LINKING ECO-INNOVATION TO LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY OF PACKAGING FIRMS IN KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Package manufacturing firms in Kogi state Nigeria, face growing pressure to adopt sustainable practices due to rising environmental concerns and regulatory demands. However, there is limited empirical evidence on how adoption of eco-innovation strategies affected the sustainable packaging practices. This study examined the effect of eco-innovation strategies on the sustainability of these firms, using dynamic capability theory as the theoretical framework. A cross-sectional survey design with a quantitative approach was employed. Data were collected from 174 top managers across 31 firms using a structured Likert-scale questionnaire. The study adopted a census method due to the relatively small population. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and fixed-effect regression to evaluate the effect of eco-innovation strategies specifically proxied by collaboration strategy, eco-engineering, green knowledge sharing and environmental regulation on economic sustainability. The regression results established that eco-innovation strategies accounted for 64% of the variation in sustainability outcomes (R² = 0.64). Collaboration strategy (β = 0.184, P = 0.000), eco-engineering (β = 0.076, P = 0.022) and green knowledge sharing (β = 0.068, P = 0.033) had significant positive effects on firms sustainability. However, environmental regulation (β = 0.002, P = 0.096) was not statistically significant. The study concludes that eco-innovation strategies significantly enhance the sustainability of package manufacturing firms and recommends their integration into operational practices to promote long-term environmental and economic performance.