Sustainable business transformation has become a cornerstone of modern corporate strategy in addressing environmental, social, and economic challenges. The Sustainability-Led Innovation (SLI) approach provides an innovation framework that embeds sustainability principles into business models, fostering organizational adaptability and long-term value creation. This study aims to (1) identify the mechanisms for integrating SLI into sustainable business models, (2) evaluate SLI’s contribution to competitive advantage, and (3) analyze the development of dynamic capabilities to support sustainability initiatives. By combining the Sustainability-Driven Business Model Innovation (SBMI), Dynamic Capability Theory (DCT), and Triple Bottom Line (TBL) frameworks, this qualitative research utilizes in-depth interviews and document analysis of culinary SMEs in Malang. Findings reveal that organizations adopting SLI achieve higher operational efficiency, respond more agilely to regulatory changes, and attract stronger consumer loyalty. These insights underscore the necessity of embedding sustainable innovation strategies into long-term business planning to secure resilient competitive advantage.

This study examines the effect of leverage on the profitability of PT Pabrik Kertas Tjiwi Kimia Tbk during the 2020–2024 period. Using a causal research method with secondary data obtained from financial reports published on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX), the study analyzes the relationship between Debt to Equity Ratio (DER) as the leverage indicator and Return on Assets (ROA) as the profitability indicator. The results indicate a significant negative relationship between leverage and profitability. Increased DER is associated with a decrease in ROA, suggesting that excessive debt reduces financial performance due to higher interest costs and financial risks. This study contributes to the understanding of leverage's impact on profitability in the manufacturing sector, offering valuable insights for corporate management, investors, and academics. Recommendations include enhancing operational efficiency and optimizing debt management strategies to improve long-term profitability