Environmental Sustainability Practices of SMEs: A Systematic Review

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) have experienced challenges in implementing environmental regulations in recent years. The challenges happen due to of global warming, problems with waste management, and diminishing natural resources. Hence, it is critical to examine contemporary literature to determine the extent of environmental sustainability practices among SMEs. This study examines the literature from 2013 to 2021 to determine the factors influencing environmental sustainability practices among SMEs. Studies were carefully identified and selected from the Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases using the searched keywords "factors" AND "environmental sustainability" AND "SMEs" as well as inclusion and exclusion criteria. Many recurring topics emerged from the research, including innovation, human capital, resources, strategy, capacity, and stakeholders. We also considered government legislation and regulations, recycling, waste reduction, environmentally friendly items, pollution reduction, and the firm's environmental management strategy. Our study addresses a prevailing research gap by conducting a thorough analysis of environmental sustainability and SMEs and giving suggestions to address research shortages. Our analysis offers insights into prioritising the critical elements and drivers impacting the adoption of sustainable practices for SMEs. By using the VOS viewer, our research also presents research trends related to environmental sustainability in 2021 namely energy, emissions and COVID.