<![CDATA[Purpose-This article explains how green supply chain management (GSCM) improves operational performance and clarifies the role of environmental management practices (EMPs) in converting environmental intentions into repeatable operating results. Design/methodology/approach-An integrative literature review synthesizes foundational and recent research on internal environmental management, green purchasing, eco-design, customer cooperation, reverse logistics, environmental management systems, and operational performance. Evidence was organized using natural-resource-based view, stakeholder theory, and capability logic. Findings-GSCM can reduce waste, resource use, lead-time variability, defects, disruption exposure, and lifecycle cost. These gains are inconsistent when green practices remain isolated projects. EMPs-policy and targets, responsibility, measurement, training, audit, supplier controls, and corrective action-provide the implementation architecture that embeds GSCM in daily routines. The proposed Green–Environmental–Operational Performance (GEOP) framework specifies a sequenced pathway from stakeholder pressure and green supply-chain practices through EMP maturity to environmental and operational outcomes, with supply-chain integration and digital visibility as enabling conditions. Originality/value-The article distinguishes adopting green practices from managing them as a coherent operating system. It positions EMP maturity as a mediating implementation capability and offers an auditable framework for sustainable businesses, including SMEs in emerging economies.]]>
