Eco-design and environmental performance: the impact of ambidextrous orientation and the moderating role of supply chain emissions data management practices

Purpose This study aims to investigate how ambidextrous supply chain orientations – exploration and exploitation – independently influence eco-design adoption and environmental performance. Additionally, the moderating role of supply chain emissions data management practices on these relationships is examined. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative survey approach was used, gathering data from 158 firms operating across various industries in Finland. Data were analyzed using partial least squares-structural equation modeling to test direct and moderating effects among the constructs. Findings Results indicate that an explorative orientation significantly enhances eco-design practices and environmental performance, whereas an exploitative orientation directly improves environmental performance but does not significantly drive eco-design adoption. Moreover, supply chain emissions data management practices positively moderate the relationship between exploitation and environmental performance, emphasizing the value of emissions data in efficiency-driven operational improvements. However, supply chain emissions data management practices did not significantly moderate the relationships involving exploration or eco-design practices. Research limitations/implications The sample size and geographic context may limit the generalizability of the findings. Future research should test the model in different industries and geographic settings, as well as explore additional contextual moderators and mediators that influence eco-design and sustainability outcomes. Originality/value This study contributes to the sustainable supply chain management literature by clarifying how explorative and exploitative orientations may align with short- and long-term expectations for sustainability in supply chains, shaping sustainable production practices and environmental outcomes in supply chains. Moreover, it provides novel empirical evidence on the moderating role of emissions data management practices.