Green supply chain management in Brazilian automotive sector

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyse the most valued practices of sustainability, as well as factors related to environmental, financial, and operational performance considered in the process of selecting and developing suppliers to members of supply chains in the Brazilian automotive sector. Design/methodology/approach – The method used was a literature review examining the subject and exploratory-descriptive field research. The data collection instrument was a survey of companies using a five-point Likert scale. The data were treated by descriptive statistics. Findings – The practices most valued by companies involve eliminating or reducing the use of hazardous substances. These practices are evaluated in the selection, development, and environmental performance assessment of suppliers. Operational performance was most valued by companies, with highlighted practices including the amount of products delivered on time, commitment to quality management, delivery time, and order compliance rate. Research limitations/implications – The investigation and its findings are still relatively exploratory. Future research can investigate automakers’ requirements of suppliers in its supply chain in terms of sustainability and the actions of suppliers to meet these requirements. Originality/value – There are few sustainable practices that are valued by companies within the supply chain of the automotive sector. Major changes are needed because companies must respond to increasing demands by government regulations, whose goal is sustainability. Such pressures are of little importance to the companies in the automotive supply chain located in Brazil.