Sustainability supply chain practices: proposal for a framework

Abstract

PurposeThis paper proposes a framework for the implementation of sustainability practices by individual companies and corresponding supply chains (SCs), considering the various SC tiers, the three dimensions of sustainability and the following critical areas: Governance, Product and Process, Customers and Suppliers Management, and Stakeholder focus.Design/methodology/approachUsing several case studies of small- and medium-size companies, a qualitative methodology is used to develop the proposed framework.FindingsThe analysis of these case studies makes it possible to identify the sustainability practices that are the most important for practitioners, thereby reducing the number of sustainability practices specified in the literature and giving some insights regarding which should be used in addressing critical areas. A set of guidelines and actions is also suggested for managers to continue the path of sustainability.Research limitations/implicationsFurther studies in other cultural and national realities and industrial contexts are desirable to assess the proposed framework's suitability and the results obtained.Practical implicationsThe results of this study show that the practices implemented are highly dependent on the resources that the company can mobilize and, on the choices, and commitment to sustainability on the part of top management.Originality/valueThe authors propose a framework to help individual companies and corresponding SCs to implement sustainability practices considering the various dimensions of sustainability, critical areas and SC's various partners.