Design Practices for Sustainability in Micro Enterprises in Brazil Through the Innovation Route

Abstract

Objective: The research aims to map the concept of Design for Environment (DfE) and propose a plan of guidelines for implementation and use in Research, Development, and Innovation (RD&I) teams focused on packaging. It also aims to identify DfE elements, where they are being used and results produced, as well as proposing a checklist to guide sustainable practices in product and/or packaging designs.   Method: The research is qualitative, developed through a bibliographic review, when evaluating the scenario of micro-enterprises that use DfE practices in Brazil through innovation processes. As for nature, it is applied by proposing a checklist to guide best practices to position micro-enterprises in the sustainability scenario. In relation to the objectives, the approach is exploratory in explaining the scenario in which micro-enterprises in Brazil are involved in innovation for Sustainability.   Results and Discussion: It was found that for most authors, companies have difficulty innovating due to the challenges and uncertainties that surround them. The study finds a panorama that shows fear on the part of micro and small companies regarding take risks inherent to the innovation process. In this context, it is suggested that in future studies, the approach for knowledge of causes that corroborate this scenario, especially those that are directly related to the innovation process for Sustainability.   Research Implications: This study collaborates by sharing the scenario that permeates among micro-enterprises in the national scenario, with regard to investments in innovation for sustainability, fears and risks, signaling to those active microentrepreneurs current projects as well as for those with plans for future micro-enterprises.   Originality/Value: At the end, a check list was proposed suggesting the main practices based on DfE based on Product Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).