Role Of External Finance And Innovation In Achieving Eco-Efficiency And Sustainable Development Goals," Bulletin of Business and Economics (BBE), Research Foundation for Humanity (RFH), vol. 12(2), pages 339-355.
    4. Nosheen Fatma & Abid Haleem, 2023. "Exploring the Nexus of Eco-Innovation and Sustainable Development: A Bibliometric Review and Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(16), pages 1-21, August.
    5. Andrea Bacchiocchi & Alessandro Bellocchi & Germana Giombini, 2024. "Green Investment Challenges in European Firms: Internal vs. External Resources," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-20, January.
    6. Pham Quang Huy & Vu Kien Phuc, 2025. "Changing times: does the critical success factors boosting green transition of SMEs remain unchanged?," Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 14(1), pages 1-32, December.
    7. Nikša Alfirević & Slađana Pavlinović Mršić & Sonja Mlaker Kač, 2025. "Multinomial Logistic Analysis of SMEs Offering Green Products and Services in the Alps–Adriatic Macroregion," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-17, May.
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