FROM INK TO IMPACT: EMPLOYEE INSIGHTS ON SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURING PRACTICES IN MALAYSIA

Abstract

This study investigates the behavioural and knowledge-based factors influencing sustainability practices among employees in an ink manufacturing facility in Northern Malaysia. By integrating the Theory of Planned Behavior and Sustainable Consumption Theory, the research explores how attitudes, perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, and awareness of responsible consumption contribute to efforts in waste reduction and process enhancement. Using a quantitative approach, data was collected through structured surveys distributed to 200 employees and analysed via SmartPLS. Results indicate that subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and knowledge of ink waste significantly affect attitudes toward waste reduction, while attitude and awareness of responsible consumption are key predictors of process enhancement. Process enhancement emerged as the strongest factor driving the intention to reduce ink waste. The study offers practical implications for industry leaders and policymakers, highlighting the importance of employee engagement, targeted training, and sustainable technology adoption. This research uniquely contributes to the sustainability literature by presenting an employee-centric framework within an under-explored sector in Malaysia.