An integrated sustainable QMS framework for the South African packaging industry

Purpose: This paper explores the influence of ISO 9001:2015 certification on business performance in the packaging industry in South Africa. Additionally, the study proposes a comprehensive and sustainable quality management system (QMS) framework that harmonises with the stipulated requirements of the standard to address the challenges posed by the unpredictable and volatile business landscape. Design/methodology/approach: This study adopted a quantitative research method and collected empirical data through surveys conducted in various mainstream packaging material sectors across South Africa. The participants were selected using a stratified sampling technique. The collected data underwent descriptive and inferential analysis. Findings/results: The findings confirmed that the implementation of the ISO 9001:2015 certification has a significant influence on organisational performance. However, organisations should focus on integrating all business processes, prioritising lean manufacturing and ensuring effective leadership engagement at the strategic, tactical and operational levels to maximise the potential benefits of ISO 9001:2015. Practical implications: The proposed integrated framework facilitates the detection and analysis of ineffective activities across organisational structures and processes within the supply chain. This comprehensive approach measures and improves all risk parameters, enabling sustainable development and providing insights into the impact and contributions of input variables to business operations. Originality/value: This study addresses a practical gap in the industry by examining how ISO 9001:2015 certification can be effectively applied to enhance business improvement, even in the absence of the standard being overdue for revision. It provides valuable insights into strategies for leveraging the certification’s potential to optimise business performance in such dynamic environments.