The Effect of Corporate Social Responsibility on Environmental Performance in China’s Manufacturing Industry: The Mediating Role of Environmental Strategy and Green Innovation

Within the ever-changing manufacturing landscape of China, corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a key factor influencing environmental performance. Knowing the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts and environmental results is crucial as environmental concerns throughout the world grow more pressing. This research explores the complex relationship between CSR practices and environmental performance, focusing on how green innovation and environmental strategy function as mediating factors. The urgent need to prevent industrial environmental consequences in the face of fast economic expansion highlights the need for this investigation. China, a major force in world manufacturing, must balance environmental sustainability with economic expansion. In addition to improving a company’s reputation, effective CSR initiatives are essential for promoting sustainable development. Through an analysis of the mediating functions of green innovation, which propels technological developments, and environmental strategy, which comprises policies and practices, we clarify how proactive CSR methods can ignite revolutionary shifts towards more environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. In order to create a harmonious balance between industrial growth and ecological stewardship, this research aims to provide theoretical insights as well as practical implications for industry leaders and policymakers. It achieves this by promoting strategic alignment between CSR goals and environmental imperatives.