The Triple bottom line (TBL) framework integrates economic, environmental and social dimensions to measure the sustainability and ethical impact of business activities. Small manufacturing enterprises play a significant role in the country's workforce, gross domestic product (GDP) and tax revenue. This study investigates the TBL framework in the Durban area, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. From a target population of 1,050 small manufacturing enterprises, a stratified sample of 450 enterprises was selected, yielding 380 valid responses, a strong response rate that enhances the reliability of the findings. The study found that small manufacturing enterprises face several important hurdles when trying to put the TBL framework into practice. Many simply don’t fully understand what the TBL framework involves, and financial problems often make it difficult to get sustainable projects off the ground. To help with this, there really needs to be simpler regulations, practical training that speaks to the real needs of these businesses, and easier access to resources. Without these, it’s difficult for small manufacturing enterprises in South Africa to fully commit to sustainability.
Jali et al. (2025) studied this question.