DRIVING BUSINESS GROWTH THROUGH GREEN INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY: EVIDENCE FROM INDONESIA’SWOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRY

Authors

  • Erin Natasha Tobing Universitas Ciputra Surabaya
  • Gracia Ongkowijoyo Universitas Ciputra Surabaya

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31539/ebck6a52

Keywords:

Green Innovation, Sustainable Practices, Competitive Advantage, Business Performance

Abstract

This study’s research objective is to analyze the relationship between Green Innovation (GI), Sustainable Practices (SP), Competitive Advantage (CA), and Business Performance (BP) in Indonesia’s wood processing industry. This research utilizes a quantitative explanatory technique and Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze the hypothesis. The research population includes medium to large enterprises in Indonesia’s wood processing industry, categorized under wood sawmilling (KBLI 1610) and wood preservation (KBLI 16102). The data was obtained through an online questionnaire, utilizing a purposive sampling technique, where 100 valid data was collected. The results demonstrate that GI has a significant and positive effect on CA and BP. SP has a significant effect on CA, however SP has a nonsignificant effect on BP. However, CA partially mediates the relationship between GI and BP. CA fully mediates the relationship between SP and BP. Thus, suggesting that firms in Indonesia’s wood processing industry should integrate green innovation and sustainable practices to gain sustained competitive advantage and enhanced business performance.

References

Akomea, S. Y., Agyapong, A., Ampah, G., & Osei, H. V. (2023). Entrepreneurial orientation, sustainability practices and performance of small and medium enterprises: evidence from an emerging economy. International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, 72(9), 2629–2653. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPPM-06-2021-0325

Anwar, M., Khan, S. Z., & Khan, N. U. (2018). Intellectual Capital, Entrepreneurial Strategy and New Ventures Performance: Mediating Role of Competitive Advantage. Business & Economic Review, 10(1), 63–94. https://doi.org/10.22547/BER/10.1.3

ARENHARDT, D. L., BATTISTELLA, L. F., & GROHMANN, M. Z. (2016). THE INFLUENCE OF THE GREEN INNOVATION IN THE SEARCH OF COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE OF ENTERPRISES OF THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC BRAZILIAN SECTORS. International Journal of Innovation Management, 20(01), 1650004. https://doi.org/10.1142/S1363919616500043

Barney, J. (1991). Firm Resources and Sustained Competitive Advantage. Journal of Management, 17(1), 99–120. https://doi.org/10.1177/014920639101700108

Barney, J. B. (2002). Strategic management: From informed conversation to academic discipline. Academy of Management Perspectives, 16(2), 53–57. https://doi.org/10.5465/ame.2002.7173521

BPS-Statistics Indonesia. (2024). Statistical Yearbook of Indonesia-2024. https://www.bps.go.id/en/publication/2024/02/28/c1bacde03256343b2bf769b0/statistical-yearbook-of-indonesia-2024.html

Chan, L. L. M., Shaffer, M. A., & Snape, E. (2004). In search of sustained competitive advantage: the impact of organizational culture, competitive strategy and human resource management practices on firm performance. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 15(1), 17–35. https://doi.org/10.1080/0958519032000157320

Chen, Y.-S., Lai, S.-B., & Wen, C.-T. (2006). The Influence of Green Innovation Performance on Corporate Advantage in Taiwan. Journal of Business Ethics, 67(4), 331–339. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-006-9025-5

Chiou, T.-Y., Chan, H. K., Lettice, F., & Chung, S. H. (2011). The influence of greening the suppliers and green innovation on environmental performance and competitive advantage in Taiwan. Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, 47(6), 822–836. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tre.2011.05.016

Chong, S. C., & Kaliappen, N. (2025). Antecedents and consequences for sustainability in Malaysian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Social Responsibility Journal, 21(5), 987–1008. https://doi.org/10.1108/SRJ-01-2024-0009

Cornejo-Cañamares, M., Medrano, N., & Olarte-Pascual, C. (2021). Environmental objectives and non-technological innovation in Spanish manufacturing SMEs. Journal of Cleaner Production, 296, 126445. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.126445

Correia, R. J., Dias, J. G., & Teixeira, M. S. (2021). Dynamic capabilities and competitive advantages as mediator variables between market orientation and business performance. Journal of Strategy and Management, 14(2), 187–206. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSMA-12-2019-0223

El-Kassar, A.-N., & Singh, S. K. (2019). Green innovation and organizational performance: The influence of big data and the moderating role of management commitment and HR practices. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 144, 483–498. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2017.12.016

Elg, U., & Hånell, S. M. (2023). Driving sustainability in emerging markets: The leading role of multinationals. Industrial Marketing Management, 114, 211–225. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indmarman.2023.08.010

Farida, I., & Setiawan, D. (2022). Business Strategies and Competitive Advantage: The Role of Performance and Innovation. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 8(3), 163. https://doi.org/10.3390/joitmc8030163

Fazli, H., Farooq, S., Yang, C., & Wæhrens, B. V. (2023). Proactive and Reactive Approaches towards Sustainable Practices in Manufacturing Companies: Emerging Economies Perspective. Sustainability, 15(17), 12796. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151712796

Ferreira, J., Cardim, S., & Coelho, A. (2021). Dynamic Capabilities and Mediating Effects of Innovation on the Competitive Advantage and Firm’s Performance: the Moderating Role of Organizational Learning Capability. Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 12(2), 620–644. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13132-020-00655-z

Goldaraz-Salamero, N., Sierra-Perez, J., Negro, F., Zanuttini, R., Blanc, S., & Brun, F. (2024). Integrated sustainability assessment of wood building products: The case of larch and chestnut cascading systems in Northern Italy. Science of The Total Environment, 951, 175601. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175601

Guo, R., Zhang, Y., Chen, K., Wang, Y., & Ning, L. (2025). Heterogeneous impact of green finance instruments on firms’ green innovation novelty: Policy mix or mess? Energy Economics, 144, 108315. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eneco.2025.108315

Hair, J., & Alamer, A. (2022). Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) in second language and education research: Guidelines using an applied example. Research Methods in Applied Linguistics, 1(3), 100027. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rmal.2022.100027

Hart, S. L. (1995). A Natural-Resource-Based View of the Firm. Academy of Management Review, 20(4), 986–1014. https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.1995.9512280033

Heo, C. Y., Kim, B., Park, K., & Back, R. M. (2022). A comparison of Best-Worst Scaling and Likert Scale methods on peer-to-peer accommodation attributes. Journal of Business Research, 148, 368–377. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2022.04.064

Hoang, H. T. N., Hoshino, S., & Hashimoto, S. (2015). Costs Comparison between FSC and Non FSC Acacia Plantations in Quang Tri Province, Vietnam. International Journal of Environmental Science and Development, 6(12), 947–951. https://doi.org/10.7763/IJESD.2015.V6.727

Hojnik, J., & Ruzzier, M. (2016). What drives eco-innovation? A review of an emerging literature. Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions, 19, 31–41. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eist.2015.09.006

Irawan, E., & Sudarmiatin. (2024). Review of Literature: The Impact of Competitive Advantage on Business Marketing Performance. Jurnal Multidisiplin Madani, 4(4), 508–517. https://doi.org/10.55927/mudima.v4i4.8396

Irvan Pratama SAPUTRA, & Noorlailie SOEWARNO. (2024). Green innovation and Company Performance Mediated by Political Powers: Study in Capital City in Indonesia. Quality-Access to Success, 25(200). https://doi.org/10.47750/QAS/25.200.08

Ji, H., Yu, Z., Tian, G. (Li), Wang, D. (Han), & Wen, Y. (2025). Market competition, environmental, social and corporate governance investment, and enterprise green innovation performance. Finance Research Letters, 77, 107057. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.frl.2025.107057

Judi, T. E., Rochim, A. I., & Darmawan, A. (2022). THE PUBLIC ROLE OF GREEN PERFORMANCE AND COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES ON SUSTAINABILITY: ANALYSIS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF GREEN ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE AND GREEN INNOVATION IN COMPANIES. Dia, 20(02), 351–374. https://doi.org/10.30996/dia.v20i02.7155

Lee, M.-J., Choi, H., & Roh, T. (2024). Is institutional pressure the driver for green business model innovation of SMEs? Mediating and moderating roles of regional innovation intermediaries. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 209, 123814. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2024.123814

Mailani, D., Hulu, M. Z. T., Simamora, M. R., & Kesuma, S. A. (2024). Resource-Based View Theory to Achieve a Sustainable Competitive Advantage of the Firm: Systematic Literature Review. International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Studies, 4(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.31098/ijeass.v4i1.2002

Maldonado-Guzmán, G., Garza-Reyes, J. A., & Pinzón-Castro, S. Y. (2023). Green innovation and firm performance: the mediating role of sustainability in the automotive industry. Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, 34(6), 1690–1711. https://doi.org/10.1108/MEQ-02-2023-0058

Malhotra, G., Dandotiya, G., Shaiwalini, S., Khan, A., & Homechaudhuri, S. (2025). Benchmarking for organisational competitiveness: a resource-based view perspective. Benchmarking: An International Journal, 32(3), 943–964. https://doi.org/10.1108/BIJ-09-2023-0668

Michael E. Porter. (1985). The Competitive Advantage: Creating and Sustaining Superior Performance. .

Ministry of Environment and Forestry Republic of Indonesia. (2024). THE STATE OF INDONESIA’S FORESTS 2024.

Monson, F. K. S. (2024). Unveiling the strategic resource dimension: A bibliometric and systematic review of the Resource-Based View and its application to corporate governance. The Journal of High Technology Management Research, 35(2), 100516. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hitech.2024.100516

Novitasari, M., & Agustia, D. (2023). COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE AS A MEDIATING EFFECT IN THE IMPACT OF GREEN INNOVATION AND FIRM PERFORMANCE. Business: Theory and Practice, 24(1), 216–226. https://doi.org/10.3846/btp.2023.15865

Ogiemwonyi, O., Alam, M. N., Hago, I. E., Azizan, N. A., Hashim, F., & Hossain, M. S. (2023). Green innovation behaviour: Impact of industry 4.0 and open innovation. Heliyon, 9(6), e16524. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16524

Ongkowijoyo, G., Koesmono, T., & Wulani, F. (2022). Increasing Furniture Manufacturing SMEs’ Business Performance Through Absorptive Capacity and Product Quality. Journal of Distribution Science, 20(12), 43–57. https://doi.org/10.15722/jds.20.12.202212.43

Patrisia, D., Linda, M. R., & Abror, A. (2022). Creation of competitive advantage in improving the business performance of banking companies. Jurnal Siasat Bisnis, 121–137. https://doi.org/10.20885/jsb.vol26.iss2.art1

Prasada, I. Y., Nugroho, A. D., & Lakner, Z. (2022). Impact of the FLEGT license on Indonesian plywood competitiveness in the European Union. Forest Policy and Economics, 144, 102848. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forpol.2022.102848

Rahmani, A., Bonyadi Naeini, A., Mashayekh, J., Aboojafari, R., Daim, T., & Yalcin, H. (2024). Green innovation for a greener future: A meta-analysis of the impact on environmental performance. Journal of Cleaner Production, 460, 142547. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.142547

Rembiasz, M., Borowiec, A., & Czajkowski, P. (2024). Competitiveness of Companies Producing Wood-Based Panels as an Example of the Sustainable Development. EUROPEAN RESEARCH STUDIES JOURNAL, XXVII(Special Issue A), 531–547. https://doi.org/10.35808/ersj/3735

Rimantho, D., Hidayah, N. Y., Pratomo, V. A., Saputra, A., Akbar, I., & Sundari, A. S. (2023). The strategy for developing wood pellets as sustainable renewable energy in Indonesia. Heliyon, 9(3), e14217. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14217

Robert S. Kaplan, & David P. Norton. (2003). Converting intangible assets into tangible outcome. . Harvard Business Press.

Robert S. Kaplan, & David P. Norton. (2004). Measuring the strategic readiness of intangible assets. Harvard Business Review , 82(2), 52–63.

Sari, I. L., Weston, C. J., Newnham, G. J., & Volkova, L. (2023). Land cover modelling for tropical forest vulnerability prediction in Kalimantan, Indonesia. Remote Sensing Applications: Society and Environment, 32, 101003. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsase.2023.101003

SETIAWAN, D., HIDAYAT, A., SUPRIYADI, S., & LESTARI, W. (2023). Environmental Ethics Policy in Jepara: Optimization of Handicraft Designs from Wood Waste in the Furniture Industry. Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology, 51(5), 392–409. https://doi.org/10.5658/WOOD.2023.51.5.392

Shahbaz, M. H., & Malik, S. A. (2025). Exploring the role of green intellectual capital and HRM: green innovation and environmental performance intensify competitive advantage. International Journal of Innovation Science. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJIS-09-2024-0270

Showkat, M., & Nagina, R. (2025). Learning organizations and sustainability outcomes in tourism: the mediating role of sustainable practices. The Learning Organization, 32(3), 437–458. https://doi.org/10.1108/TLO-04-2024-0103

Singh, S. K., Giudice, M. Del, Chierici, R., & Graziano, D. (2020). Green innovation and environmental performance: The role of green transformational leadership and green human resource management. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 150, 119762. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2019.119762

Sudirman, A., Kusuma, R. C. S. D., Halim, F., & Sembiring, L. D. (2024). Analysis of the Mediation Effect of Green Competitive Advantage: Reviewing the Influence of Green Innovation on SMEs’ Business Performance. International Journal of Business, Law, and Education, 5(2), 2617–2627. https://doi.org/10.56442/ijble.v5i2.917

Sugiarto, A., Utaya, S., Sumarmi, Bachri, S., & Shrestha, R. P. (2024). Estimation of carbon stocks and CO2 emissions resulting from the forest destruction in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Environmental Challenges, 17, 101010. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envc.2024.101010

Sultoni, M. H., & Sudarmiatin, S. (2021). Loyalty as Affecting Mediator of Service Quality And Customer Satisfaction Towards Competitive Advantage. MBIA, 20(1), 91–99. https://doi.org/10.33557/mbia.v20i1.1310

Sun, J., Xie, X., Zhou, M., & Yan, L. (2023). How to drive green innovation of manufacturing SMEs under open innovation networks – the role of innovation platforms’ relational governance. Management Decision. https://doi.org/10.1108/MD-10-2022-1452

Sun, J., Xie, X., Zhou, M., & Yan, L. (2025). How to drive green innovation of manufacturing SMEs under open innovation networks – the role of innovation platforms’ relational governance. Management Decision, 63(8), 2825–2847. https://doi.org/10.1108/MD-10-2022-1452

Susilawati, D., & Kanowski, P. J. (2022). Improving Indonesia’s timber legality and sustainability verification system: Proposals based on case studies of natural forest-, corporate tree plantation- and smallholder-based value chains. Environmental Science & Policy, 137, 384–395. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2022.09.009

Tarnovskaya, V. (2023). Sustainability as the Source of Competitive Advantage. How Sustainable is it? (pp. 75–89). https://doi.org/10.1108/S1876-066X20230000037005

Tjahjadi, B., Agastya, I. B. G. A., Soewarno, N., & Adyantari, A. (2023). Green human capital readiness and business performance: do green market orientation and green supply chain management matter? Benchmarking: An International Journal, 30(10), 3884–3905. https://doi.org/10.1108/BIJ-10-2021-0622

Tjahjadi, B., Soewarno, N., Hariyati, H., Nafidah, L. N., Kustiningsih, N., & Nadyaningrum, V. (2020). The Role of Green Innovation between Green Market Orientation and Business Performance: Its Implication for Open Innovation. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 6(4), 173. https://doi.org/10.3390/joitmc6040173

Trading Economics. (2025). Indonesia Exports of wood and articles of wood, wood charcoal - 2025 Data 2026 Forecast 1989-2023 Historical. Trading Economics.

Veiga, P. M. (2025). Key drivers of green innovation in family firms: a machine learning approach. Journal of Family Business Management, 15(2), 346–372. https://doi.org/10.1108/JFBM-08-2024-0191

Venkatraman, N., & Ramanujam, V. (1986). Measurement of Business Performance in Strategy Research: A Comparison of Approaches. The Academy of Management Review, 11(4), 801. https://doi.org/10.2307/258398

Wang, Z., Du, Y., Shi, X., & Zhang, G. (2025). An activity system perspective on the sources of competitive advantage: A review and conceptual integration of designing and generative logics. Journal of Business Research, 188, 115117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2024.115117

Weng, H.-H., Chen, J.-S., & Chen, P.-C. (2015). Effects of Green Innovation on Environmental and Corporate Performance: A Stakeholder Perspective. Sustainability, 7(5), 4997–5026. https://doi.org/10.3390/su7054997

Wijethilake, C., & Ekanayake, A. (2018). Proactive Strategic Responses to Corporate Sustainability Pressures: A Sustainability Control System Framework. In Advances in Management Accounting (pp. 129–173). Emerald Publishing Limited. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1474-787120180000030006

Wright, P., Kroll, M., Pray, B., & Lado, A. (1995). Strategic orientations, competitive advantage, and business performance. Journal of Business Research, 33(2), 143–151. https://doi.org/10.1016/0148-2963(94)00064-L

Xie, X., Huo, J., & Zou, H. (2019). Green process innovation, green product innovation, and corporate financial performance: A content analysis method. Journal of Business Research, 101, 697–706. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2019.01.010

Yang, J., Li, Y., Zheng, Y., Zhu, M., Shahab, Y., & Ye, C. (2025). External audit quality and green innovation: Does environmental information disclosure matter? International Review of Financial Analysis, 103, 104151. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.irfa.2025.104151

Zanchini, R., Blanc, S., Pippinato, L., Poratelli, F., Bruzzese, S., & Brun, F. (2022). Enhancing wood products through ENplus, FSC and PEFC certifications: Which attributes do consumers value the most? Forest Policy and Economics, 142, 102782. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forpol.2022.102782

Downloads

Published

2026-01-27