Supply chain environmental management maturity in a pulp and paper company

Abstract

In this research it was assessed the level of Suppy Chain Environmental management (SCEM) maturity in a focal company of a pulp and paper supply chain. Thy were used semi-structured interviews in different companies of the supply chain to collect he data which was analysed through the use of qualitative data analysis software. To evaluate the SCEM practices, it was used Ferreira's (2014) model, which establishs 53 practices organized into 8 groups. It was verified that SCEM practices of internal environmental management type, operational ecodesign practices and operational waste reduction and risk minimization practices are fully adopted by the company. Furthermore, the evidence points to a process of evolution from the reactive and preventive levels to the proactive level, strategically establishing environmental principles and objectives to ensure business sustainability, and achieving competitive advantage and differentiation in the market. Finally, the adoption of practices involving customers and suppliers makes the process more effective and efficient and the role of the focal company is fundamental resulting from that coercive pressures that complement and extend the initial normative pressures.