<p>This research investigates the critical factors that influence the adoption and effectiveness of green manufacturing in Indian industries. Drawing on survey data from 100 firms across Uttar Pradesh, twelve key drivers were identified and evaluated to understand their relative importance in shaping sustainable practices. A total of 100 firms were approached, out of which 45 complete responses were used for random forest modelling. The study highlights the central role of economic benefits, business reputation, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement in advancing green initiatives. Validation with industry experts confirmed the practical relevance of these findings, which align with measurable improvements in energy efficiency, waste reduction, and production optimization. The analysis demonstrates that firms prioritizing high-impact drivers achieve notable gains in both environmental performance and competitiveness. While the study is region-specific, the framework is adaptable to other sectors and geographies. The results provide managers and policymakers with actionable insights to allocate resources more effectively and design strategies that accelerate the transition toward sustainable manufacturing systems. This work bridges the gap between theoretical models and industrial application, contributing to both academic discourse and real-world implementation of environmentally responsible production.</p>