The Impact of Voluntary Environmental Standards on Domestic and Foreign Sales Growth: Evidence From Pakistan

In the current business environment, voluntary environmental standards (VES), including environmental management standards (EMS) and eco-labeling schemes, have become important organizational tools to increase firms' market competitiveness and sustainability. This study provides novel insights by empirically examining the effects of EMS (ISO 14001) and eco-label certifications on domestic and foreign sales growth, specifically in the context of Pakistani firms. The study utilized data from 245 listed firms from 2009 to 2023 to accomplish this objective. The study applied panel econometric regression analysis to estimate the results empirically. The results showed a positive impact of VES on firms' domestic and foreign sales growth. In particular, manufacturing firms that comply with ISO 14001 standards and textile firms with eco-label certification have exceptionally high domestic and foreign sales growth. The study's outcomes indicate that adopting VES can serve as a valuable strategy for enhancing firms' market competitiveness and expanding their sales in both domestic and international markets. The result suggests that VES enhances market competitiveness and offers a pathway for sustainable growth strategies, specifically in developing economies like Pakistan. Notably, by promoting VES, policymakers can support firms in improving their international market presence and contributing to broader sustainable development goals.