Assessment of the circular economy in the Brazilian planted tree sector using the ReSOLVE framework

• Published in: Sustainable production and consumption Vol. 31; pp. 397 - 406
• Main Authors: Tedesco, Mariana, Simioni, Flávio José, Sehnem, Simone, Soares, Juliana Ferreira, Coelho Junior, Luiz Moreira
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.05.2022
• Subjects: Circular practices; Environmental management; Forestry sector; Sustainability; Forestry sector; Environmental management; Sustainability; Circular practices
• ISSN: 2352-5509; 2352-5509
• DOI: 10.1016/j.spc.2022.03.005

Industries are restructuring their productive systems based on sustainability to ensure the future availability natural resources. This article evaluates how industries from the planted tree sector in Brazil are applying the concept of circular economy (CE). A survey was conducted for the environmental assessment and determination of CE practices among companies of this sector using the ReSOLVE framework. The sample was composed of 35 companies from the Brazilian planted tree sector, representing about 48% of the companies affiliated with the Brazilian Tree Industry. Descriptive statistics and multivariable analysis were performed for the evaluation of associations between variables. The results revealed that the companies interviewed adhere to CE in the following manner: 37.1% superficially, 48.6% partially (some subsectors more than others) and 14.3% completely (all subsectors). The most widely used practices were related to regenerating processes. The adoption of CE is focused mainly on economy and the environment, with some concern for external factors, such as clients and suppliers. CE practices have shown positive returns and can be used for decision making and the definition of strategies. The difficulty in adhering to CE is related to training, changes in behavior and a lack of interest. The action strategies that the companies consider to be important for encouraging the implementation of CE are education (training), support for public policies and cooperation in the market. [Display omitted]