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1 – 10 of 20Simone Sehnem, Ivone Junges, Sandro V. Soares and Alexandre Maganda
To analyze the integration of the circular economy and Industry 4.0 in agtechs through lean integration and people.
Abstract
Purpose
To analyze the integration of the circular economy and Industry 4.0 in agtechs through lean integration and people.
Design/methodology/approach
Following in-depth interviews with key informants, data tabulation was performed via families of viewpoints supported by the primary elements mapped in the investigated context.
Findings
The integration of the circular economy with Industry 4.0, and integrated into lean production, aiming to eliminate waste and maximize customer value, and the valorization of people are fundamental in the context of recycling, reuse and reutilization of materials not only in the agricultural sector but also, since it is the object of study of this research. The use of I4.0 technologies and solutions, such as applications, sensors, artificial intelligence and digital platforms, allows for the collection and analysis of real-time data, facilitating decision-making and monitoring of agricultural operations.
Research limitations/implications
The research limitations may include the limited sample of Agtechs analyzed, which might not cover all innovations and trends existing in the sector; data and information available up to the study date (April 2023), which might not reflect more recent developments in the field of Agtechs and the circular economy.
Practical implications
The circular economy seeks to minimize waste and maximize resource use, promoting recycling, reusing and repurposing of materials. In contrast, Industry 4.0 refers to the application of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, the internet of things and automation to optimize productive processes and make them more efficient. Lean integration, which aims to eliminate waste and maximize customer value, and the appreciation of people are fundamental in this context.
Social implications
The use of technologies and solutions from Industry 4.0, like apps, sensors, artificial intelligence and digital platforms, allows real-time data collection and analysis, facilitating decision-making and monitoring of agricultural operations. In addition, the provision of online consulting and technical assistance services contributes to producer training and the maximization of results.
Originality/value
Significant benefits for the agricultural sector, such as greater efficiency, sustainability, product quality, traceability, cost reduction and productivity increase. The use of advanced technologies and the valorization of people are key elements to drive this integration and promote digital transformation in the field. The integration of the circular economy and Industry 4.0 in agtechs, integrating lean production and people.
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Simone Sehnem, Andreia Pandolfi and Camila Gomes
This study aims to analyse how Natura's practices of circular economy and sustainability overlap.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to analyse how Natura's practices of circular economy and sustainability overlap.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is descriptive and qualitative, based on a thematic content analysis, and it describes and compares the performance of Natura in several dimensions, including economic, environmental, social, human rights, society, product responsibility and stakeholder engagement. A longitudinal study was carried out on the basis of an analysis of all Natura sustainability reports; these reports are available for public consultation and cover the period from 2001 to 2016.
Findings
The main results show that there is symmetry between sustainability practices and the premises of the circular economy, with the ReSOLVE classification being met in most of the items.
Originality/value
Innovation is the essential element that facilitated the creation of a portfolio of products that meet consumer demand.
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Tiago Hennemann Hilario da Silva and Simone Sehnem
This study aims to identify the interfaces between Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies and circular supply chains (CSC) in Brazilian foodtechs, focusing on key stakeholders’…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to identify the interfaces between Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies and circular supply chains (CSC) in Brazilian foodtechs, focusing on key stakeholders’ perspectives to understand the efficiency and sustainability impacts of these integrations.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a qualitative exploratory research design, the study analyzes eight Brazilian foodtechs through interviews and content analysis. It identifies CSC practices and examines the adherence of I4.0 technologies within these enterprises, assessing stakeholder engagement and the implications for CSC optimization.
Findings
Fifteen CSC practices were identified across the foodtechs, with notable integration of three distinct I4.0 technologies. The findings suggest that while I4.0 technologies enhance efficiency in CSC, their adoption is in early stages. Stakeholder engagement emerges as a crucial element for optimizing CSC in the context of Brazilian foodtechs.
Research limitations/implications
This study contributes to the academic discussion on the synergy between I4.0 and circular economy (CE) models, providing empirical evidence of their application in the foodtech sector and highlighting the role of stakeholders in facilitating these integrations.
Practical implications
The findings suggest that stakeholder engagement in circular practices is vital for both supply chain and organizational levels, with potential benefits including improved efficiency and sustainability outcomes. The research also underscores the need for public sector support, including regulatory frameworks and incentives for adopting I4.0 technologies.
Social implications
By demonstrating how I4.0 technologies can support CE practices in foodtechs, the study highlights the potential for these integrations to contribute to more sustainable and efficient food systems, addressing environmental concerns and promoting social well-being.
Originality/value
This study addresses a gap in the literature by exploring the interface between I4.0 technologies and CSC in the emerging context of Brazilian foodtechs, offering insights into the practical and societal benefits of these integrations.
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Simone Sehnem, Ana Beatriz Lopes de Sousa Jabbour, Diogo Amarildo da Conceição, Darciana Weber and Dulcimar José Julkovski
There is no literature that sought the revision and integration of ecological modernization of theory (EMT) and circular economy (CE). This article aims to answer the questions…
Abstract
Purpose
There is no literature that sought the revision and integration of ecological modernization of theory (EMT) and circular economy (CE). This article aims to answer the questions: How have companies developed circular economy practices within their operations? Why have companies invested in circular economy practices? Based on the answers to these questions, it would be possible to understand how the assumptions of EMT explain the adoption of CE practices.
Design/methodology/approach
The research method is based on multiple case studies with Brazilian craft brewery companies.
Findings
Companies studied have pursed the adoption of circular economy practices, but the full potential of the use of biological cycles within their processes of production has been hampered by the lack of external policies and clear governance toward circular economy. Thus, pollution prevention policies may be an important driver for organizations be able to advance in circular economy practices.
Research limitations/implications
Research limitations are coverage only of organizations located in an emerging country. A second limitation is that the data saturation was partially achieved in some of the analyzed cases, especially by the limitation of the time period surveyed (transversal research). The longitudinal evaluation is timely for circular economy surveys.
Practical implications
The formulation of a regulatory framework through a participative, interactive and decentralized process, capable of delegating responsibilities and incentives to all entities, to contemplate a tax restructuring for the alcoholic beverage sector, could corroborate to create a new standard of action for the sector.
Social implications
This document highlights how the principles of ecological modernization can contribute to the advancement of the circular economy. The understanding can help in the design of processes that provide circular and sustainable operations as a social good in a effective value.
Originality/value
The principles from EMT, such as the development of an institutional environment towards corporate environmental proactive, could enhance the adoption of circular economy practices within the brewery sector. Despite of the class association of the brewery sector has supported the companies studied to move forward in other matters, a clear governance is necessary to guide organizations towards circular economy practices.
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Tiago Hennemann Hilario da Silva and Simone Sehnem
The proposal is to answer the following question: based on previous studies, which are the new paths and challenges related to the circular economy (CE) and Industry 4.0 (I4.0)…
Abstract
Purpose
The proposal is to answer the following question: based on previous studies, which are the new paths and challenges related to the circular economy (CE) and Industry 4.0 (I4.0)? To answer this question, the research objective is to analyze studies approaching the interface between CE and I4.0.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted on previously published studies pertaining to Scopus and Web of Science bases, and 63 articles were found.
Findings
The authors present five new paths and challenges amid the relationship between CE and I4.0: applying those technologies to clean production, using blockchain and big data in the circular supply chain, raising additive manufacturing impact on the CE, seek for a better understanding on how I4.0 technologies can properly support the CE in the stakeholders' view and discerning the factors for implementing those theoretical fields onto supply chains.
Research limitations/implications
Previous studies' sample basis is still recent, lacking research depth. Search strings might have minimized the number of selected studies: there could be a bigger sample.
Practical implications
Practical contributions of this study lay on the applicability of the raised propositions into several sectors' industries.
Social implications
The authors suggest a transition agenda towards CE, using I4.0 technologies for operational, tactical and strategic personnel within organizations, as well as potential utilization strategies in specific study fields, like supply chain management and product manufacturing per se.
Originality/value
The study presents new paths and challenges amid technologies pertaining to I4.0 and its interfaces with the CE. In the result presentation and analysis, the existing interfaces are described.
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Tais Provensi, Maiara Lais Marcon, Simone Sehnem, Lucila M.S. Campos and Adriane Farias S.L. de Queiroz
This study aims to analyze how the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) guidelines and the Circular Economy (CE) are being internalized in the companies that are part of the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to analyze how the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) guidelines and the Circular Economy (CE) are being internalized in the companies that are part of the Corporate Sustainability Index – ISE B3, from the perspective of the stakeholder theory.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a qualitative approach, the research was developed with data analysis collected from multiple sources: documentary research in sustainability reports and websites, application of a survey, and conducting in-depth interviews with managers of ISE organizations.
Findings
ESG practices are internalized in the companies surveyed, highlighting aspects of waste management, relationship with communities and anti-corruption. CE practices are still at an early or intermediate stage of adoption. It was identified that in the ESG and circular dynamics, suppliers, customers and employees are primary stakeholders, which have a direct influence on the sustainability context of organizations. Integrating ESG with CE principles provides a systemic view of sustainability, going beyond fragmented approaches that treat ESG and CE as isolated initiatives.
Originality/value
The contribution of the study is associated with managerial support for decision-making. The practical examples presented can be used as a benchmarking parameter, contributing to the planning of organizations that are in the process of transition to CE. The focus on the Brazilian Stock Exchange’s Corporate Sustainability Index (ISE B3) is an original contribution, given that most studies on CE and ESG focus on developed economies or specific sectors. The study offers valuable insights into how Brazilian companies – which operate in the context of regulatory challenges.
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Edson Luis Kuzma, Simone Sehnem, Ana Beatriz Lopes de Sousa Jabbour and Lucila M.S. Campos
This article aims to analyze the specific indicators of the circular economy (CE) in terms of analytical aspects, scope and breadth of metrics and levels of innovation associated…
Abstract
Purpose
This article aims to analyze the specific indicators of the circular economy (CE) in terms of analytical aspects, scope and breadth of metrics and levels of innovation associated with CE.
Design/methodology/approach
A literature review was developed with a sample of 125 articles, extracted from Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Emerald, Google Scholar, Online Library, Sage, Springer, Taylor and Francis and JSTOR databases.
Findings
The results indicate the lack of integration of the social dimension and predominance of environmental indicators, lack of indicators for the meso level and concentration of metrics for the product level. Methodological criteria of validity and reliability for measurement studies are recommended, as well as paths and proposals for future research in the CE.
Research limitations/implications
The study’s limitations are linked to the content and method aspects. Although the search was performed in several databases, with a significant number of articles returned compared to other reviews of the topic, the possibilities are limited by the data source and the impossibility of a broader review. The theme is not yet consolidated and this affects the linearity of the revised results. As for the method, the analysis and coding in systematic reviews involve the authors’ capacity for exploration and cognition.
Practical implications
The article proposes six theoretical propositions and the theoretical framework that portrays the main findings of the study and questions to drive future research in the topic.
Social implications
The article points out opportunities for companies, universities and the government regarding the possibilities that can be explored to develop knowledge and practice about the field.
Originality/value
This research advances the CE literature by means of providing a review of the indicators, metrics and tools oriented toward the CE literature that contributes to the improvement and consolidation of the various researches in the field.
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Simone Sehnem, Lucila M.S. Campos, Dulcimar José Julkovski and Carla Fabiana Cazella
The purpose of this paper is to analyze circular business models of Brazilian companies.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze circular business models of Brazilian companies.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors analyzed 105 business models of adopting companies from the perspective of the circularity of resources. These were classified as analytical sector category, business model design aligned with sustainability, sustainable practices adopted, level of maturity of business models and determinants of the circularity of resources.
Findings
The results show that companies belonging to the service sector predominate, which, above all, offer the virtualization of processes, sharing, ecological products, socially responsible and emphasis on recycling. Of these, 92.38 percent were already aligned with the sustainability assumptions, which contribute decisively to the operationalization in a circular perspective. Therefore, the materialization of the circular economy (CE) in Brazil is occurring, although there is potential for a stronger engagement with the determinants of the CE, especially in the perspective of the biological cycle and in the short cycles of technical levels.
Originality/value
In addition, the authors promote advances in the maturity levels of business models to optimize the optimal level, where processes are predictable, critically analyzed and continuously improved.
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Nelson Oliveira Stefanelli, Adriano Alves Teixeira, Jorge Henrique Caldeira De Oliveira, Marco Antonio Ferreira and Simone Sehnem
The purpose of this paper is to carry out a systematic review of the state of the art of the environmental training theme and to propose a research agenda to shed light on this…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to carry out a systematic review of the state of the art of the environmental training theme and to propose a research agenda to shed light on this subject by suggesting new research in the area.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a systematic review of the state of the art of the environmental training theme.
Findings
The authors’ main contribution is the proposal of a research agenda with 11 recommendations for future research, such as conducting research in developed countries; research focusing only on environmental training; qualitative research using case studies; research that explores the co-evolution of environmental training practices with environmental management practices and with the maturity stage of environmental management in organizations; and research that addresses all aspects of environmental training phases proposed by ISO 10015: 2001.
Originality/value
This is the most recent research which conducts a systematic review of the state of the art on environmental training and proposes a research agenda with several suggestions that can guide researchers in human resources, environmental management, sustainability and supply chain management.
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Elliott Mokski, Walter Leal Filho, Simone Sehnem and José Baltazar Salgueirinho Osório de Andrade Guerra
This paper aims to develop an improved and harmonized approach to interdisciplinarity in education for sustainable development (ESD)within higher education institutions (HEIs)…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to develop an improved and harmonized approach to interdisciplinarity in education for sustainable development (ESD)within higher education institutions (HEIs), focusing on maximizing the mobilization of students from all academic disciplines. An attempt is made to reconcile varying strategies for the implementation of interdisciplinary ESD content in HEIs, studying the relative merit and benefit of those strategies and crafting a new approach to combining them, where possible.
Design/methodology/approach
This work relies on a robust review and analysis of existing literature proposals on the implementation of ESD in HEIs to elaborate an integrated approach to interdisciplinarity. Specifically, a scoping literature review is applied, analyzing the existing approaches to ESD in HEIs as well as the challenges observed in their implementation. Using this theoretical framework, this paper evaluates the compatibility and efficiency of the approaches currently implemented. Based on this analysis, an integrative approach is outlined, building upon and combining existing proposals.
Findings
Building on existing literature, this study identifies two main trends for interdisciplinarity in ESD in HEIs: integration into existing disciplinary curricula and new, stand-alone ESD curricula. This paper suggests adopting the two approaches simultaneously, to reach students from all academic disciplines, especially those with minimal exposure to ESD through their own discipline. Furthermore, this paper stresses that these dual curricula strategies should be combined with further interdisciplinary research initiatives as well as extensive leveraging of technology and e-learning.
Originality/value
This study bridges the gap between diverging visions for ESD in HEIs, harmonizing strategies from the literature to outline a new, multilateral strategy. Furthermore, it extensively studies the need for increased engagement into ESD of students from underrepresented disciplines, including the humanities. This engagement has been little addressed in the literature, rendering the proposed approach original insofar as it outlines the ways to improve current approaches to ESD in HEIs.
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