Sustainability indicators in integrated production chains: a model and an application

Abstract

In recent decades there has been a growing concern about measuring and evaluating the results of intensive production practices, such as the mode of integration practiced on a large scale by agro-industries. The present study had as one of its finalities the application of a Sustainability Indicators System in the context of pig farms in the Brazilian State of Santa Catarina. These indicators, focused on the level of sustainability maturity, can be used as a way to diagnose and compare the efficiency of the production chain. The research findings indicate that all can be classified as "in search of sustainability or sustainable". Nevertheless, there are differences among the dimensions and between the most ranked farms and the others which must be considered for a better design and application of public policies and company strategies towards the social, economic and environmental sustainability of integrated production chains in this and other industries.