Emerging Green Technologies to Establish Green Reverse Logistics in the Printing and Packaging Industry in Sri Lanka: Case Study of PrintCare Group Single Case Study.

Technological modifications and Global sustainability standards are coupled with the printing and packaging industry due to its immense pressure raised from society for its persisting environmental footprint. Green reverse logistics practices act as a green initiative in representing environmental sustainability. Green technology has now become a pivotal field in achieving carbon neutrality that in turn equalizes the green initiatives. Due to the limited literature and in bridging the empirical gap the study focuses on probing the relationship between green technology and its impact on the green practices in the printing and packaging industry in Sri Lanka. The research employed a single case study, adopted a deductive approach with a quantitative approach under pragmatism research philosophy It involved a questionnaire that was distributed among the supply chain operations in the PrintCare group-being one of the main organizations in the printing and packaging industry. The use of SPSS software for the statistical analysis revealed that there is a strong positive relationship between the adaptation of green technology and its effect on green reverse logistics practices. In enhancing the originality of the study, the practical and impactful insights showed new paths that could be followed by the PrintCare Group and the same could be followed in the Sri Lankan industry and thereby move forward with the global sustainability levels.

Green Technology, Green Reverse Logistics Practices, PrintCare Group

1. Abdulla, F. A., & Al-Shareef, A. (2009). Roof rainwater harvesting systems for household water supply in Jordan. Desalination, 243(1–3), 195–207. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2008.05.013 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Adesoga, N. T. O., Olaiya, N. O. P., Onuma, N. E. P., Ajayi, N. O. O., & Olagunju, N. O. D. (2024). Review of reverse logistics practices and their impact on supply chain sustainability. International Journal of Science and Research Archive, 12(2), 162–168. https://doi.org/10.30574/ijsra.2024.12.2.1216 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Agrawal, S., & Singh, R. K. (2019). Analyzing disposition decisions for sustainable reverse logistics: Triple Bottom Line approach. Resources Conservation and Recycling, 150, 104448. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2019.104448 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Akdoğan, M., & Coşkun, A. (2012). Drivers of reverse Logistics Activities: An Empirical investigation. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 58, 1640–1649. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2012.09.1130 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Alamandi, M. (2025). Sustainable Innovation Management: balancing economic growth and environmental responsibility. Sustainability, 17(10), 4362. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17104362 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Ali, Y., Zeb, K., Babar, A. H. K., & Awan, M. A. (2021). Identification of critical factors for the implementation of reverse logistics in the manufacturing industry of Pakistan. Journal of Defense Analytics and Logistics, 5(1), 95–112. https://doi.org/10.1108/jdal-07-2020-0013 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Alnoor, A., Eneizan, B., Makhamreh, H. Z., & Rahoma, I. A. (2019). The effect of reverse logistics on sustainable manufacturing. International Journal of Academic Research in Accounting Finance and Management Sciences, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarafms/v9-i1/5768 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Amri, L., Farani, D., Ali, N., & Anwar, R. (2022). The Challenges and Strategies of Printing Industry. In irst Jakarta International Conference on Multidisciplinary Studies Towards Creative Industries. https://doi.org/10.4108/eai.16-11-2022.2326107 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Annual Report – PrintCare. (2025). https://printcare.lk/annual-report/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Anser, M. K., Yousaf, Z., & Zaman, K. (2020). Green Technology acceptance model and green logistics operations: “To see which way the wind is blowing.” Frontiers in Sustainability, 1. https://doi.org/10.3389/frsus.2020.00003 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Aryee, R., & Adaku, E. (2023). A review of current trends and future directions in reverse logistics research. Flexible Services and Manufacturing Journal, 36(2), 379–408. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10696023-09493-y [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Awan, F. H., Dunnan, L., Jamil, K., & Gul, R. F. (2022). Stimulating environmental performance via green human resource management, green transformational leadership, and green innovation: a mediationmoderation model. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 30(2), 2958–2976. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-22424-y [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Aydemir, C., Yenidogan, S., & Dogan, T. (2023). Sustainability in print and packaging indsutry. Cellulose Chemistry and Technology, 57(5–6), 565–577. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Banihashemi, T. A., Fei, J., & Chen, P. S. (2019). Exploring the relationship between reverse logistics and sustainability performance. Modern Supply Chain Research and Applications, 1(1), 2–27. https://doi.org/10.1108/mscra-03-2019-0009 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. Batet, D., Vilaseca, F., Ramon, E., Esquivel, J. P., & Gabriel, G. (2023). Experimental overview for green printed electronics: inks, substrates, and printing techniques. Flexible and Printed Electronics, 8(2), 024001. https://doi.org/10.1088/2058-8585/acd8cc [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. Benitez, I. B., Singh, J. G., & Repedro, K. I. (2024). Variable renewable Energy Forecasting in the Philippines: A review (International Conference on Sustainable Energy: Energy Transition and Net-Zero Climate Future, pp. 1–6). https://doi.org/10.1109/icue63019.2024.10795644 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. Budak, A. (2020). Sustainable reverse logistics optimization with triple bottom line approach: An integration of disassembly line balancing. Journal of Cleaner Production, 270, 122475. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.122475 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

18. Daodu, L., & Bhaumik, A. (2024). Impacts of innovation and business analytics on the performance of the service sector in Nigeria. Future of Business Administration, 3(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.33422/fba.v3i1.555 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

19. Dassanayake, A., Gamaarachchi, T., Ranathunge, I., & Karunarathna, N. (2024). The role of green supply chain practices on environmental sustainability. SLIIT Business Review, 2(2), 47–76. https://doi.org/10.54389/srmi6001 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

20. Davis, F. D. (1989). Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user acceptance of information technology. MIS Quarterly, 13(3), 319. https://doi.org/10.2307/249008 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

21. Dźwigoł, H. (2023). Case studies as a research method in management science. Scientific Papers of Silesian University of Technology Organization and Management Series, 2023(180). https://doi.org/10.29119/1641-3466.2023.180.6 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

22. Elkington, J. (1997). Cannibals with Forks: The Triple Bottom Line of 21st Century Business. Oxford. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

23. Environmental Prices Handbook 2024: EU27 version. (2020). In CE Delft. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

24. Eslamian, S., & Eslamian, F. (2021). Handbook of Water Harvesting and Conservation: Case studies and application Examples. Wiley-Blackwell. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

25. Esmaeeli, A., & Sarrafzadeh, M. (2023). Reducing freshwater consumption in pulp and paper industries using pinch analysis and mathematical optimization. Journal of Water Process Engineering, 53, 103646. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jwpe.2023.103646 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

26. Fancello, G., Mola, F., Frigau, L., Serra, P., Mancini, S., & Fadda, P. (2017). A new management scheme to support reverse logistics processes in the agrifood distribution sector. Transportation Research Procedia, 25, 695–715. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trpro.2017.05.452 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

27. Ghisetti, C., & Quatraro, F. (2016). Green Technologies and Environmental productivity: A cross-sectoral analysis of direct and indirect effects in Italian regions. Ecological Economics, 132, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2016.10.003 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

28. Grande-Acosta, G. K., & Islas-Samperio, J. M. (2020). Boosting Energy Efficiency and Solar Energy inside the Residential, Commercial, and Public Services Sectors in Mexico. Energies, 13(21), 5601. https://doi.org/10.3390/en13215601 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

29. Haq, M., & Yasin, N. (2025). Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methodology paradigms. Journal of Practical Studies in Education, 6(6), 15–29. https://doi.org/10.46809/jpse.v6i6.144 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

30. Hilkenmeier, F., Goller, M., & Schaper, N. (2021). The differential influence of learner factors and learning context on different professional learning activities. Vocations and Learning, 14(3), 411–438. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12186-021-09266-4 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

31. Iravani, A., Akbari, M. H., & Zohoori, M. (2017). Advantages and Disadvantages of green technology; goals, challenges and strengths. International Journal of Science and Engineering Applications, 6(9), 272– 284. https://doi.org/10.7753/ijsea0609.1005 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

32. Izah, S. C., Sylva, L., & Hait, M. (2023). Cronbach’s Alpha: a cornerstone in ensuring reliability and validity in environmental health assessment. ES Energy & Environments. https://doi.org/10.30919/esee1057 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

33. Jayarathna, B., & Lasantha, S. (2018). Impact of GSCM practices on Financial Performance: Special reference to manufacturing companies in Sri Lanka. Kelaniya Journal of Management, 7(1), 40–52. https://doi.org/10.4038/kjm.v7i1.7553 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

34. Jiang, X., Han, J., Han, Q., Zhou, X., & Ma, J. (2015). Preparation and characteristics of paper-based biodegradable plastics. BioResources, 10(2). https://doi.org/10.15376/biores.10.2.2982-2994 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

35. Kasmani, J., Mahdavi, S., Alizadeh, A., Nemati, M., & Samariha, A. (2012). Physical properties and printability Characteristics of mechanical printing paper with LWC. bioresources.com, 8(3), 3646–3656. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

36. Kaushik, V., & Walsh, C. A. (2019). Pragmatism as a Research Paradigm and Its Implications for Social Work Research. Social Sciences, 8(9), 255. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci8090255 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

37. Kennedy, I. (2022). Sample size determination in Test-Retest and Cronbach Alpha Reliability Estimates. British Journal of Contemporary Education, 2(1), 17–29. https://doi.org/10.52589/bjce-fy266hk9 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

38. Khan, S. A., Koç, M., & Al-Ghamdi, S. G. (2021). Sustainability assessment, potentials and challenges of 3D printed concrete structures: A systematic review for built environmental applications. Journal of Cleaner Production, 303, 127027. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.127027 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

39. Khor, K. S., & Udin, Z. M. (2013). Reverse logistics in Malaysia: Investigating the effect of green product design and resource commitment. Resources Conservation and Recycling, 81, 71–80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2013.08.005 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

40. Klein, C. (2025). The scientific discussion of stakeholder involvement in social return on investment analysis? A systematic literature review. Evaluation and Program Planning, 113, 102678. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2025.102678 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

41. Kurbatova, S. M., Aisner, L. Y., & Mazurov, V. Y. (2020). Green logistics as an element of sustainable development. IOP Conference Series Earth and Environmental Science, 548(5), 052067. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/548/5/052067 Learning, C. (2019). Business Research Methods, 2nd Edition. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

42. Liao, Y., Wu, W., & Pham, T. (2020). Examining the moderating effects of green marketing and green psychological benefits on customers’ green attitude, value and purchase intention. Sustainability, 12(18), 7461. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12187461 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

43. Lipiak, J., & Salwin, M. (2019). The Improvement of Sustainability with Reference to the Printing Industry – Case Study. In Lecture notes in mechanical engineering (pp. 254–266). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3030-17269-5_19 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

44. Ma, Y., Zhang, Q., & Yin, Q. (2021). Top management team faultlines, green technology innovation and firm financial performance. Journal of Environmental Management, 285, 112095. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112095 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

45. Markard, J., Raven, R., & Truffer, B. (2012). Sustainability transitions: An emerging field of research and its prospects. Research Policy, 41(6), 955–967. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.respol.2012.02.013 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

46. Meherishi, L., Narayana, S. A., & Ranjani, K. (2019). Sustainable packaging for supply chain management in the circular economy: A review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 237, 117582. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.07.057 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

47. Mendes-Felipe, C., Cofano, R., Garcia, A., Sangermano, M., & Lanceros-Mendez, S. (2023). Photocurable 3D printed anisotropic electrically conductive materials based on bio-renewable composites. Additive Manufacturing, 78, 103867. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addma.2023.103867 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

48. Nanayakkara, P. R., Jayalath, M. M., Thibbotuwawa, A., & Perera, H. N. (2022). A circular reverse logistics framework for handling e-commerce returns. Cleaner Logistics and Supply Chain, 5, 100080. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clscn.2022.100080 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

49. Pathmanandakumar, V. (2024). From Policy to Practice: The Role of Sri Lankan Environmental Legislation on Sustainable Development Journey. Colombo Geographer, 2(1), 17–29. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

50. Printing and packaging industry players weigh in on privatization plans | Enterprise. (2022, August 7). Enterprise.https://enterprise.press/industries/printing-packaging-industry-players-weigh-privatizationplans/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

51. Printing, Prepress & Packaging Industry Trends – EDB Sri Lanka. (2025). Sri Lanka Export Development Board. https://www.srilankabusiness.com/printing-and-stationery/exporter-information/industrytrends.html [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

52. Printing, Prepress, and packaging services in Sri Lanka - EDB Sri Lanka. (2025). https://www.srilankabusiness.com/printing-prepress-packaging/ PrintWiki - the Free Encyclopedia of Print. (2023). https://printwiki.org/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

53. Pushpamali, Agdas, D., & Rose, T. (2019a). A Review of Reverse Logistics: An Upstream Construction Supply Chain Perspective. Sustainability, 11(15), 1–14. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

54. Pushpamali, N., Agdas, D., & Rose, T. M. (2019b). A Review of Reverse Logistics: An Upstream Construction Supply Chain perspective. Sustainability, 11(15), 4143. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11154143 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

55. Qualprint. (2025, July 14). Quality commercial printing - print that wins the moment. https://qualprint.com/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

56. Rakhmangulov, A., Sladkowski, A., Osintsev, N., & Muravev, D. (2017). Green Logistics: Element of the Sustainable Development Concept. Part 1. Naše More, 64(3), 120–126. https://doi.org/10.17818/nm/2017/3.7 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

57. Sabturo, N. H., & Othman, S. A. (2023). Future of vegetable based ink-a review. AIP Conference Proceedings, 3013, 020010. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0148506 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

58. Sabturo, N., & Othman, S. (2022). Preparation and characterisation of irradiated beans ink for offset lithography printing. Journal of Advanced Research in Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Sciences, 93(1), 167–185. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

59. Samarasinhe, K., & Haijun, W. (2019). Challenges in implementing reverse logistics practices in Sri Lanka. International Journal of Information, Business and Management, 11(3), 113–124. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

60. Saunders, M. N. K., Thornhill, A., & Lewis, P. (2019). Research methods for business students. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

61. Schorr, A. (2023). The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and its Importance for Digitalization Research: A Review. Sciendo eBooks, 55–65. https://doi.org/10.2478/9788366675896-005 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

62. Shahzad, M., Qu, Y., Rehman, S. U., & Zafar, A. U. (2022a). Adoption of green innovation technology to accelerate sustainable development among manufacturing industry. Journal of Innovation & Knowledge, 7(4), 100231. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jik.2022.100231 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

63. Shahzad, M., Qu, Y., Rehman, S. U., & Zafar, A. U. (2022b). Adoption of green innovation technology to accelerate sustainable development among manufacturing industry. Journal of Innovation & Knowledge, 7(4), 100231. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jik.2022.100231 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

64. Shekarian, E. (2019). A review of factors affecting closed-loop supply chain models. Journal of Cleaner Production, 253, 119823. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.119823 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

65. Shi, X., Chen, X., Han, L., & Zhou, Z. (2023). RETRACTED ARTICLE: The mechanism and test of the impact of environmental regulation and technological innovation on high quality development. Journal of Combinatorial Optimization, 45(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10878-022-00984-6 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

66. Skare, M., & Soriano, D. R. (2021). How globalization is changing digital technology adoption: An international perspective. Journal of Innovation & Knowledge, 6(4), 222–233. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jik.2021.04.001 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

67. Söderholm, P. (2020). The green economy transition: the challenges of technological change for sustainability. Sustainable Earth Reviews, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42055-020-00029-y [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

68. Stratton, S. J. (2023). Population Sampling: Probability and Non-Probability Techniques. Prehospital and Disaster Medicine, 38(2), 147–148. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1049023x23000304 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

69. Sun, X., Yu, H., & Solvang, W. D. (2022). Towards the smart and sustainable transformation of Reverse Logistics 4.0: a conceptualization and research agenda. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 29(46), 69275–69293. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-22473-3 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

70. Tan, L., Ge, Z., Zhou, X., Li, S., Li, X., & Tang, J. (2019). Conversion of coastal wetlands, riparian wetlands, and peatlands increases greenhouse gas emissions: A global meta‐analysis. Global Change Biology, 26(3), 1638–1653. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.14933 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

71. The Environment - Doing things the right way. (2024, March 2). Park Lane. https://parklanepress.co.uk/environmental/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

72. Tundys, B., & Wiśniewski, T. (2023). Triple bottom line aspects and sustainable supply chain resilience: A structural equation modelling approach. Frontiers in Environmental Science, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2023.1161437 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

73. Venkatesh, V., & Bala, H. (2008). Technology Acceptance Model 3 and a research Agenda on interventions. Journal Compilation, 39(2), 273–315. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

74. Wang, Q., Qu, J., Wang, B., Wang, P., & Yang, T. (2019a). Green technology innovation development in China in 1990–2015. The Science of the Total Environment, 696, 134008. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134008 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

75. Wang, Q., Qu, J., Wang, B., Wang, P., & Yang, T. (2019b). Green technology innovation development in China in 1990–2015. The Science of the Total Environment, 696, 134008. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134008 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

76. Wresearch. (2020). Sri Lanka Printing Market | Size, Share, Volume & Trends 2031. 6Wresearch. https://www.6wresearch.com/industry-report/sri-lanka-printing-market-2020-2026 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

77. Wu, H., Xu, L., Ren, S., Hao, Y., & Yan, G. (2020). How do energy consumption and environmental regulation affect carbon emissions in China? New evidence from a dynamic threshold panel model. Resources Policy, 67, 101678. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resourpol.2020.101678 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

78. Yilmaz, U., Tutuş, A., & Sönmez, S. (2021). Investigation of color values of inkjet and laserjet prints on recycled papers. Journal of Graphic Engineering and Design, 12(3), 5–12. https://doi.org/10.24867/jged2021-3-005 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

79. Yoon, W., & Han, A. (2016). Does the potential for developing new technology lead to successful technology transfer commercialisation? The case of public R%D outputs in Korea. International Journal of Management Practice, 10(1), 93–108. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

80. Zatrochová, M., Kuperová, M., & Golej, J. (2021). Analysis of the principles of reverse logistics in waste managment. Acta Logistica, 8(2), 95–106. https://doi.org/10.22306/al.v8i2.208 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

81. Zhang, W., Li, G., & Guo, F. (2022). Does carbon emissions trading promote green technology innovation in China? Applied Energy, 315, 119012. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2022.119012 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

82. Zheng, Q., Xie, B., Xu, Z., & Wu, H. (2023). A systematic printability study of direct ink writing towards high-resolution rapid manufacturing. International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing, 5(3), 035002. https://doi.org/10.1088/2631-7990/acd090 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• The Impact of Ownership Structure on Dividend Payout Policy of Listed Plantation Companies in Sri Lanka
• Urban Sustainability in North-East India: A Study through the lens of NER-SDG index
• Performance Assessment of Predictive Forecasting Techniques for Enhancing Hospital Supply Chain Efficiency in Healthcare Logistics
• The Fractured Self in Julian Barnes' Postmodern Fiction: Identity Crisis and Deflation in Metroland and the Sense of an Ending
• Impact of Flood on the Employment, Labour Productivity and Migration of Agricultural Labour in North Bihar