As the global momentum towards the sustainable development goals accelerates, resource-intensive sectors in developing economies, face increasing pressure to improve operational sustainability. This study aims to develop a systems-based framework that integrates sustainability and quality management principles to address critical environmental, regulatory and process efficiency challenges in India’s animal-based manufacturing clusters (slaughter/leather), with actionable implications for sustainable marketing.
A hybrid design that combines a multi-stage Delphi study (n = 70), decision-based total interpretive structural modelling (D-TISM) and MICMAC analysis enabled to identify and prioritise strategies for resource optimisation, pollution reduction and ethical operations.
Transparency (S6) and better operations and supply-chain management (S4) emerge as top-level drivers. Eco-friendly processes (S1) catalyse technological adoption (S5), certifications (S10) and animal welfare (S12). Research and development (S11) and infrastructure (S7) foster training (S2) and quality inspection (S3), shaping a sequenced pathway to sustainability and quality upgrading.
Single-state scope and untested implementation pathways limit generalisability, thus validation in other clusters/industries is encouraged.
Prioritising transparency, certification and training provides market signals of product integrity, builds customer trust and enables access to premium segments. In addition, the model guides sequencing of investment in technology and infrastructure for credible sustainability claims.
Strengthens worker safety awareness and animal-welfare performance while supporting regulatory compliance and community acceptance.
The originality lies in the application of an integrated Delphi–D-TISM–MICMAC model for slaughter/leather clusters that links sustainability levers to supply-chain quality and market outcomes (trust, compliance, reputation), bridging operations and sustainable-marketing literatures.
