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Stream/Area:
-
Subject:
-
Paper ID:
IJSREM66737
Volume:
10 |
8 |
Aug 2026
Pages:
1-8
Publication Frequency:
Monthly (12 issues per year)
License:International Journal of Scientific Research in Engineering and Management follows the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) License, allowing free use and distribution with proper attribution.
Department of Management
Center for Management studies, Jain University
Department of Management
Jai Bharath College of Management & Engineering Technology, Perumbavoor
Department of Management
Center for Management studies, Jain University
Department of Management
Center for Management studies, Jain University
Sustainability is not limited to the corner office, and not just a question, it's a strategy and a priority for the company. Among the many actions companies can engage in to improve their sustainability efforts, one of the most noticeable has grown in importance because of its contribution to reducing the environmental footprint and, likewise, boosting the company's value. In one of the many ways in which businesses can do more in terms of sustainability, green packaging has become relevant not only to reduce environmental impact but also to improve the value of the company. However, scientific evidence of how small companies can use green packaging as an innovative source of competitive advantage is not presented in the literature in general. The findings and the concepts described in the present study can give a conceptual and empirical justification on how Green packaging is able to add value to Brand differentiation, consumer perception and advertise the competitiveness of SMEs over the long term. The paper, which is based on the Resource Based View (RBV) and the wider literature on green innovation, is a mix of theory and empirical evidence derived from a survey of a small number of companies to explore the role of eco-responsible packaging practices (recyclable substrates, biodegradable materials and minimalist eco-design) in differentiation and strategic leverage. Based on the results, green packaging contributes to brand, consumer trust and it is an engine for innovation, hence it could also be the basis for innovation-based competitive advantage. Although challenges exist for small businesses, such as initial costs and the need for sustainable resources, the advantages of the job opportunities in the market, regulatory preparedness and brand value come into play. The study contributes to the sustainability literature on SMEs' packages by changing the perception about green packaging as an innovative tool which can address and give small and medium enterprises the creative competitive edge in the medium long term.
KEYWORDS
The role of green packaging in the creation of a creative competitive advantage for small companies was the subject of this research. The study demonstrates that incorporating sustainability principles into strategic-management frameworks is not just about complying with regulations; it's about leveraging sustainability as a strategic tool to differentiate brands and strengthen their positions in the market. The results indicate that green packaging is indeed a significant factor in differentiating brands, which plays a part in the creative competitive advantage. The presence of sustainable-packaging features such as materials that are recyclable, eco-labels, and minimalist designs is a sign of environmental responsibility and innovation. It's important that a small business stand out in a tough market without relying on low prices. Furthermore, the findings of the study corroborate the direct impact of green packaging on creative competitive advantage, which means that innovation based on sustainability is a strategic asset, especially for companies that do not have sufficient financial or operational resources. Green packaging can be used in brand and innovation strategy to help market differentiation and long-term competitiveness. Theoretically, the study applies the RBV to the field of sustainable packaging in SMEs, as it demonstrates how sustainable packaging can serve as a strategic resource that is important to the firm's identity and innovation. The findings indicate that packaging for small business owners should be interpreted as an investment, rather than a cost, in differentiation, brand equity and competitiveness for long-term sustainability. The study has its limitations in terms of its cross-sectional design and geographic scope. Longitudinal designs, industry specific analysis and cross-regional comparisons could be explored in future research for further understanding of sustainability-driven competitive strategy.
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Publication Date
8/13/2026
Peer Review Type
Double-Blind Peer Review
Review Rounds: 2
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