Article: Exploring challenges to the adoption of sustainable practices in Vietnamese food service establishments: a qualitative analysis using triple bottom line Journal: Journal for Global Business Advancement (JGBA) 2026 Vol.18 No.1 pp.44 - 68 Abstract: This study examines the challenges faced by food service establishments in Vietnam in their efforts to adopt sustainable practices, using the triple bottom line (TBL) as the analytical framework. A qualitative approach was employed, followed by a thematic analysis, which identified key obstacles such as environmental non-compliance and waste management issues, limited use of local resources and green supply chains, cost barriers and financial reluctance, and a lack of institutional and policy support. This study also highlights challenges related to low awareness and workforce capacity, social inequality, and community disconnect. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive solutions that promote environmental responsibility and community engagement while balancing financial objectives. By shedding light on these challenges, this research contributes to the academic discourse on sustainability in the food service industry and provides insights enabling policymakers, businesses, and other stakeholders to address barriers to sustainable practice adoption and to foster sustainability in Vietnam. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Exploring challenges to the adoption of sustainable practices in Vietnamese food service establishments: a qualitative analysis using triple bottom line

Authors: Nhan Thi Thanh Nguyen; Han Nu Ngoc Ton; Cong Tam Trinh

Addresses: School of Business, International University, VNU-HCM, Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, Vietnam; Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, Vietnam; Faculty of Fashion and Tourism, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Engineering, Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, Vietnam ' School of Business, International University, VNU-HCM, Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, Vietnam; Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, Vietnam ' UEF International Institute, Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics and Finance, Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, Vietnam

Abstract: This study examines the challenges faced by food service establishments in Vietnam in their efforts to adopt sustainable practices, using the triple bottom line (TBL) as the analytical framework. A qualitative approach was employed, followed by a thematic analysis, which identified key obstacles such as environmental non-compliance and waste management issues, limited use of local resources and green supply chains, cost barriers and financial reluctance, and a lack of institutional and policy support. This study also highlights challenges related to low awareness and workforce capacity, social inequality, and community disconnect. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive solutions that promote environmental responsibility and community engagement while balancing financial objectives. By shedding light on these challenges, this research contributes to the academic discourse on sustainability in the food service industry and provides insights enabling policymakers, businesses, and other stakeholders to address barriers to sustainable practice adoption and to foster sustainability in Vietnam.

Keywords: sustainable practices; food service establishments; challenges; TBL; triple bottom line; qualitative analysis; Vietnam.

DOI: 10.1504/JGBA.2026.155934

Journal for Global Business Advancement, 2026 Vol.18 No.1, pp.44 - 68

Received: 29 Dec 2025
Accepted: 05 Feb 2026
Published online: 26 Aug 2026 *

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Title: Exploring challenges to the adoption of sustainable practices in Vietnamese food service establishments: a qualitative analysis using triple bottom line

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