Supply chain collaboration for sustainability: a qualitative investigation of food supply chains in Brazil

Abstract

Purpose

This paper investigates how chain members collaborate to ensure the sustainability of supply chains through the social capital perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a case study design, three social capital mechanisms – reach, richness and receptivity – were used as a lens with two eco-innovative food companies and their respective supply chains in Southern Brazil. Data consisted of interviews and other sources of evidence obtained from multiple stakeholders.

Findings

Results highlight the importance of a managerial orientation for sustainability and that sustainable chains presuppose a network that is closely linked and with great affinity. Not only does the management of operations improve the green performance of companies for environmental benchmarking but it also expands to include the supply chain. Social capital mechanisms can encourage partners to develop strategic initiatives for sustainability, especially if managers share key drivers for adopting eco-innovations and overall chain sustainability.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to research on collaboration within sustainable supply chain management. Empirical data were gathered from different stakeholders in two food chains in a developing country. Through the lens of social capital mechanisms, the paper shows how different types of companies collaborate in their supply chain for sustainability.

Citation

do Canto, N.R., Bossle, M.B., Vieira, L.M. and De Barcellos, M.D. (2021), "Supply chain collaboration for sustainability: a qualitative investigation of food supply chains in Brazil", Management of Environmental Quality, Vol. 32 No. 6, pp. 1210-1232. https://doi.org/10.1108/MEQ-12-2019-0275