Maturity level of environmental management in the pulp and paper supply chain

Abstract

<abstract> <p>This research aimed to identify the level of maturity in environmental management in a focal company of a pulp and paper supply chain. Methodologically, it is characterized as a qualitative exploratory case study. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect the data. The adoption and use of Environmental Management Supply Chain (ESCM) practices was assessed using a model based on 53 practices grouped into 8 types of practices. Qualitative data analysis software (NVivo) was used to analyse the data and support the development of findings. It was found that 85% of the ESCM practices were adopted by the company. Internal environmental management practices, waste and risk minimization and eco-design were fully adopted. Furthermore, a proactive maturity level was found, embedded in the company's strategic planning. Proactivity in environmental management encourages continuous improvement, cost reduction, cleaner production, and reuse and recycling of products.</p> </abstract>

Does Sustainability Maturity Contribute to Sustainable Goals? A look at Resource Efficiency

“…With implementations of different sustainability-oriented practices, companies can present different levels of sustainability maturity, which corresponds to the level of sustainability involvement and implementation in their activities, in search of environmental, social and economic benefits (Vásquez et al, 2021;Zanin et al, 2021). Companies have as motivation for the inclusion of social and environmental practices in their routines the fact that with this comply with the legal regulations and requirements of the shareholders, besides showing the transparency of their activities, imitating competitors and complying with the environmental management system, but they face barriers such as the resistance of the company to changes, fear of showing negative actions, lack of incentives and commitment of the teams, lack of regulations and for not including social and environmental aspects in the strategic planning (Madime & Gonçalves, 2022).…”

“…The results of this research indicated that stakeholder pressure contributes to the implementation of SCGA and to a company's attitude towards the pursuit of SDGs. And Zanin et al (2021) studied the level of maturity of the supply chain environmental management of a Brazilian pulp and paper company, and found that the company under study adopts various environmental practices, such as reducing waste and risk, and with this it was possible to classify it in a proactive level of sustainability maturity.…”

“…Although the literature has made important contributions about the maturity level of sustainability (e.g. Baumgartner & Ebner, 2010;Ormazabal, Sarriegi, Rich, Viles & Gonzalez, 2020;Zanin et al, 2021), it still seems silent about adapting business to higher sustainability maturity levels with the prioritization of sustainable development goals. One way to consider sustainability in your business is through actions that seek to achieve the 2030 Agenda, consisting of seventeen goals "to end poverty, protect the environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity" (UN, 2015, p. 1).…”

“…Moreover, ecodesign-related practices can be beneficial for reducing energy and input consumption. Thus, by adopting a larger number of environmental practices, companies can achieve higher levels of sustainability maturity, so as to reduce impacts on energy, water and material consumption (Zanin et al, 2021).…”

“…Maialle et al, 2016) and showing the environmental practices implemented and related factors at each maturity level (e.g. Marco-Ferreira & Jabbour, 2019;Peixe, Trierweiller, Bornia, Tezza & Campos, 2019;Zanin, Almeida, Pacassa, Rosa & Afonso, 2021). However, the literature lacks research that shows the influence of the maturity level of sustainability on the efficient use of energy, water and materials.…”